Describe typical drawer construction and the joints used to join sides to fronts and backs.

• A. Drawer sides join to front with dowels only; bottom is later added.
• B. Drawer sides join to front with rabbets or dados; bottom is often dadoed; corners can use dovetails or box joints.
• C. Drawer corners are glued with dowels only.
• D. Drawer sides are attached by nails; bottom is glued.

Answer: (B)

The idea being tested is how a typical drawer is built and what joints are used to connect the parts for strength and accuracy. In a standard drawer, the box is formed by the sides, front, and back, with a bottom that is captured to create a solid unit. The connection where the sides meet the front is usually done with a rabbet or a dado. A rabbet is a recess along the edge so the front sits flush against the sides, while a dado is a groove cut across the thickness of the side to receive part of the front. This kind of joint gives a clean edge alignment and a stable, square opening.

The bottom is often dadoed, meaning it fits into grooves in the sides and the back to hold it securely and keep it from rattling. This method neatens the assembly and provides a sturdy load surface for the drawer contents.

For the corners, the joints are typically dovetails or box (finger) joints. These interlock very tightly and resist being pulled apart when the drawer is opened and closed, offering long-lasting strength and good glue surfaces. This combination—rabbet or dado for the front-to-sides, a dado for the bottom, and dovetails or box joints at the corners—reflects common, durable drawer construction practices.