What joints are commonly used at drawer corners?

• A. Mortise and tenon joints on all corners.
• B. Butt joints with nails only.
• C. Dovetails or box joints.
• D. Dowel joints only.

Answer: (C)

Drawer corners must stay tight and square when the drawer is pulled out and its contents put in or taken out. The best joints for this are interlocking shapes that provide both a solid mechanical lock and a large surface for glue. Dovetails accomplish this by having pins and tails that wedge together so the joint resists being pulled apart; the shape also helps keep the box from racking and spreading under load. Box joints achieve a similar effect with interlocking rectangular “fingers,” giving lots of glue contact and a strong, durable connection. Both options are traditional and well-suited for drawer boxes because they hold their shape and transfer stress effectively without relying solely on fasteners.

Other options tend to be weaker or less practical for drawers. A mortise and tenon setup on every corner adds complexity for a small box and isn’t the common choice for drawer joints. Butt joints with nails alone don’t provide enough strength to resist repeated pulling. Dowels can work, but when used alone they don’t offer the same interlock and glue area as dovetails or box joints.