Inset drawer base

[dlhunter]

Quick question;
When building a drawer base cabinet with inset fronts do I have to put a rail between each front or can I just go around the perimeter with my face frame. I want to get the most space possible out of the drawers and don't want to lose the 1" or so between each drawer. Is it just an appearance thing or will this not work? Not sure if I'm going with side or undercount slides yet.

[Ottoman]

It can be done either way. A rail between each front is a more traditional design but t the other option will give you more useable space and be easier to build

[dlhunter]

Thanks. Haven't built any inset db's yet and didn't want to get to installing the slides and realize I didn't think of something that wouldn't let it work. Is there a better way to go regarding side or bottom mount slides?

[Ottoman]

I have a strong prejudice against soft close under mounts. I prefer side mount full extensions. You will likely find my view in the minority. In short, I find the side mounts to hold the drawers in place much more accurately and consistantly based on thousands I've used. I find that the undermounts are more affected by weight so that when you adjust the drawer under no load it may have perfect reveals but if you add fifty pounds to it it wants to settle. It only takes a 1/32" to make insets look bad. I've probably only used less than 200 but I am guaranteed a call back after the drawers are loaded. As far as ease of installation they both rank about the same in my book. Maybe the ndermounts requir a little more drawer prep, but not enough to factor in.

[Ed Michnick]

Quick question;
When building a drawer base cabinet with inset fronts do I have to put a rail between each front or can I just go around the perimeter with my face frame. I want to get the most space possible out of the drawers and don't want to lose the 1" or so between each drawer. Is it just an appearance thing or will this not work? Not sure if I'm going with side or undermount slides yet.

Basically it's just depends on the look you want to achieve. I would make sure you get it approved by the client before you make your decision. Also it's important to decide on the slides your going to use due to the fact it'll impact your drawer width. Keep in mind, if you go with the undermounts (Blum) the locking devices for the inset drawers are 3 times the cost of the standard locking devices.

[Jerry M]

... do I have to put a rail between each front or can I just go around the perimeter with my face frame?

The extra rails are a traditional look, but I always prefer to leave them out: more storage space, PLUS much easier access for installing/adjusting/replacing slides.