Mix cherry drawer front with softwood sides?
hoover1
| Posted in General Discussion on
Does anyone have any advice or experience with using non-hardwood drawer sides in a hardwood chest? I’m constructing a seven-drawer cherry dresser, and I’m trying to keep the overall weight (and cost) reasonable. So, I’m considering dovetailing pine or cedar sides into my cherry drawer fronts, instead of using poplar sides. However I’m concerned about durability. What do you think?
Replies
Softwoods, like pine, were often used traditionally for drawer sides. Secondary woods varied regionally. No they will not wear as well as hardwood but will last a mighty long time depending on use, of course. I prefer quarter sawn oak for drawer sides. Poplar on lesser pieces.
-Paul
Using pine or cedar sides wtih cherry fronts would work fine. If you are concerned with durability, you could attach strips of hardwood to the bottom edges of the drawer sides. It used to be more common.
hoover ,
Depending on the type of drawer slide system you intend on using wood to wood friction or ?
Often times the drawer was made of a harder wood then the mating slide part so as to wear the cabinet mamber out and not the drawer box if that makes any sense in this application .
If you are taking the time to DT your drawers then do the piece justice with proper materials .I guess I mean don't sacrifice the integrity of your work to save 4lbs and a few bucks .
Check with your material supplier ask if they have any stock thinner than 4/4 that could be used for drawers.
regards , dusty
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