What are dovetail drawers?

A “dovetail” drawer refers to the specific construction of the drawer; a dovetail joint is used to securely join the drawer side and the drawer front together.

Are dovetail drawers the best?

Dovetail drawers provide the homeowner with the strongest drawer joints, ensuring the drawer won’t come apart even when used every day. They are a good choice for closets and kitchens, because of the heavy use placed on drawers in these applications.

What does dovetail mean on cabinets?

The dovetail joint that hold the sides of the drawer together consists of interlocking “tails” on one side and “pins” on the other, cut at precise angles that fit tightly together. This creates high tensile strength, which means the joint is extremely resistant to being pulled apart.

Why is it called dovetail?

Dovetail joints are made up of two parts called pins and tails. When a master craftsman wants to marry two boards together, they cut a series of pins on one board and matching tails on the other. They are trapezoidal in shape, resembling the tail feathers of a dove (hence the name dovetail).

What wood is used for dovetail drawers?

Popular materials for dovetail drawer boxes and roll out trays are Prefinished Baltic Birch plywood and Solid Wood Maple. Baltic Birch plywood is known for its layered look which is visible both in the interlocking joints as well as the sanded exposed edges.

What does dovetail mean in furniture?

Dovetail refers to a type of joint in which two pieces of wood interlock. Joints that have been dovetailed are extremely strong and secure. They are usually used to construct drawers. Dovetail drawers are recognized by their distinct pattern at the outside corner of a drawer.

What furniture uses dovetail joints?

This type of joint is used in box constructions such as drawers, jewellery boxes, cabinets and other pieces of furniture where strength is required.

What era is dovetail furniture?

17th century
During the 17th century, iron nailed joints were gradually changed to dove tail joints, whereby two sides are joined together by interlocking, triangular shaped wedges.

What dovetail ratio is best?

If the drawer side was wider, a 1:4 ratio might be considered, with very good mechanical strength, great dovetail definition, and fewer dovetails to cut.

How many dovetails are there?

There are basically three types: through, or full, dovetails are used to join carcases, blanket chests, and small boxes. These are regarded as the strongest and most beautiful. Half-blind dovetails are commonly used to join drawer sides to drawer fronts and occasionally are employed on the construction of carcases.