DIY Drawer Glide Instructions!

When I spotted this dresser at an estate sale I knew it would be perfect in my guest room. I almost didn’t buy it, because the drawers did not close properly. On closer inspection, I noticed several of the glides were broken and needed replacing. From experience I knew replacement glides can get expensive, especially if you need to buy several. They come in limited sizes, so I could not find the correct size I needed anyway. To solve this problem I figured an easy and cost effective way to make my own knock off glides. They turned out great, and now the drawers work like a charm!

At estate sales and thrift shops I often see lovely chests and dressers with this same problem, so I'm sure others have run into this. I am including the instructions how I made mine, because I thought it would be helpful to share my technique. Glides come in different styles and sizes, but you can modify these instructions and use it as a guide.

First, because something is second hand doesn't mean you can't be selective. Before I bought the dresser I looked it over careful to evaluate the quality. If I am going to spend money, and the time fixing something up, I want to make sure it's worth my effort. I like reworking pieces, because it is kinder to our environment, and there is abundant nice furniture on the second hand market at good prices. I enjoy using creativity with a dash of ingenuity rather then lots of money to get a great look.

Pros:

The dresser has decent construction, is heavy and sturdy

The drawers have dovetail construction

The wicker is in good shape

Cons:

The glides needed replacing

The color was tired looking

One of the knobs was missing

The inside corners are glued and blocked, which indicates a well made piece.

The dresser is decent, but definitely not top of the line. However, the style and size is perfect for my guest room, so I decided it was worth fixing up. The dresser cost $30, and I spent $30 in materials.

Supplies:

Wood for glides

Gel stain, antique maple color

Spray can of Polyurethane

Sandpaper

Knobs

Decorative scented shelf paper

Broken drawer glides was the biggest problem

Two glides that were not broken were used as a pattern.


Tools used to make the glides.

Tools:

Saw, I used this miter saw, but a regular saw will work fine

Clamps, rubber bands or masking tape will work also

Wood Glue

Tape Measure

Drill

First, I numbered the back of each drawer, so I knew what spot it belonged to in the dresser. I then numbered it's matching glide as I unscrewed them from the box. Doing this step is important to get a proper fit, and so you can reuse the same screw holes in the box. I saved the screws in a baggy to reuse later. Once the dresser was empty, I gave it a through cleaning with a vacuum and damp paper towels.

To make the glides, I bought three pieces of long wood sticks at the hardware store. They were almost the exact width and depth as the existing glides. I cut them the length I needed using the original drawer glides as my pattern. To make the new glides, I glued three pieces together to make a sandwich. The center piece was narrower then the outside pieces.

I glued each wood sandwich, and let them dry several hours clamped together. It took me a few nights to do this part, because I only have three clamps. I decided to replace all the glides, even the two that were not broken for a total of six.

After the glue dried, I drilled holes into each new sandwich using an old glide as a pattern. Since I numbered them in the beginning it was easy to match where they belonged. This is an important step, because the hole placement is slightly different for each one, and I wanted to use the same screw holes in the box rather then drill new ones. I did a dry run of the glides and the drawers to see how they functioned, before screwing them down. I tweaked the new glides by hand sanding the sides until the drawers moved in and out easily. Building these drawer glides was a simple process, and if you organize your work space and take your time you will get a good end result.

The dresser is still in my garage, and I'm currently working on refreshing the color. I'm using a gel stain, in antique maple. I applied the gel stain with a foam brush, and once it dries I will spray the outside with a polyurethane finish to protect it and give it a bit of shine.


In this photo you can see the new glides in place, waiting for the drawers. I used blue painters tape to protect the box from any migrating stain. Once it dries, I will give it a second coat to get even coverage then finish with spray polyurethane.


I bought this box of bronze knobs at a great price, which will update the look. I also found some nice scented drawer liners that matches my guest room bedspread.

Be sure to check back, because I will post photos of the finished dresser later this week.

Posted at Rhoda's @ Southern Hospitality for Thrifty Treasures and Susan's @ Between Naps On The Porch, Met Monday. Cheri's @ Its So Very Cheri, Knock Off Knock Out Party!