How to Fix Dresser Drawers Bottom
If your dresser drawer bottom has a hole in it, or it’s wearing thin, here is how to fix dresser drawers bottom before it gets any worse! You’ll be surprised at how simple the fixes are!
We know there’s nothing quite like the irritation that comes when your dresser drawers don’t work. But don’t worry! We’ve put together many posts on how to repair dresser drawers that stick to help you with any of your drawer problems. Let’s dive in and get those drawers sliding smoothly again in no time.
We’ve all experienced the frustration of a dresser drawer that sticks, grates, or just plain won’t move. Perhaps the bottom of your drawers have worn out over time, rubbed thin by the relentless metal stoppers underneath, or something similar.
Don’t worry. We’re here to guide you through the process of fixing these issues step by step, whether that means a simple repair or a full-on replacement. We’ll show you how to breathe new life into your old dresser, making it as good as new.
After all, every piece of furniture deserves a second chance! So don’t give up on that dresser just because of one drawer with a damaged bottom. Follow these steps and you’ll be pleasantly surprised at how easy it is to fix!
Supplies for Fixing a Dresser Drawer Bottom
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- Bondo Wood Filler
- Bondo Spreader
- Stir Stick
- Respirator
- Power Sander
- Sanding Discs (anywhere from 120-220 grit)
- A thin piece of Scrap Wood (larger than the hole, if any)
- Short Nails or Screws
Sometimes the bottom of dresser drawers get worn out because there are little metal drawer stoppers or something underneath the drawer that rubs against the drawer bottom. Over time, those metal pieces rub the bottom of the drawer and can make holes in the drawer bottoms.
Replacing a Drawer Bottom
There are a couple of ways to fix this. First, if it is bad enough it just needs to be replaced. So head over to our blog post on dresser drawer bottom replacement to learn how to step by step replace the bottom of these old dresser drawers.
Basically, you will need to take the drawer apart, cut a new piece of wood the same size as the old drawer bottom, and then reassemble the drawer.
Preventing the Drawer Bottom From Breaking Again
Now that we’ve covered the wear and tear of dresser drawers and how to replace a worn-out drawer bottom, it’s time to look at preventative measures. These are strategies to make sure that your drawer bottom doesn’t meet the same fate again.
Remember, the key to a long-lasting dresser drawer lies in avoiding common mistakes like overloading the drawer and neglecting the drawer stops. Let’s dive into the details!
Fix the Drawer Stop
You might need to fix that metal drawer stopper, if there is something like that that is digging into your drawer bottom. It might just mean that you need to pound that metal piece into the wood a little bit more so then it doesn’t stick out as much.
You can also remove the drawer stop but understand that the drawers will not stay in the right position if you remove them. If you do remove them, replace them with a small piece of wood that can stop the drawer.
Don’t Overload Your Drawer
Or, you might also need to know that you can’t put so much stuff in that drawer so then it doesn’t hit the metal piece. If there is too much weight in the drawer, the drawer bottom might not be able to hold it without rubbing something below it.
But if you have a drawer bottom that falls out and don’t know what to do check out this step-by-step guide on how to fix a drawer bottom that falls out!
Add a Brace to the Drawer Bottom
Another way that you can prevent this from happening is to possibly add some braces underneath the wood drawer going from the front to the back of the drawer and glue that onto the drawer bottom. So then the drawer bottom, that thin wood, doesn’t sag as much.
View our blog post on how to fix sagging dresser drawers for more information on how to fix your dresser drawers that are sagging.
Repairing Drawer Bottoms
If you see that there are some gouges and lines and it looks like it’s almost going to go through that drawer bottom, but it hasn’t gone through all of the way yet.
You can fill in that repair with a very heavy duty sturdy wood filler like Bondo wood filler that will prevent your that metal piece from digging any further into the wood. Check out our honest Bondo wood filler review to compare the difference from other wood fillers.
So how do you fill in these gouges if it isn’t all the way through the wood yet? It’s really easy. You’ll mix up some Bondo, the best filler for this is Bondo wood filler. So you’ll mix that up and then spread it over that area where it is gouged.
Let the Bondo dry. It usually dries within an hour. After that you can sand the Bondo smooth with your power sander and sanding discs, so then it is completely flush with the wood around it and it looks nice if you really want to. I’m sure you can paint it or stain it or whatever you want. But honestly, this is the bottom of a drawer. So I personally would just leave it like that.
Here’s everything you need to know about Bondo wood repair for your furniture. You can also check out our post on the best wood repair putty to see the top options including Bondo.
Repairing Drawer Bottom Hole
Now if your drawer bottom has a hole in it already, you can still repair that hole without replacing the whole bottom if you want to. You need to grab a thin piece of scrap wood that is larger than the hole. It cannot be thick enough that it will mess with anything that sits under the drawer when it is used.
You’re gonna need to nail or screw a piece of wood into the underside of the drawer bottom so then it stays level and flush with the drawer bottom. Make sure your nails or screws are short enough that they do not go through the drawer bottom and poke up into the drawer.
Now flip your dresser drawer over so that you’re looking inside of the drawer. Then you can fill in the hole with Bondo, let it dry, and then sand the Bondo smooth.
You may be able to remove the piece of wood underneath the drawer depending on the size of the hole. If it is small, the repair should last a while. If it is large, I would leave the piece of wood under the Bondo to help support it.
Here’s a comparison of Bondo vs other wood fillers in filling holes when replacing cabinet or furniture hardware!
If you want to cover up this repair so you don’t see it every time you open your drawer, here is our post on the best material to line dresser drawers, including a section on how to line dresser drawers. When it’s time to replace or update your lined drawers, here’s how to remove felt from wood drawers.
Can I use Bondo wood filler for other types of wood repairs?
Absolutely! Bondo wood filler is a versatile product that can be used for a variety of wood repairs. It’s not just limited to fixing dresser drawers, but it can also be used to repair other types of wood furniture. If the wood has any holes, dents, or chips, Bondo wood filler can easily fill in and restore its original appearance. It can also be used to fill in gaps between wood pieces or to repair damaged corners and edges.
You can see how we used Bondo to fill wood cracks in our guide on how to fix cracks in wood before painting. We also used Bondo to repair water damaged wood and repair damaged particle board furniture, so it’s safe to say that Bondo can handle pretty much any wood repair job you throw at it.
Tips for Using Bondo Wood Filler
When using Bondo wood filler for your furniture repair project, here are some friendly tips to help you out:
- Make sure to clean the surface of your furniture before applying the filler. A clean and dust free surface will make for better adhesion. Here’s how to clean furniture before painting to guide you.
- Sand the area to be repaired with medium grit sandpaper to create a rough surface for the filler to adhere to. Don’t forget to clean up the dust from sanding after.
- The Bondo wood filler consists of a base and a hardener that need to be mixed together before application. Work quickly or mix a small amount enough for one use to avoid wasting the product. You only have a certain amount of time before it hardens so be efficient! Overfill the damaged area slightly to give yourself room to sand it down later.
- Bondo wood filler dries quickly, usually within 30 minutes. Once dry, you can start sanding with medium or fine grit sandpaper for a smooth finish.
And you’ll also want to wear protective gear and work in a well-ventilated area because of its strong smell. Keep these tips in mind, and you’ll nail that furniture repair with Bondo wood filler.
Even the most worn-out dresser drawer can have a comeback story! Whether replacing a broken bottom or simply preventing future wear, these fixes can give your old dresser a new lease on life.
Remember, giving your furniture a little care and maintenance can go a long way in keeping it around for a while. So don’t hesitate to get your hands dirty and show some love to your cherished dresser!
How to Fix Dresser Drawers Bottom
Feeling frustrated whenever you have a dresser drawer bottom that has a hole in it or that's too thin? Get the step by step instructions on how to fix dresser drawers bottom and make it as good as new.
Materials
- Bondo Wood Filler
- Bondo Spreader
- Stir Stick
- A thin piece of Scrap Wood (larger than the hole, if any)
- Short Nails or Screws
Instructions
- Fill in the gouges and lines of the drawer bottom with Bondo wood filler. Mix up some wood filler and then spread it over the area where there are gouges and lines.
- Let the wood filler dry.
- Sand the wood filler until smooth with a power sander and sanding discs.
- If the drawer has a bottom hole, repair the hole without replacing the whole bottom. Grab a thin piece of scrap wood, then nail or screw it into the underside of the drawer bottom.
- Flip your dresser drawer over, facing the inside of the drawer, and fill in the hole with Bondo.
- Let it dry, and then sand the Bondo smooth.
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I have been following you on Facebook for about 2 weeks now. You (and your husband) are very talented and inspiring. I haven’t taken the plunge on a piece of furniture, but I haven’t had opportunities to look.
I’ll continue to follow, and I’ll keep in touch.