Building wood drawer dividers for existing drawers can be easy and easily customized for your drawers. With this simple plan, you can divide and conquer even the messiest of Junk Drawers.

Preparation
1 - 1x3 @ 8 feet long
Cut to fit your drawers
Please read through the entire plan and all comments before beginning this project. It is also advisable to review the Getting Started Section. Take all necessary precautions to build safely and smartly. Work on a clean level surface, free of imperfections or debris. Always use straight boards. Check for square after each step. Always predrill holes before attaching with screws. Use glue with finish nails for a stronger hold. Wipe excess glue off bare wood for stained projects, as dried glue will not take stain. Be safe, have fun, and ask for help if you need it. Good luck!
Instructions
Step 1

One thing I learned when designing and developing this website was that you have to think in columns. The junk drawer is no different. First we need to divide it into columns. So take a measurement of the inside depth or your drawers.
That is of course after you have done the most difficult part - clean the drawer out and then remove it from the cabinet.
Step 2

If you have an extra wide drawer like I do, you may wish to use two dividers. For a narrow drawer, just one divider down the center. First and foremost, consider what you will be storing inside the compartments. Bills? Envelopes? Letter sized paper? Pens and pencils? Take some time to consider as you plan your dividers. Lay the main dividers out as shown above.
Step 3

Then screw two smaller dividers to each of the long dividers as shown above. Do not make the compartments so small that you cannot reach inside the compartments easily.
Step 4

Finally, add the center dividers to divide up the center space and to keep the side dividers in place. Use 2" screws and glue.
Step 5

It is always recommended to apply a test coat on a hidden area or scrap piece to ensure color evenness and adhesion. Use primer or wood conditioner as needed.
We apologize if there was an error in this plan. Please help us out and report any errors here.
Comments
cathrynj
Mon, 03/21/2011 - 00:42
perfect!
This is just in time for spring cleaning here at my house. I need to do this for my knife drawer this week!
QueenMahin
Mon, 03/21/2011 - 06:59
Love it!
Yes, love it! Only problem is, my kitchen doesn't have any drawers yet. :) Have to decide if I can make drawers or if I need to buy them. Either way, once I have drawers, I'm making your drawer dividers!
Guest (not verified)
Mon, 03/21/2011 - 07:18
"Use 2” screws” Where? I
"Use 2” screws” Where?
Kate (not verified)
Mon, 03/21/2011 - 11:39
I did a similar drawer
I did a similar drawer divider in my desk back in high school using balsa wood and some wood glue. I'm not sure it would stand up to the abuse a kitchen drawer gets, but it works very well for my (much less often used and not food safe) desk drawer.
Guest (not verified)
Mon, 03/21/2011 - 07:43
I used the same wood for
I used the same wood for drawer dividers as easy art clip rails......
Lang (not verified)
Mon, 03/21/2011 - 08:19
Re: "USE 2" SCREWS" WHERE?
If you use wood that is smaller then you won't be able to fasten it with screws. 1" wood is likely to split if you don't pre-drill your holes anyway, so something with less thickness would surely split. I'm not saying you couldn't use something of less thickness, but you might would have to place some wax paper down in the bottom of your drawer, be sure to dry fit all of your pieces to make sure they are tight first, and then re-install your pieces with glue. As long as there is nothing to hinder you from sliding the whole unit out once it is dry then you can remove the wax paper after it is dry. This will prevent any glue runs from gluing the entire piece into your drawer permanently.
Ana, I love this idea! I may actually have some scrap 1x3s out in the garage too!
Guest (not verified)
Mon, 03/21/2011 - 11:00
Love it, but...
Ive been looking for dividers for my large utensil drawer (spatulas, whisks, measuring cups) But, my drawer is super deep. would love plans that let me add another level, some kind of insert maybe?
In reply to Love it, but... by Guest (not verified)
annalea
Mon, 03/21/2011 - 15:10
Lauan might be good . . .
Try some 1/4" Lauan hardwood plywood for a second-level floor. You can get side-mount drawer glides if you wanted to make it only half as long, and slide it out of the way . . .
John Gray (not verified)
Mon, 03/21/2011 - 12:05
I've been trying to get the
I've been trying to get the time to do the same thing for years, but like you looking after a family and working 12 hour days just doesn't give you a chance. You are doing a great job with your website dear. Please keep doing it your way.
Thanks, John.
Guest (not verified)
Wed, 03/23/2011 - 20:25
Additional Idea
My only problem is my kids...they don't always put things back where they should. Stickers or an outline of the item can be drawn on the bottom of the drawer space to show little ones where to put things away. This has alleviated some of the stress of making sure the drawer organizers are used to their fullest potential.