DIY Dresser Repair: Fixing a Broken Drawer Back

Updated at: 04/02/2025

Dressers, those stalwart guardians of our clothing and belongings, can sometimes suffer from unforeseen mishaps. One common issue is a broken drawer back, leaving your neatly folded garments vulnerable and the drawer itself wobbly and unstable. This frustrating problem, often caused by simple wear and tear or accidental impacts, can seem daunting at first. However, with a little patience and the right tools, repairing a broken drawer back is a manageable DIY project that can save you the cost and hassle of replacing the entire dresser. You don't need to be a seasoned carpenter to tackle this fix; even basic woodworking skills are sufficient.

This article provides a clear and concise guide to repairing your broken drawer back, empowering you to restore your dresser to its former glory. Forget expensive repair services or the frustration of a malfunctioning drawer – we'll walk you through each step of the repair process, from assessing the damage to ensuring a secure and lasting fix. Let's get started with the step-by-step instructions below.

Preparation and Safety Guidelines

Tools Needed
  • Screwdriver
  • Wood screws
  • Small piece of wood
  • Wood glue (optional)
  • Brown or black permanent marker
Safety Guidelines
  • Always disconnect any power tools before making adjustments or repairs.
  • Wear safety glasses to protect your eyes from flying debris.
  • If unsure about any step, consult a professional for assistance. Improper repair can lead to further damage or injury.

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Assess and Prepare

    • Identify the broken area and remove any loose screws.
    • Stand the drawer upright and assess the damage. Note the missing screws.
    Stand the drawer upright and assess the damage. Note the missing screws.Stand the drawer upright and assess the damage. Note the missing screws.
    Assess and Prepare

  2. Initial Stabilization

    • Secure the bottom of the drawer back into its slots. Wood glue can be used for extra support, but it's not strictly necessary.
    • Tighten existing screws and add new screws to reinforce the connection.
    Tighten existing screws and add new screws to reinforce the connection.Tighten existing screws and add new screws to reinforce the connection.
    Initial Stabilization

  3. Repair Piece Preparation and Attachment

    • Cut a small piece of wood to fill the gap created by the broken area. Attach it to the front of the damaged section using screws from the front and back for added strength.
    • Remove the backboard to access the damaged area. Use a screwdriver to remove screws holding backboard.
    • Screw the repair piece to the drawer back, ensuring it's flush with the existing surface. Drill from the back into the repair piece to add screws.
    Screw the repair piece to the drawer back, ensuring it's flush with the existing surface. Drill from the back into the repair piece to add screws.Screw the repair piece to the drawer back, ensuring it's flush with the existing surface. Drill from the back into the repair piece to add screws.Screw the repair piece to the drawer back, ensuring it's flush with the existing surface. Drill from the back into the repair piece to add screws.
    Repair Piece Preparation and Attachment

  4. Reinforce and Secure

    • Insert small wood splinters into gaps in the broken area for better screw grip.
    • Place the repaired back into the drawer and secure it using screws. Pay attention to the tightness of the screws to ensure a secure fit.
    • Use a longer screw where the board originally split for improved stability and to reach deeper into the wood. Tighten by hand to prevent splitting.
    Use a longer screw where the board originally split for improved stability and to reach deeper into the wood. Tighten by hand to prevent splitting.Use a longer screw where the board originally split for improved stability and to reach deeper into the wood. Tighten by hand to prevent splitting.Use a longer screw where the board originally split for improved stability and to reach deeper into the wood. Tighten by hand to prevent splitting.
    Reinforce and Secure

  5. Finishing Touches

    • Conceal any marks left by the repair with a brown or black permanent marker, blending it in to minimize visibility.
    • Attach the bottom piece of the drawer and secure it using screws or glue.
    Attach the bottom piece of the drawer and secure it using screws or glue.Attach the bottom piece of the drawer and secure it using screws or glue.
    Finishing Touches

Read more: Silence that Squeaky Bed: A Complete Fix-It Guide

Tips

  • Using wood glue is optional for extra support, but screws are the main method for fixing the drawer.
  • If you are using a marker to cover up repairs, don’t let the marker sit; blend it immediately to avoid noticeable differences in color.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Using the wrong type of wood

Reason: Using softwood or mismatched wood can lead to weak repairs and the drawer back breaking again quickly.
Solution: Choose hardwood like plywood or a matching hardwood to ensure strength and durability.

2. Insufficient adhesive or improper application

Reason: Not enough glue or uneven distribution results in poor adhesion, causing the repair to fail.
Solution: Apply a generous amount of wood glue evenly across the entire surface to be joined.

3. Ignoring pre-existing damage

Reason: Ignoring cracks or weak spots in the drawer frame before applying the new back will lead to a weaker overall repair.
Solution: Reinforce damaged areas of the drawer frame with wood glue and clamps before attaching the new back.

FAQs

My drawer back is completely detached. Can I still repair it?
Yes, but it will be a more challenging repair. You'll likely need to reglue the entire back panel, possibly using additional supports like wood glue and small brads or screws to secure it to the drawer sides.
What type of glue is best for repairing a broken drawer back?
Wood glue is generally recommended for this type of repair. Make sure the surfaces are clean and dry before applying, and clamp the pieces together to allow for proper bonding.
My drawer back is only slightly cracked. Do I need to replace it entirely?
Not necessarily. For minor cracks, you can often reinforce the back with wood glue and small wood pieces, or even fabric adhesive for less noticeable cracks. If the crack is significant, replacement might be a better option.