The I used was 4 inches tall, which is a nice depth for the junk drawer because it keeps stuff from migrating from one compartment to another. I used the same system in the silverware drawer, but I cut down the wood to only be about 2.5 inches tall so it would be easier to reach in and grab utensils. We used the table saw for that, but again, a jig saw or something like that would also work fine.
I love how this DIY solution maximizing every inch of the drawer and that I could suit it specifically to our needs. Really, the most time consuming part was loading all the stuff back in and filtering out all of the things that shouldn’t have been in the junk drawer in the first place
So … what’s the state of your junk drawer?
I SO need to do this! Thanks for sharing this great diy idea!
You are not alone in dawdling over decorating for Christmas. I refuse to do anything before Dec 1st and then I do over a week or so. Thirty days of Christmas is more than enough for me.
My junk drawers aren't too bad, but there is definitely room for improvement. I really like those Lee Valley compartment dividers! I think I will just have to show hubby what you have done. I think it's great!
Don't worry, Erin, you're not alone in this non-decorating thing. I am struggling with getting things out before guests arrive this weekend – not getting it all out, just some touches. I'm sick of all the commercials and DIYs and food and……
My junk drawer is a mess – you've got me thinking I may have to do something about it – I used the Ikea bamboo ones before and they work nicely – but your Lee Valley idea is terrific because it works for any drawer. But it will have to wait for January – I've got to get my Santa hat on!!
When I first saw your drawer with the frame, I thought that losing half an inch of length and width was too bad, but then I cleaned our silverware drawer—and realized that if you cannot remove the dividers, you have little hope of getting all the crumbs out, not to mention never being able to wash the liner.
Now that you've lived with this system for two years, how is it working? Should the wood have been finished somehow—spoon oil or paint, maybe?
I never did finish the wood and it looks exactly as it did the day we installed it. I still love it. I will say the junk drawer is not quite as organized as it once was, but I blame that on the users, not the system.
I have been looking for silverware I like for a very long time. I love yours, where did you buy your silverware?
Isn't it hard to find flatware that you really like? Mine is from Crate and Barrel, and I think it may have been called Bolero. Unfortunately, they discontinued it a few years ago (mine is almost 12 years old). However, I think I saw something similar there not too long ago so you may want to check them out.
Great DIY project. EXACTLY what I need. I looked at the link to Lee Valley – are these the same drawer dividers you used? I assumed you tapped the barbs into the balsa wood gingerly so as not to break it. http://www.leevalley.com/US/hardware/page.aspx?p=40168&cat=3,43722,43743 Thank you! Looking forward to implementing in my silverware & junk drawers.
I have several drawers all over the house that seriously need this treatment. Definitely saving this for later! I definitely like the look of this more than just glueing the ends in place. Looks more.. stable. =) Thank you for sharing!!
I’m doing this. Just a tip though, I found the Metal Drawer Dividers cheaper at HardwareTree.com. Shipping was cheaper too. Thanks for the idea.
Where did you purchase the brackets?