I Tried This $6 Quick Fix For Sagging Drawers And It Worked

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I have several chests of drawers, and after a few years of use, they all demonstrate one trait: saggy bottoms.

Sagging drawers are a common problem that can happen over time as the wood structure loses its integrity under the weight of the load. As the drawer bottom sags, it becomes more difficult to open and close smoothly. If this problem goes unchecked, you may even risk the bottom falling out entirely. This problem can happen to any drawer without a spine support down the middle of the drawer.

So, utterly frustrated with the warped drawer bottoms, I decided to try this $6 fix I saw on Instagram. It worked so well on both IKEA and non-IKEA drawers. Here’s how to do it.

Get a pack of drawer wedges

What are drawer wedges? Drawer wedges, also called mending wedges or support brackets, are small plastic shims placed between the drawer bottom and the dado on the front panel. The wedges lift the drawer bottom back into proper alignment by adding support under the weak spots.

Where to get them?

Retailers like Home Depot or Amazon sell them in packs of 50 or 100 for about $6. Get a bag, and you’ll have plenty for your drawers. I fixed three chests of drawers and had leftovers for future use. You’ll also need a screwdriver and hammer for this quick fix.

Pro Tip: Add them when assembling new fiberboard drawer bottoms to prevent the bottom panel from sagging.

Step 1: Assess the damage

Empty the contents and remove the drawer from the dresser or cabinet. Flip the drawer over with the bottom facing up. Inspect where the sag is occurring. It’s usually in the middle front of the drawer. Push the drawer bottom panel – usually a thin fiberboard – back into position within the dado. This is the most critical step to ensure the wedges work correctly.

Step 2: Fix any loose parts

If other parts of the drawer need fixing, now is the time. I also realigned the front panel on this drawer, which had come loose from the side panel. I pushed the front panel towards the side panel and tightened the cam lock.

Step 3: Insert drawer wedge

Place a drawer wedge flat against the drawer bottom in the problem area, parallel to the front of the drawer. I start in the middle, where the sag is most severe. Slide the thin edge of the wedge into the groove. A few light knocks with a hammer help the wedge get in there.

Step 4: Tighten with screwdriver

Use a screwdriver to fasten the screw into the drawer base. Do not over-tighten. I did that on one of them, and the screw slightly poked through the drawer’s bottom panel.

Step 5: Add more wedges

Insert additional wedges along the groove, building support to lift the sag.

Step 6: Check repair

Flip the drawer up and apply gentle downward pressure on the bottom panel to test the fix. Add wedges as needed.

Step 7: Replace drawer

Insert the drawer back onto the slide. Replace any contents and test the drawer motion. It should now glide smoothly in and out. Drawer wedges are not foolproof. If you overload the drawers, the bottom may still sag in time.

Gain Years of Use

Drawer wedges are a quick, inexpensive way to regain years of use from a drawer starting to droop. With just a few minutes of work, you can fix the problem and keep your kitchen or bedroom storage organized and functional. The wedges will work on most saggy drawers, not just IKEA.

How To Fix A Broken Drawer Divider

Repair a broken spar on the MALM dresser without dismantling the whole chest. You’ll need a spare piece of wood, angle brackets, and screws for this quick fix.