Remove the broken base, cut or repair a new panel, then refit and reinforce the drawer corners for a lasting fix.
FDB-01Empty and remove the drawerTake everything out of the drawer. Slide it fully open and lift it clear of the runners — most drawers just lift up and out at the front. Turn it upside down on a table so you can see the base panel underneath.
FDB-02Work out what has gone wrongMost drawer bases fail in one of two ways: the thin panel has cracked or split, or it has simply dropped out of the groove it sits in without breaking. Check the corners too, as a sagging base often means the corner joints have worked loose as well. This tells you whether you need a repair or a full replacement panel.
FDB-03Take out the old base panelSlide the broken panel out of its groove from the back of the drawer — most drawer bases are held in place by grooves, not screws or glue. If it is stuck or nailed in, gently prise it free with a flat scraper. Keep the old panel as a size template even if it is cracked.
FDB-04Fix a cracked panel, or cut a new oneIf the old panel is only cracked, run PVA wood glue along the split, press the edges together and clamp it flat between two boards for at least an hour. If it is beyond saving, measure the old panel and cut a new one from 3mm or 4mm hardboard to the same size. Sand the edges lightly so it slides back into the groove without forcing.
FDB-05Reinforce loose or wobbly cornersIf the corner joints feel loose, run a bead of PVA wood glue into each joint and press together. For extra strength, glue a small wooden corner block into each internal corner and hold it with a couple of panel pins once the glue has gone tacky. Let the glue cure fully before moving on — check the tin, but allow at least an hour.
FDB-06Slide the base back into placeWith the glue fully cured, slide the repaired or new base panel back into the grooves from the back of the drawer. It should sit flat and square with no gaps at the corners. Do not force it — if it binds, sand the edge down slightly rather than pushing harder.
FDB-07Test the drawer and tidy upTurn the drawer the right way up and press gently on the base to check it holds firm. Refit it onto the runners, slide it in and out a few times, then load it back up as normal. Wipe away any glue smears and put your tools and offcuts away.
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