A drawer bottom is separating: identify the box repair, not just the slide

When a drawer bottom appears to pull away from a side or back, the first question concerns the drawer box and the way its bottom is retained. Replacing or adjusting slides does not automatically address that connection. Stop normal use of the affected drawer and remove accessible contents only where it is safe to do so. Then document the visible separation and ask for a repair or replacement scope tied to the actual box construction.

Locate the opening in the box

Show the whole drawer and identify whether the separation is along a side, at the back, near the front or at a corner. Note whether the bottom appears displaced, a surrounding joint has opened or part of the panel is visibly damaged. Describe only what can be seen from normal access; an opening does not by itself reveal how the original bottom was retained.

Avoid pulling the panel down or pushing it back into place to demonstrate the extent. If movement or contents make the drawer unstable, seek assistance with unloading and handling. Do not keep opening it to see whether objects remain supported. A photograph and a clear location description can begin the service request without testing the remaining attachment.

Distinguish the front, box and runner system

The decorative front, drawer box and sliding hardware may have different identities and replacement options. A problem at the bottom-to-side connection should not be reported only as a loose drawer front or a bad runner. Include any rubbing or travel problem as an additional observation, while keeping the visible box separation central to the request.

Conestoga lists drawer-box construction choices and separate preparation options for undermount hardware. This illustrates why the box and its hardware fit need to be specified together. It does not establish the construction of your drawer, but it supports asking for more than the outside dimensions when a replacement box is proposed.

Reading note: Conestoga: Drawer-box construction and hardware preparation.

Explain the condition before the separation

Record when the opening was noticed and any earlier change, such as a bottom that looked uneven, a rubbing sound, a known wetting event or previous repair. Describe the ordinary contents and any recent change in use. Do not assume the owner overloaded it, or that the slide rating proves the bottom should have supported everything; those conclusions require information about the complete assembly.

If someone already added fasteners, adhesive or a support strip, disclose that work and retain any product information. An apparent original connection may actually include an earlier intervention. The service provider needs to understand what is present before deciding whether the bottom can be repaired, the box must be replaced or another part also needs attention.

Ask the proposal to identify the retained parts

Imagine a drawer bottom separates at the rear while the decorative front remains visually sound. A box-only replacement might be discussed, but it must account for front attachment and runner compatibility. A proposal saying replace drawer leaves it unclear whether the visible front, box and hardware are all included. Ask for a part-by-part scope that preserves only components judged suitable for reuse.

If repair is proposed, ask what connection will be restored and whether damaged panel edges or surrounding joints have been evaluated. Do not specify nails, screws or glue as a universal solution, and do not add a makeshift brace that may interfere with the runners. A sound plan explains the actual construction and access requirements rather than simply covering the visible opening.

Return to use only after the whole assembly is addressed

The service provider should confirm the bottom and box connection, the fit with the retained or replacement hardware and the front's normal operation. Drawer retention after removal also needs the appropriate product check. A drawer sliding smoothly with no contents does not alone establish that its repaired bottom is ready for the intended use.

Keep the repair description, replacement identity if any and the confirmed use instructions. If separation or a new rubbing condition returns, report it with that history rather than hiding the joint under a liner. The completed outcome is a suitable box, bottom, front and hardware combination, with a clear record of what was restored and what loading guidance applies.