Drawer material thickness for large drawer

[Brian Mills]

I have four drawers to make for my son's bed. They will be approximately 32" W x 18" L x 5" D. I plan to use either finger/box joints or locking rabits for the corners and dado in the bottoms to lock them in.

Will 1/2" Baltic Birch ply be sturdy enough or should I go 3/4"? Obviously bigger is better but I don't have any 3/4" and I would really like to use what I have already purchased.

I have roughly the same size drawers in a store purchased dresser. They have held up fine for the past couple of years and they are made of some kind of soft wood cheap lumber.

Thanks

[brett gallmeyer]

1/2 should b plenty. but u might consider useing 1/2" for the bottom.

[Brian Mills]

Yes, I would use 1/2" for the bottom as well.

[Glen Butler]

I make all drawer bottoms out of 1/4". On wider spans I put in a hardwood center support. This saves money on the ply. 1/2" sides are fine for any drawer I have made.