Panel for web frame under drawer-- why bother?

[Roger Marty]

Any guess as to why the designer of this blanket chest puts a panel at the bottom (in the web frame)??

I was thinking about skipping the panel. You can't see it. What's the point?

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[jack duren]

Structure and mice...

[Mike Gresham]

I think it is there for the drawer to ride on and to keep dust out.

[glenn bradley]

I have built web frames with dust panels

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and without.

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I have one of each in the master bedroom of my own home and notice no problems with dust or critters. We are not superb housekeepers but, manage well enough to not panic at the occasional unexpected visitor :). We also have a quarterly bug service but, we live in a desert basin area and the wife doesn't like things with more than two eyes.

There is certainly some strength benefit if the piece will be subject to frequent relocations. All in all, unless you live in the Little House on the Prairie I would say they are optional but, that's JMHO.

[Jamie Buxton]

The panel is solid lumber, so it floats, right? If it is floating, it is not tied tightly to the frame surrounding it. If it is not tied to anything, how does it add any structural strength?

[jack duren]

Whats solid lumber? The frame keeps it square...Panels for expansion and contraction...

My bad....I'm thinking he's removing the frame as well. Getting ready for fishing this morning and scanned the post too fast....

[Bradley Gray]

What do you save by not putting it in? Without it, a mouse or? will get in there someday.

[glenn bradley]

The panel is solid lumber, so it floats, right? If it is floating, it is not tied tightly to the frame surrounding it. If it is not tied to anything, how does it add any structural strength?

Correct for a floating panel :). My panels are 1/4" BB ply so definitely straying from the traditional floating panel. About 4" of glue in the middle of each edge is my current method.

[Brian Holcombe]

Floating panels float on the sides not the top and bottom. They add to the integrity.

[Robert LaPlaca]

As other posters have stated, it's called a dust panel, doesn't add anything to the structure of the web frame, when I use them they fully float. The dust panels purpose was to minimize various critters from contaminating drawers..

In the past, the dust panel detail was/is super common on better period furniture, critters were much more common back in the day, then in today's homes (we hope).

[Terry Therneau]

I have been told that dust panels were also for security. In colonial times clothes were very expensive, so clothing dressers had locks on the drawers and kept each compartment separated. Critters were also more common of course.

[Larry Edgerton]

Its taking a shortcut, So where do you stop? Pocket screws next?

Mediocrity is contagious, help stamp out mediocrity now!:p

[Roger Marty]

Its taking a shortcut, So where do you stop? Pocket screws next?

Mediocrity is contagious, help stamp out mediocrity now!:p

My last piece used mortise and twin tenon joinery with hand-cut dovetail drawers (with solid cedar bottoms). I didn't have panels on the bottom web frame!

[Martin Wasner]

Its taking a shortcut, So where do you stop? Pocket screws next?

Mediocrity is contagious, help stamp out mediocrity now!:p

meh. I'd just put a full plywood deck in it and skip the frame. Do stretchers below each drawer opening front and back, and call it good.

I'd pocket screw the frame together. We're not using glue technology from the 1400's, so why use the joinery? Is mortise and tenon better? Yep. Are you planning on taking the dresser skydiving any time soon?

[Lee Schierer]

Dust panels provide several functions. They keep clothing items, dust and debris from above falling into the drawer below, they prevent critters from migrating through the drawers and they also prevent over stuffed drawers from interfering with the operation of the drawers above.

Using dust panels is a personal preference, not all heirloom furniture makers used them. I've made dressers without them and regretted it later. I've never had an issue where they were used. Leaving out dust panels saves some time and material. The panels can be made from solid material, but you have to account for seasonal movement or you can use plywood or even tempered hardboard. Plywood panels can be glued in place and would add strength to the structure if that was done, but the frames alone should be sufficient for strength. I make all my frames using lap joints which makes them strong and if cut accurately, they help make your carcase square.

[Wayne Lomman]

Panelling like these are framed as a means to cover an area using smaller components. You make it out of lower standard timber. And it makes a huge difference in keeping dust out of the contents, especially on carpet. Cheers