Custom Kraft Drawer Boxes with a Slide-Out Tray

What is a kraft drawer box?

Think of a large matchbox. An open tray sits inside a tube-like sleeve, and you push one end to slide the tray out. Nothing tears, nothing needs tape, and the box closes again just as neatly.

We make the tray and the sleeve from kraft folding board, the brown card with a natural, slightly flecked surface. For heavier contents, we can make the sleeve from E flute corrugated, which is about 1.5 mm thick and adds stiffness without much bulk.

Because the tray has no lid of its own, the sleeve does the job of keeping dust out and the contents in. That makes the fit between the two parts the most important detail on the order.

Drawer boxes sit in our everyday cardboard box range, but they behave more like a gift box. The slide is part of the moment of opening.

How do I measure for a drawer box?

The tray is the part that holds your product, so measure for the tray. Take the product's length, width and height, then add a few millimetres on each side so it lifts out easily.

The sleeve is sized from the tray, not from the product. We work that out for you. It must be slightly larger than the tray so it slides. It must also be snug enough that the tray stays put when the box is tipped.

If you use an insert, measure the product sitting in the insert. Our box measuring guide shows where to place the ruler.

Which board suits a drawer box?

For most drawer boxes, kraft folding board is right. It folds crisply, prints well and keeps the box slim. Move up to E flute when the contents are heavy, such as a ceramic piece or a glass candle.

White folding board is the choice when you want bright, full colour print on the sleeve. The tray can stay kraft for contrast.

How does the tray open?

There are two common ways. A thumb cut is a half-moon notch at one end of the sleeve. You push the tray from the other side or catch its edge. It costs nothing extra and keeps the box clean in shape.

A pull is a short loop of cord or ribbon fixed to the tray end. You pull it and the drawer slides out. It reads as a gift detail, and many jewellers choose it for that reason. Tell us which you want when you ask for a quote.

Can I print on a kraft drawer box?

Yes. Many sellers keep the sleeve plain kraft and add one strong detail. That might be a foil stamped logo, an embossed mark, or a one colour print in black or white ink. Gold or copper foil on brown kraft is a classic look.

If you want a printed sleeve with full colour CMYK artwork, white board gives truer colours. We can also print the inside of the tray, so a short message appears as the drawer opens.

Matte lamination, gloss lamination and spot UV are all on offer for sleeves. Our designers will place your artwork on the template free of charge.

Should I add an insert or a window?

An insert holds the product in place inside the tray. For rings and earrings, a card insert with slits keeps each piece upright. For bottles or jars, a cut-out insert stops them rolling.

Inserts also make a box feel considered. A pair of earrings rattling in an empty tray looks like an afterthought, even in a good box.

A window is a cut-out in the sleeve that shows part of the tray. It works when the product or the tray print is the selling point. Read about insert layouts on our folding carton inserts page.

What do people get wrong with drawer boxes?

The tray height is the usual slip. If the product sits above the tray rim, it catches on the sleeve and the drawer will not close.

A loose sleeve is the next problem. It looks fine on the bench, but the tray slides out in a customer's bag. Tell us how the box will be carried and we will set the fit to match. Finally, people forget that a drawer box alone is not a posting box. Pair it with one of our small mailing boxes for posting when you send it out.

How long will my drawer boxes take?

You see a free digital proof before anything is cut or printed. After your approval, production takes 4 to 6 business days.

Your drawer boxes then travel by tracked courier in 2 to 3 business days, at no charge to any UK address. Trays and sleeves arrive flat in separate bundles unless you ask for them made up.

How do I order kraft drawer boxes?

Pricing for drawer boxes starts from £0.25 per unit, and your written quote sets the exact figure. Tell us the product size, board, how the tray opens, any insert, the quantity and your print.

Our trade quote form for drawer boxes takes all of this. If you prefer, set the size and print yourself in Design Your Box. Questions can go to info@ordercardboardboxes.co.uk or WhatsApp. Misprinted or damaged boxes reported within 10 days with photos are reprinted or refunded.