Alexander Novak

Co-founder, architect

Alexander is a co-founder of CarpDraw and a practising architect. He prepares technical drawings for his own projects, so he runs into the same problem every week: turning a furniture idea or a reference photo into drawings and specifications a maker can actually build from. CarpDraw is the tool he wanted for that work, and he writes here about drawings, dimensions and getting furniture from idea to build.

Published guides

Light wood desk with laptop and notebook beside a window

Desk Dimensions: Measure the Top, Legroom and Room

Check desk width, depth and height, then test legroom, equipment and chair movement before you order. Includes inch and cm tables and two diagrams.

Alexander Novak 2 October 2026 10 min read

Walnut six-drawer dresser with brass pulls beside a bed

Dresser Dimensions: Sizes and Open-Drawer Clearance

Choose dresser dimensions that fit with the drawers open. Compare sizes, check interior storage and use a measured brief before buying or building.

Alexander Novak 2 October 2026 11 min read

Pale wood dining chair beside a dark wood table in a sunlit room

Dining Chair Dimensions: Measure for a Better Table Fit

Check dining chair seat height, width and depth, then measure the table apron and chair movement before buying a set.

Alexander Novak 1 October 2026 12 min read

Light wood nightstand beside a linen bed with a ceramic lamp

Nightstand Dimensions: Measure for Reach and Room Fit

Measure your mattress height, bedside space and drawer opening before choosing a nightstand. Use a dimension table and a clear maker's brief.

Alexander Novak 1 October 2026 10 min read

Light wood bookcase with books and plants beside a linen armchair

Bookshelf Dimensions: Measure for Books That Fit

Plan bookshelf dimensions from the books outward. Check usable depth, shelf spacing, wall fit and the details your maker needs before cutting.

Alexander Novak 1 October 2026 11 min read

AI-generated illustration of a tan fiberboard sample and a layered plywood sample on a wooden bench

MDF vs Plywood: Choose by Furniture Part and Finish

Compare MDF and plywood for painted doors, cabinet boxes and shelves. Check edges, screws, moisture exposure and finished-part cost before choosing.

Alexander Novak 30 September 2026 11 min read

Low wood coffee table with rounded corners and a yellow tape measure in front of a beige sofa

Coffee Table Dimensions: Size, Height and Sofa Clearance

Choose a coffee table size from your sofa and room. Check height, reach, walkways and a full-size footprint before sending dimensions to a maker.

Alexander Novak 30 September 2026 10 min read

Three sheets with cabinet sketches beside a small wooden cabinet model and pencils

Furniture Technical Drawing: Views, Sections and Details

Prepare a furniture drawing set with coordinated views, useful sections and clear connection details. Use the workshop checklist before releasing it to build.

Alexander Novak 30 September 2026 10 min read

AI illustration of oak base cabinets, an open door, a floating pale countertop and a separate wall cabinet

Kitchen Cabinet Dimensions: Box Sizes vs Installed Fit

Compare common kitchen cabinet sizes, separate box dimensions from installed fit, and prepare a clear cabinet schedule before ordering.

Alexander Novak 29 September 2026 9 min read