How To Make Pull Out Shelves For Kitchen Cabinets: DIY Guide

Do you want to add DIY pull out shelves to your kitchen cabinets? Yes, you can! This guide will show you how to build and install roll out shelves, transforming your cluttered cabinets into organized and accessible storage spaces. We’ll cover everything from planning and measuring to cutting and installation, so you can achieve custom cabinet shelving without breaking the bank.

Image Source: www.thenavagepatch.com

Why Install Pull Out Shelves in Your Kitchen?

Installing roll out shelves kitchen is a game-changer for kitchen organization. They offer numerous benefits:

• Improved Accessibility: No more bending and reaching to the back of cabinets! Slide out shelves installation brings items within easy reach.
• Enhanced Organization: Keep items neatly arranged and easily visible.
• Increased Storage Space: Maximize the usable space in your cabinets, especially in deep or awkward areas.
• Reduced Food Waste: See what you have and use it before it expires.
• Added Home Value: Increase the appeal of your kitchen with this convenient upgrade.
• Eliminates Clutter: By keeping items in organized pull out drawer systems, you reduce the chance of having disorganized clutter on your countertop.

Planning Your Pull Out Shelves Project

Careful planning is crucial for a successful DIY project. Here’s how to get started:

Assessing Your Cabinets

• Measure the Interior Dimensions: Measure the width, depth, and height of the inside of your cabinets. Subtract any obstructions like pipes or hinges. Be precise!
• Determine Shelf Placement: Decide where you want to place your shelves. Consider the height of items you’ll be storing. Think about adjustable kitchen shelves if you want flexibility.
• Consider Cabinet Door Style: Face-frame cabinets (with a frame around the opening) require different mounting hardware than frameless cabinets.
• Take into Account Door Clearance: Ensure that your shelves don’t stick out so far that they hit the door when closing.

Choosing Your Materials

• Shelf Material:
  • Plywood: A good choice for its strength, stability, and cost-effectiveness. Use a high-quality plywood like birch or maple.
  • Solid Wood: Offers a beautiful look and excellent durability but is more expensive.
  • Melamine: Easy to clean and scratch-resistant, but can be less sturdy than plywood or solid wood.
• Slide Hardware:
  • Ball-Bearing Slides: Provide smooth, quiet operation and are available in various weight capacities. Choose full-extension slides for complete access to the shelf contents.
  • Soft-Close Slides: Prevent slamming and add a touch of luxury.
• Fasteners:
  • Wood Screws: Use appropriately sized wood screws for assembling the shelves and attaching the slides.
  • Construction Adhesive: Adds extra strength to joints.
• Finishing Materials:
  • Wood Stain or Paint: To match your existing cabinets.
  • Polyurethane or Varnish: For a durable, protective finish.

Essential Tools

• Measuring Tape: For accurate measurements.
• Pencil: For marking cuts and drilling locations.
• Safety Glasses: To protect your eyes.
• Hearing Protection: To reduce noise exposure.
• Circular Saw or Table Saw: For cutting the shelf components.
• Drill/Driver: For drilling pilot holes and driving screws.
• Sander: For smoothing edges and surfaces.
• Clamps: To hold pieces together while gluing and screwing.
• Level: For ensuring shelves are level.
• Stud Finder (optional): For locating studs in the cabinet walls when attaching mounting strips.

Step-by-Step Guide: Building Your Pull Out Shelves

Follow these steps to construct your roll out shelves kitchen:

1. Cutting the Wood

• Calculate Dimensions: Based on your cabinet measurements and desired shelf size, determine the dimensions for the shelf base, sides, and back (if using). Leave a small gap (about 1/8 inch) on each side of the shelf for smooth sliding.
• Cut the Pieces: Use a circular saw or table saw to cut the wood pieces to the correct dimensions. Make accurate, straight cuts.
• Sand the Edges: Sand all edges and surfaces of the wood pieces to remove splinters and create a smooth finish.

2. Assembling the Shelf

• Attach Sides to Base: Apply wood glue to the edges of the shelf base and attach the side pieces. Clamp the pieces together and drive screws through the sides into the base.
• Add Back (Optional): If desired, attach a back piece to the shelf using glue and screws. This adds extra stability.
• Ensure Squareness: Use a square to ensure that the shelf is square before the glue dries.

3. Finishing the Shelf

• Apply Wood Filler (Optional): Fill any screw holes or imperfections with wood filler. Let it dry completely and sand smooth.
• Stain or Paint: Apply stain or paint to the shelf, following the manufacturer’s instructions. Allow it to dry completely.
• Apply Protective Finish: Apply a coat of polyurethane or varnish to protect the finish and make the shelf more durable. Let it dry completely.

4. Preparing the Cabinet for Installation

• Clean the Cabinet Interior: Remove any existing shelves or items from the cabinet and clean the interior thoroughly.

• Install Mounting Strips (if needed): For face-frame cabinets, you’ll need to install mounting strips inside the cabinet to provide a surface for attaching the slide hardware. Cut the strips to the correct length and attach them to the cabinet walls using screws. A stud finder can help locate wall studs for increased support.

  • Table: Mounting Strip Dimensions (Example)

    Cabinet Depth (inches)	Mounting Strip Length (inches)
    18	17
    24	23

5. Attaching the Slide Hardware

• Attach Slides to Shelf: Attach the slide hardware to the sides of the shelf, following the manufacturer’s instructions. Ensure the slides are aligned properly.
• Attach Slides to Cabinet: Attach the other half of the slide hardware to the cabinet walls or mounting strips, ensuring they are level and aligned with the slides on the shelf.

6. Installing the Shelf

• Slide the Shelf into the Cabinet: Carefully slide the shelf into the cabinet, aligning the slides. Push the shelf all the way in until the slides lock into place.
• Test the Shelf: Test the shelf by sliding it in and out. Make sure it moves smoothly and doesn’t bind or rub.

Slide Out Shelves Installation: A Closer Look

The slide out shelves installation process is crucial for functionality. Here’s a detailed breakdown:

Choosing the Right Slides

Selecting the appropriate slides is essential for smooth operation and longevity.

• Weight Capacity: Determine the maximum weight you plan to store on the shelf and choose slides with an appropriate weight capacity.
• Extension Length: Full-extension slides allow you to access the entire contents of the shelf, while partial-extension slides only extend partway.
• Soft-Close vs. Standard: Soft-close slides prevent slamming and add a touch of luxury.
• Side-Mount vs. Under-Mount: Side-mount slides are the most common and easiest to install. Under-mount slides are more expensive but offer a cleaner look.

Installing Slides Correctly

• Precise Alignment: Accurate alignment is critical. Use a level to ensure that the slides are perfectly horizontal and parallel.
• Pilot Holes: Drill pilot holes before driving screws to prevent splitting the wood.
• Proper Spacing: Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for spacing the slides.
• Secure Attachment: Use screws that are long enough to securely attach the slides to the shelf and cabinet, but not so long that they poke through the wood.

Addressing Common Installation Issues

• Shelf Binding: If the shelf binds, check the alignment of the slides. Make sure they are parallel and level. Also, ensure that the shelf isn’t rubbing against the cabinet walls.
• Slides Not Locking: If the slides don’t lock into place, make sure they are fully engaged. You may need to adjust the position of the slides slightly.
• Shelf Sagging: If the shelf sags, consider using thicker material for the shelf base or adding a center support.

Ideas for Customizing Your Pull Out Shelves

Personalize your pull out drawer systems to suit your specific needs and preferences:

• Adjustable Dividers: Add adjustable dividers to keep items organized and prevent them from sliding around.
• Raised Edges: Install raised edges to prevent items from falling off the shelf.
• Spice Rack Shelves: Create custom spice rack shelves to keep your spices organized and accessible.
• Lazy Susan Shelves: Install lazy susan shelves in corner cabinets to maximize storage space and accessibility.
• Under Cabinet Storage Solutions: Think about adding shallow pull outs for cutting boards, wraps or other thin items.

Deciphering Costs

The cost of building DIY pull out shelves depends on the materials you choose and the number of shelves you need. Here’s a general estimate:

• Materials (per shelf): \$20 – \$50
• Slide Hardware (per set): \$15 – \$40
• Finishing Materials (per project): \$10 – \$20

Compared to purchasing pre-made pull-out shelves, DIY offers significant cost savings.

Maintaining Your Pull Out Shelves

• Regular Cleaning: Wipe down the shelves regularly with a damp cloth to remove dust and spills.
• Lubricate Slides: Periodically lubricate the slides with a silicone-based lubricant to ensure smooth operation.
• Check Screws: Check the screws regularly and tighten them if necessary.
• Avoid Overloading: Do not overload the shelves beyond their weight capacity.

FAQ: Pull Out Shelves

What is the best material for pull out shelves?

The best material is high-quality plywood, like birch or maple. It’s strong, stable, and cost-effective. Solid wood is another excellent option, but it’s more expensive.

Can I install pull out shelves in existing cabinets?

Yes, you can! This guide provides step-by-step instructions for installing pull out shelves in existing cabinets.

Who is this project suitable for?

This project is suitable for DIYers with basic woodworking skills. If you’re comfortable measuring, cutting, and assembling wood projects, you can definitely tackle this project.

How do I measure for pull out shelves?

Measure the interior width, depth, and height of your cabinets. Subtract any obstructions and account for slide hardware. Precision is key!

Where can I buy slide hardware?

You can buy slide hardware at most home improvement stores or online retailers like Amazon and Rockler.

Why are my pull out shelves sticking?

Your shelves might stick if the slides are misaligned, the shelf is rubbing against the cabinet walls, or the slides need lubrication.

Are adjustable kitchen shelves a good option?

Yes, adjustable shelves offer flexibility. You can adjust the height of the shelves to accommodate different items.

How do I install pull out drawer systems in a corner cabinet?

Consider using a lazy susan or a pie-cut shaped shelf to maximize storage space and accessibility in corner cabinets.

What are under cabinet storage solutions I could add with pull out shelves?

Consider adding shallow pull outs for cutting boards, wraps, or spice storage.

How can I achieve an easy glide shelf conversion?

Use high-quality ball-bearing slides and ensure accurate alignment during installation. Lubricate the slides regularly.