How To Build Kitchen Cabinet Pull Out Shelves For More Storage

Do you want to add more storage to your kitchen cabinets? Yes, you can build your own kitchen cabinet pull out shelves! This guide will show you how to create custom pull out drawers and rolling shelves for cabinets to maximize your kitchen cabinet organization and provide effective kitchen cabinet storage solutions.

Image Source: i.ytimg.com

Why Build Your Own DIY Pull Out Shelves?

Building your own DIY pull out shelves might seem daunting, but the benefits are significant. Here’s why it’s worth considering:

• Cost Savings: Pre-made cabinet slide out shelves can be expensive. DIYing allows you to save money, especially if you’re equipping multiple cabinets.
• Customization: You can tailor the size and depth of your custom pull out drawers to perfectly fit your specific cabinets and storage needs. No more wasted space!
• Improved Organization: Pull out shelves transform cluttered cabinets into easily accessible storage areas. Say goodbye to digging through piles of pots and pans.
• Increased Accessibility: Rolling shelves for cabinets make it easier to reach items stored at the back of deep cabinets.
• Personal Satisfaction: There’s a sense of accomplishment that comes with building something yourself.

Planning Your Pull Out Shelves Project

Before you start cutting wood, careful planning is crucial. Here’s what you need to consider:

Measuring Your Cabinets

Accurate measurements are essential for a successful project. Follow these steps:

1. Measure the Inside Width: Measure the inside width of the cabinet opening at the top, middle, and bottom. Use the narrowest measurement.
2. Measure the Inside Depth: Measure from the inside front of the cabinet to the back wall.
3. Measure the Height: Determine the maximum height available for each shelf, considering any obstructions like pipes or electrical outlets.
4. Account for Slides: The width of your drawer slides will impact the final width of your shelf. Typically, drawer slides take up 1/2 inch of space on each side. Factor this into your shelf width calculation.
5. Check for Obstructions: Look for any obstacles inside the cabinet, such as pipes, wires, or protruding hinges. Adjust your measurements accordingly.

Choosing Your Materials

The right materials are essential for durable and functional pull out shelves. Here are some common options:

• Plywood: Plywood is a popular choice for its stability and affordability. Birch plywood is a good option for a smooth, paintable surface.
• Solid Wood: Solid wood can add a touch of elegance, but it’s generally more expensive and prone to warping if not properly sealed.
• Melamine: Melamine is a budget-friendly option with a durable, easy-to-clean surface. However, it can chip easily.

For the drawer slides, consider these options:

• Side-Mount Slides: These are the most common type and are relatively easy to install.
• Bottom-Mount Slides: These slides offer a cleaner look and can support heavier loads.
• Full-Extension Slides: These allow the shelf to pull out completely, providing maximum access.
• Over-Travel Slides: These slides allow you to pull the shelves out past the full-extension length, so you can fully view and access items.

Material	Pros	Cons	Best For
Plywood	Stable, affordable, paintable	Can splinter if not properly finished	General-purpose shelves
Solid Wood	Durable, attractive	More expensive, prone to warping	High-end kitchens, visible shelves
Melamine	Affordable, easy to clean	Can chip easily, less durable than wood	Pantry pull out shelves, budget-conscious projects
Side-Mount Slides	Easy to install, readily available	Less weight capacity than bottom-mount slides	Most applications
Bottom-Mount Slides	Cleaner look, higher weight capacity	More difficult to install	Heavy items, high-end kitchens
Full-Extension Slides	Full access to shelf contents	Can be more expensive	Deep cabinets, items frequently used

Creating Your Pull Out Shelf Plans

Once you have your measurements and materials, it’s time to create your pull out shelf plans. Here’s a step-by-step process:

1. Determine Shelf Dimensions: Based on your cabinet measurements, calculate the exact dimensions of your shelves. Remember to subtract the thickness of the wood and the width of the drawer slides.
2. Draw a Diagram: Create a simple diagram of your shelf, including the dimensions of the base, sides, front, and back.
3. Plan the Slide Placement: Decide where you will mount the drawer slides on the inside of the cabinet. Consider the desired height of the shelf and any obstructions.
4. Consider Shelf Height: Think about what you’ll be storing on the shelves. If you’re storing tall items, you’ll need to make sure there’s enough space between shelves. Adjustable pull out shelves can provide ultimate flexibility.
5. Create a Cut List: Make a list of all the pieces you’ll need to cut, along with their dimensions. This will help you stay organized and avoid mistakes.

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

Now that you have your plan, it’s time to start building. Here’s a detailed guide to help you through the process:

Tools You’ll Need

• Measuring tape
• Pencil
• Safety glasses
• Circular saw or table saw
• Drill
• Screwdriver
• Clamps
• Sandpaper
• Wood glue
• Level
• Stud finder (optional, for wall-mounted cabinets)

Cutting the Wood

1. Follow Your Cut List: Carefully cut all the pieces of wood according to your cut list. Use a circular saw or table saw for straight, accurate cuts.
2. Sand the Edges: Sand all the edges of the wood to remove any splinters or rough spots. This will create a smoother finish and prevent injuries.

Assembling the Shelves

1. Apply Wood Glue: Apply wood glue to the edges of the shelf base.
2. Attach the Sides: Attach the sides to the base, using clamps to hold them in place.
3. Secure with Screws: Drill pilot holes and secure the sides with screws.
4. Attach the Front and Back: Repeat the process to attach the front and back of the shelf.
5. Ensure Squareness: Check that the shelf is square using a square or by measuring the diagonals. Adjust as needed.

Installing the Drawer Slides

1. Attach Slides to Shelf: Attach the drawer slides to the sides of the shelf, following the manufacturer’s instructions.
2. Mount Slides in Cabinet: Use a level to ensure the slides are mounted straight. Use a stud finder to locate studs in the cabinet walls for extra support (if applicable). Attach the slides to the cabinet walls with screws.
3. Test the Fit: Carefully slide the shelf into the cabinet to test the fit. Make sure it slides smoothly and easily.
4. Make Adjustments: If the shelf is too tight or doesn’t slide smoothly, make any necessary adjustments to the slides or the shelf.

Finishing Your Pull Out Shelves

1. Fill Nail Holes: Fill any nail holes or imperfections with wood filler.
2. Sand Smooth: Sand the wood filler smooth.
3. Prime the Wood: Apply a coat of primer to the wood.
4. Paint or Stain: Paint or stain the shelves to match your kitchen cabinets.
5. Apply a Topcoat: Apply a clear topcoat to protect the finish.

Advanced Options and Customization

Once you’re comfortable with the basic construction, you can explore some advanced options to customize your pull out shelves:

• Adjustable Shelves: Use adjustable shelf supports to create adjustable pull out shelves that can be easily reconfigured to accommodate different items.
• Dividers and Organizers: Add dividers and organizers to your shelves to keep items neatly separated and prevent them from rolling around.
• Soft-Close Slides: Upgrade to soft-close drawer slides for a smoother, quieter operation.
• Wire Baskets: Use wire baskets instead of solid shelves for better ventilation, especially for storing produce.
• Pantry Pull Out Shelves: For pantry pull out shelves, consider adding taller sides to prevent items from falling off.
• Spice Rack Pull Outs: Build narrow pull out shelves specifically designed for storing spices.
• Under Sink Pull Outs: Build a pull out shelf around the plumbing under your sink for cleaning supplies.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Even with careful planning, you might encounter some issues during the construction process. Here are some common problems and how to fix them:

• Shelf is Too Tight: If the shelf is too tight, check that your measurements were accurate. You may need to sand down the sides of the shelf or adjust the drawer slides.
• Shelf Doesn’t Slide Smoothly: If the shelf doesn’t slide smoothly, make sure the drawer slides are properly aligned and lubricated. You may also need to adjust the position of the slides.
• Shelf is Sagging: If the shelf is sagging, it may not be strong enough to support the weight of the items you’re storing. Consider using thicker wood or adding additional support.
• Slides are Coming Loose: If the slides are coming loose, make sure you’re using the correct screws and that they’re securely fastened to the cabinet walls. You may also need to use anchors for extra support.

Kitchen Cabinet Organization Tips

Installing pull out shelves is a great first step towards better kitchen cabinet organization, but here are some additional tips to maximize your storage space:

• Declutter Regularly: Get rid of items you no longer use or need.
• Group Similar Items: Store similar items together to make them easier to find.
• Use Vertical Space: Use shelf organizers and risers to maximize vertical space.
• Label Everything: Label shelves and containers to easily identify their contents.
• Store Frequently Used Items Within Reach: Keep items you use most often within easy reach.
• Utilize Door Space: Install organizers on the inside of cabinet doors for extra storage.

Roll Out Shelf Installation Summary

Step	Description	Tips
Measure Cabinets	Accurately measure inside width, depth, and height, accounting for obstructions.	Measure in multiple spots; use the smallest width measurement.
Choose Materials	Select appropriate wood and drawer slides based on your budget, durability needs, and aesthetic preferences.	Consider plywood for cost-effectiveness, solid wood for aesthetics, and full-extension slides for accessibility.
Create Shelf Plans	Develop detailed plans, including shelf dimensions, slide placement, and a cut list.	Draw a diagram; factor in wood thickness and slide width.
Cut the Wood	Cut all wood pieces according to your cut list, ensuring straight and accurate cuts.	Use a circular saw or table saw; sand edges smooth.
Assemble Shelves	Glue and screw the sides, front, and back pieces to the base, ensuring squareness.	Use clamps to hold pieces in place; check diagonals for squareness.
Install Drawer Slides	Attach drawer slides to the sides of the shelf and the inside of the cabinet, ensuring proper alignment and smooth operation.	Use a level; follow manufacturer’s instructions; test the fit and adjust as needed.
Finish Pull Out Shelves	Fill holes, sand, prime, and paint or stain the shelves to match your kitchen.	Apply a clear topcoat for protection.

FAQ

• What is the best type of wood to use for pull out shelves?
  Plywood is generally the best choice due to its stability, affordability, and paintability. Birch plywood is a good option for a smooth surface.
  
• Can I install pull out shelves in existing cabinets?
  Yes, you can install pull out shelves in existing cabinets. Just make sure to take accurate measurements and choose the right size drawer slides.
  
• How much weight can pull out shelves hold?
  The weight capacity of pull out shelves depends on the type of wood, the thickness of the wood, and the type of drawer slides used. Consult the manufacturer’s specifications for the drawer slides.
• What are the benefits of using full-extension drawer slides?
  Full-extension drawer slides allow you to pull the shelf out completely, providing maximum access to the items stored on the shelf. This is especially useful for deep cabinets.
• How do I keep my pull out shelves from sagging?
  To prevent your pull out shelves from sagging, use thicker wood, add additional support, and avoid storing excessively heavy items on the shelves.
• How can I customize my pull out shelves?
  You can customize your pull out shelves by adding adjustable shelves, dividers, organizers, soft-close slides, wire baskets, or other features to suit your specific needs.

By following these steps and tips, you can build your own DIY pull out shelves and transform your kitchen cabinets into organized, accessible storage spaces. Enjoy your new kitchen cabinet storage solutions!