After organizing my junk drawer successfully, I felt confident and inspired to tackle some more cabinet storage. And of course, first up, what to do with all the princess plates, lunchroom trays and sippy cups with missing lids.


Preparation
- 1 - 1x6 @ 8 feet long
- 1 - 2x2 @ 4 feet long
- scrap 1/4" plywood
- 21" Drawer Slides
Cut to fit your cabinets.
Please read through the entire plan and all comments before beginning this project. It is also advisable to review the Getting Started Section. Take all necessary precautions to build safely and smartly. Work on a clean level surface, free of imperfections or debris. Always use straight boards. Check for square after each step. Always predrill holes before attaching with screws. Use glue with finish nails for a stronger hold. Wipe excess glue off bare wood for stained projects, as dried glue will not take stain. Be safe, have fun, and ask for help if you need it. Good luck!
Instructions
Step 1
The first thing you need to do is measure the opening of your cabinets and the depth of your cabinets. Mine had a clearance opening (the hinges took up a little room too) of 14 1/2". Remember that your drawer slides also take up 1" all for both, so that's a total drawer width of 13 1/2". To be safe, I made mine 13" wide, and cut 2 1x6s to this length. Then I measured the depth of the opening. Mine was 22 3/4" deep. So I cut the 2x2s to the depth of the cabinet and then cut the two 1x6s to this measurement minus 1 1/2" - so for me, 21 1/4". I then cut the 1/4" plywood to 13" x 22 3/4".
Step 2
Step 3
Because these cheapo drawer slides (that actually work really well and are quite strong) are side/bottom mount, you can get away with just tacking 1/4" plywood to the bottom. The weight of the drawer contents sits right on the slides. I attached the two drawer parts of the slides to the bottom of the drawer as shown above.
Step 4
Step 6
It is always recommended to apply a test coat on a hidden area or scrap piece to ensure color evenness and adhesion. Use primer or wood conditioner as needed.
Comments
Marsa (not verified)
Mon, 03/21/2011 - 23:17
Wooden drawer pullout cabinet organizer
This is a fabulous Idea! I have wanted them for my cabinets but to have them done is outrageous. I am SO going to do this! Thank you Ana
Jeanne Miller (not verified)
Mon, 03/21/2011 - 23:20
lazy suzan cupboard?
We have a lazy Suzan style cupboard in our kitchen. I love the amount of room in it, but that shelf never stays up so I want to pull it out again. I was wondering if you might have some ideas about how to make it more functional?
sebringvillemum
Tue, 03/22/2011 - 05:28
YES!
I've done this before in our previous house... and really need to do it in this house for the tupperware lids! So nice to have a clear picture of how to make it work smoothly!
Brilliant... now to see if I have any wood to build a box with!
mplauger
Tue, 03/22/2011 - 05:44
cabinet color
we are remodeling our house so we are going to need stain for all kinds of things: doors, trim, etc and now that I found your site: I need it for furniture! Our cabinets and vanities are maple; one company calls is Sandelwood. They look really similar to yours, at least in the picture. I am having the toughest time matching up stain to it! Help!
BTW, love the drawers! :-D
sydneyroo
Tue, 03/22/2011 - 06:02
I didn't even know I needed
I didn't even know I needed this until I saw it! One step ahead, as usual, Ana!
mycreativeescapes
Tue, 03/22/2011 - 06:11
You read my mind!
OK Ana - you must have read my mind. I am building a craft room - and want to put in drawer slides - this came at the perfect time!!! Thank you so much!
songbirdfeeder
Tue, 03/22/2011 - 06:14
where did you get the drawer glides?
I had wanted to do this in my cabinets, but the only drawer glides I saw (at Lowe's--we don't have HD near us) were around $25. Where did you get some for $4?
Guest (not verified)
Tue, 03/22/2011 - 18:17
Got mine from Home Depot
It does depend on the length but I just bought 22 inch ones for 7.48. They had some that were MUCH more - around $25 - but you don't need all the hoopla that comes with it. I got mine at Home Depot but Lowe's and Home Depot are owned by competing brothers so I am surprised that they would have prices so different even if there isn't competition in your area.
songbirdfeeder
Thu, 03/24/2011 - 15:44
Thank you
I found the ones online at HD that you're talking about. I think I'll print that out and take to Lowe's. Maybe they have some comparable ones that I couldn't find when I was there.
In reply to where did you get the drawer glides? by songbirdfeeder
judym
Thu, 03/24/2011 - 12:32
I found some at Lee Valley Tools
Though Lee Valley Tools only has stores in Canada, they do offer online shopping. Right now, there is a no shipping fee deal on until March 28. You can find all kinds of drawer slides ... the standard kitchen slides hold about 55lbs which is more than I need. The prices for a 21" (550 mm) set of slides range from $4.80-$6.00 depending on how many you buy. If you live in a rural area like me where there is no Orange or Blue or much of anything within a 30-45 minute drive, online is the way to go!