I truly believe that base cabinets were placed on earth as some cosmic joke. Well, maybe it’s not that extreme, but it certainly is aggravating to try to store things in them. You either end up with everything right at the front and a ton of wasted space in the back, or you have to take everything out anytime that you need something. Adding drawers is the solution, but so many people tell me that while they love DIYing, they just don’t have the skills or tools to do something so drastic. However, there is an easy way to add pull-out drawers to bottom cabinets, and I am going to show you exactly how!
Easy Way to Add Pull-Out Drawers to Bottom Cabinets…
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Easy Way to Add Pull-Out Drawers to Bottom Cabinets…
My Story:
Over the years, I have converted many cabinets into drawers, built organizing inserts, and even made a few false bottom drawers. Normally, I would build these things from wood myself. But, just recently, my mother-in-law injured her rotator cuff and needed something fast.
She, like many of you, uses her base cabinets for most of her food and dish storage. As you can imagine, trying to find anything at the back of a base cabinet is difficult enough with two working arms. It is nearly impossible if you ever become incapacitated in any way. So, we decided that it was time to do something about it.
Which Drawers to Use and Why:
As you may or may not know, you don’t have to build your own pull-outs. You can simply buy a conversion kit.* In fact, there are many storage options for cabinets.* However, the biggest issue that I hear about is that people hate struggling with installing the drawer glides. Worrying about if they will work on face frames or if you need frameless, trying to get the glides attached, level, and balanced – all of that can be daunting for even an experienced DIYer. But, there is an easy way to add pull-out drawers to bottom cabinets
That is why I chose these particular pull-outs.* First of all, they are stainless steel. While I don’t really have a preference between wood or metal drawers, my mother-in-law wanted stainless steel. Second, and most important, is that these have very, easy to install, hardware. Because guess what! You don’t have to worry about mounting glides to the sides of your cabinets. The hardware attaches right to the bottom of the cabinet in less than 5 minutes!
Easy Way to Add Pull-Out Drawers to Bottom Cabinets…
At this point, you can either just watch the video above, or you can keep reading the written instructions below. I think that the video is helpful, but there are a few images below that aren’t included in the video. So, whichever you prefer. (FYI – if you like the video, please head over to my youtube channel when you are finished, and give me a like. And, if you are a youtube fan, be sure to subscribe to catch all my DIY videos).
Measuring:
Make sure that you measure your cabinet interior before you buy. Most kitchen cabinets will use the 20″ deep drawers and most bathroom cabinets will use the 18″ depth, but you should still measure for accuracy. When measuring the width of the interior, take your measurements from the narrowest locations. Include face frames and hinges in your measurements.
Instructions:
The installation for these is pretty straightforward and easy. It comes with a cardboard guide, which is placed along the front edge of your cabinets. I didn’t use the one that came with mine, because I have done enough construction to be able to wing it. But, I recommend using the guide.
Once you have the glide frame in place, predrill holes through the screw openings. (It doesn’t matter if you are perfect at this point. The opening allows for some slight adjustments to be made.) Next, insert and screw in the wood screws provided. TIP – Do not tighten the screws all the way in at this point. Wait until you have all four inserted and make your adjustments to get the frame straight. Then tighten down all four screws.
After the frame is installed, lay the basket on top so that the four screw holes are aligned with the top frame holes. To install the screws at the back, slide the basket forward to make it easier to reach. NOTE – On a few occasions, I have found that the very last screw will be a little stubborn because of the design of the screws used for this product. It is not a big deal, but you may require someone to pull and hold the basket into alignment while you attach the last screw.
Tips for Faceframe Cabinets…
If you have a lip at the bottom of your face framed cabinets that is more than 1/8″ high, you will need to add one step to your installation. You will need to insert or add a shim beneath the location where the frame will attach. On my mother-in-law’s bottom shelf, there was a 3/4″ lip. That is quite a bit more than normal, but I solved the problem by placing a 12″ strip of 1x3 beneath the glide frame.
To make the installation easier, I attached the glide frame to the 1x3 boards first. Then, using wood screws, I screwed it in place through the strips and into the bottom of the cabinet.
Final Comments…
- A few storage tips for using pull-out drawers – If you lay your cans on their side, you can see the labels when you pull the drawer out. Use one can as a bookend where needed to keep the others from rolling.
- Store small boxes at the front and graduate to taller boxes towards the back to get a perfect visual of boxed items.
- Use large plastic bowls to hold smaller stacks and lids.
- Add baskets as needed to contain loose bagged items, such as rice, beans, chocolate chips, etc.
FYI – You can get these pullouts here!* For more great home improvement products, be sure to check out My Amazon store!*
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