How to Build Roll-Out Kitchen Shelves & Drawers

People rarely come across a kitchen that has adequate cabinet space. There simply never seems to be enough room to hold all the wonderful things a well-stocked kitchen requires. That being said, learning to build roll-out kitchen shelves and drawers may not give you more cabinet space, but it will enable you to maximize the value of the existing cabinet space within your kitchen. Even better is the fact that you should be able to build roll-out kitchen shelves and drawers on your own.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Measuring tape
• Full extension drawer slides
• Cabinet-grade plywood
• Table saw
• Hardwood
• Wood glue
• Finish nailer
• Screw gun
• Screws

1. Measure depth and width of cabinets. Purchase a pair of full extension drawer slides to accommodate the depth of cabinets minus ¾ inch. Note the depth of the drawer slide, then measure the interior width of the cabinet where you wish to build roll-out kitchen shelves and drawers. Subtract the width of the slides from both sides plus ½ inch on every side to determine the dimensions of the shelf's bottom.

2. Use a table saw to cut ¾-inch cabinet-grade plywood to these dimensions. Cut ½-inch-thick hardwood to the depth you wish your shelf or drawers to be. Cut to a depth of ½ inch for shelves to prevent items from sliding off and deeper for drawers. Attach to all edges of the plywood with wood glue and a finish nailer.

3. Attach cabinet sides of the drawer slides along the bottom of the cabinet on each side with ¾-inch or ½-inch screws (depending on depth of the cabinet plywood) and set back ¾ of an inch from the door to allow for clearance.

4. Allow time for the glue to dry, then attach the remaining slides to the shelf or drawer along the bottom edge of the side that will be sliding. Slide shelf or drawer into place. Repeat these steps for each drawer or shelf you make.

Tips & Warnings

• Create a plywood spacer before you install any of the drawer slides to serve as a guide for installing slides at different heights. Cut a piece of plywood 18 inches long to equal the height at which you would like to build roll-out kitchen shelves and drawers in your kitchen cabinets.

Resources

• Building Kitchen Cabinet Roll-Outs