DIY Kitchen Pull-outs

Can I Do This On My Own?

If you are a DIY aficionado, upgrading your kitchen storage can be a rewarding project. Pull-out shelf installation is certainly within reach for someone with solid “handy-person” skills.

There are, however, some potential pitfalls and important caveats when considering the DIY route. Here are some things to consider:

Full DIY

The first decision is whether to use pre-made pull-outs or to make them yourself. Building drawers might seem intimidating, but it’s a task that can be tackled by a seasoned woodworker with proper tools. Keep in mind that any first attempt at drawers may not go as planned, but that’s true of any DIY project. The satisfaction from overcoming challenges is one of the benefits for someone with the DIY bug.

Choosing the materials (wood, drawer slides, finish) will require research, and sourcing components can be an obstacle. Woodworkers know it can be difficult to find decent quality wood at the “big box” stores, so consider local lumber yards that generally offer better options. When building drawers, measurements need to be very accurate and the drawers must be square to function properly. Work carefully, and if they’re not square, rebuild them. Finally, do not skimp on drawer slides. They do the important work for a kitchen pull-out, and you want them to do it well for a long time.

Pre-made Pull-outs

Ordering pre-made pull-outs can eliminate the headaches and hassles of learning the drawer construction process. Shipping costs need to be considered, as they can overwhelm any potential cost savings expected from a DIY project. Shop around and compare options. It’s also important to look very carefully at the drawer slides that may be included. Good slides are crucial for a slide-out to work well. Unfortunately, one way many sellers keep costs down is by including cheap, low quality hardware.

Installation Tips

Careful measurements are critical whether making or ordering pull-out shelves. Drawers need to be sized precisely for the drawer slides to work correctly, so check and double check your numbers. When in doubt, measure again! Or have someone else check your work.

When it comes to installation, drawer slides must be parallel, level, and in alignment front-to-back in order to function correctly. This can be particularly difficult when it comes to upper-level pull-outs, so work carefully and take the time to get it right. It’s also worth noting that some cabinets are not installed perfectly square, so check for squareness in advance to make the process easier.

Bottom Line

For skilled individuals who like to take on challenges around the home, do-it-yourself can be a reasonable option for adding roll-out storage. Just make sure to honestly evaluate your abilities, do proper research and plan well before taking the leap. This will go a long way in determining whether or not DIY will be a satisfying approach for you.