Refurbish Your Kitchen Cabinets with Rollout Wood Drawers
Is your kitchen cabinet space disorganized and cluttered? Are you constantly struggling to find pots, pans, and cooking utensils buried in the back of your cabinets? Upgrading from fixed shelves to rollout wood drawers can transform the storage and accessibility of your kitchen cabinets.
Rollout drawers provide much easier access to the contents of your cabinets compared to fixed shelves and make better use of available space. With drawers, everything stored in your cabinets can be neatly organized and readily accessible with just the pull of a handle.
Assessing Your Existing Cabinets
Before installing rollout drawers, the first step is evaluating your current cabinets. Check the interior dimensions, configuration, and condition of each cabinet you want to refurbish. Are the cabinet boxes sturdy or are the frames warped? Do doors and drawers align properly or are hinges loose? Any repairs should be made prior to installing drawers.
It's also important to measure each cabinet opening accurately to ensure custom-sized drawers will fit perfectly. Allow space for the drawer slides and clearance so drawers don't rub. Careful measurements ensure your new drawers maximize each cavity.
Custom Sizing for a Perfect Fit
Since every kitchen layout is unique, having drawers custom made to fit your cabinets is recommended for the best use of space. Skilled carpenters can create drawers in various widths, heights, and depths to optimize your specific storage needs.
For example, half-depth or three-quarter pull outs can provide access to back corners of cabinets too narrow for full-extension drawers. You have flexibility to mix and match drawer dimensions and create tiered rows of drawers. Custom sizing ensures new drawers make the most of your cabinets.
Modifying Cabinet Boxes
Some cabinet retrofitting may be needed to accommodate rollout drawers. The opening may need to be enlarged to allow sufficient clearance for drawers to open easily without rubbing against interior sides.
The cabinet floor will also need to be drilled to mount drawer slides at the proper position. Newer cabinets may have pre-installed drawer slides, but older cabinets likely need this hardware added. Proper slide installation ensures smooth drawer operation.
Choosing Your Drawer Construction
Several factors go into choosing the right drawer construction for your kitchen rollout drawers. The type of wood, joinery method, bottom style, and height are key considerations.
Drawer Materials
Solid hardwoods like maple provide durability but can be expensive. Economy wood drawers use plywood sides with a hardwood front. For strength, dovetail joinery is recommended over simple glue and dowel joints.
Drawer Styles
Full-extension drawers that pull all the way out are usually preferred for kitchen use. Convenience drawers with integrated dividers keep utensils organized. Tiered drawers double your storage capacity. The possibilities are endless.
Cutlery drawers with segmented compartments keep all your kitchen tools sorted. Spice drawer inserts neatly organize jars and bottles. Design your drawers to suit your storage needs and style.
Installing Your New Rollout Drawers
Once you've selected your custom wood drawers, it's time to install them into your existing cabinets. This process involves careful preparation and fitting to get a seamless result.
Preparing the Cabinet Box
Start by removing all shelves, racks, and hardware from the cabinet interior. Then thoroughly clean the box before installation. The bottom of the cabinet must be drilled and mounted with drawer slides spaced equal distances apart.
Test Fitting and Mounting
Set drawers into opening and test glide action multiple times before permanently attaching. Use shims to adjust fit and alignment. Pre-drill holes in the drawer box bottom and secure tightly to the slides with screws.
Finishing Touches
Once mounted, ensure slides are aligned evenly so drawers don't rub sides. Lubricate slide action and make final adjustments. Attach your choice of handles or knobs to finish installation.
Get Organized with Drawer Dividers
The convenience of pull out drawers can be enhanced with organizers that customize compartments. Inserts come in materials like wood, acrylic, or wire mesh. You can buy inserts or have them custom made to fit.
Dividers keep kitchen tools separated and easy to access. They prevent utensils from shifting around when opening or closing drawers. Optimizing the organization inside your drawers reduces time spent on prep work.
Periodically lubricate the slides on your rollout drawers to prevent squeaking and ensure smooth operation for years to come. Immediately address any misalignment causing drawers to rub cabinet sides.
By refurbishing your outdated kitchen cabinets with wooden rollout drawers, you can gain back valuable storage space. Custom-fit drawers designed for your specific layout help declutter cabinets and organize essential kitchen tools. Reclaim your cabinet potential with rollout drawers!