Upgrading your kitchen does not have to mean a complete renovation and stressing about how it will be done. Even something as simple and minimalistic as installing DIY pull out pantry shelves is an easy and affordable way to enhance your kitchen’s functionality and keep your pantry well organized.
Read through this guide as we enlighten you on how to create roll out shelves with minimal effort and outstanding results.
The Importance of Planning Your DIY Pull Out Pantry Shelves
Pull out shelves, also known as slide out shelves, roll out shelves, or shelves that slide are drawers that are designed to fit within pantry or cabinet spaces. These shelves serve as the ideal solution for individuals who struggle with disorganized or cluttered pantries.
Whether you choose to DIY or hire professionals, a pull out pantry shelf can revolutionize your kitchen’s organization and accessibility. Taking on a DIY project such as building pull out pantry shelves can seem incredibly exciting and rewarding, but tedious planning is essential to ensure a smooth process and a polished outcome.
Whether you are a veteran DIY enthusiast or a beginner, planning will save you from common consequences, save time, and ensure that your pull out pantry shelves fit perfectly while meeting your functional and aesthetic goals.
Step 1: Evaluate Your Needs
The first step in building your DIY pull out pantry shelves is to take the items you plan to store into consideration and identify the most frequently used items, as these should be easily accessible.
Based on your storage requirements, you must then determine how many shelves will suit your pantry best.
Step 2: Measure Accurately
After planning the basics, it is time to move on to precise measurements. It is important to know the accurate dimensions to ensure smooth functionality.
As a result, you must measure the width of your pantry and subtract about 0.5 inch to accommodate the sliding mechanism.
Next, check the depth to make sure the shelves fit snugly without extending beyond the cabinet or pantry. Finally, you must measure the height and leave enough space between shelves for the items you will be storing.
Rest assured, taking the time to plan and measure thoroughly will save you headaches and ensure a professional-looking result.
Essential Tools and Materials Required for Building a DIY Pull Out Pantry Shelves
Before you start building your own roll out pantry shelves, here is a list of the most essential materials and tools you will require:
- Plywood or medium-density fiberboard (MDF)
- Sandpaper
- Drawer slides (full-extension preferably)
- Wood glue, brackets, and screws
- Finishing materials (stain, paint, or sealant)
- Screwdriver
- Circular saw or handsaw
- Measuring tape
- Power drill
- Clamps
A Step-by-Step Construction Guide for Building DIY Pantry Pull Out Shelves
Embarking on a DIY project to build your own pull out pantry shelves is exciting and serves a highly practical purpose.
As long as you take the right approach and follow the instructions clearly, anyone, including you, can transform your pantry into a well-organized and manageable storage haven.
This in-depth construction guide is designed to ease the process and assist you, from the preparation to installation.
Step 1: Cut the Wood
Start by cutting the plywood so that it perfectly matches your pantry measurements. If you intend to achieve a professional look, it is best to smooth the edges of the wood using sandpaper. This significantly enhances the appearance and ensures a safer and cleaner finish for your shelves.
Step 2: Assemble the Shelves
To start assembling the shelves, you need to attach the side panels to the base using wood glue and screws. This aids in forming the structure of your slide-out shelves.
For better durability, reinforce the corners with brackets. This step ensures that your shelves are sturdy and well able to handle the weight of pantry items.
Step 3: Prepare the Pantry
Remove all the items from the pantry and mark the places where you need to install each pull out shelf.
Use a specific level to make sure the markings are well-aligned as this will ease the process. If you prepare carefully, you can save considerable time and prevent any alignment issues from occurring during the installation process.
Step 4: Install Drawer Slides
One part of the drawer slide must be attached to the shelf, whereas the other part should be attached inside the pantry where the shelf will rest. Before you insert the slides and secure them, check to see if they are moving fine to ensure smooth operation.
Step 5: Final Touches
Now all that is left is adding the final touches. Stain or paint the shelves in your desired choice of color or match it with your kitchen’s current décor to give them a polished look.
Let the stain or paint dry fully before stocking up your roll out shelves with pantry goods. These final additions will add an aesthetic appeal to your pantry shelves and protect the wood for a long time.
Resourceful Ways to Use Your Pull Out Pantry Shelves
Pull out pantry shelves are used for more than just storing food. Here are a couple more ways in which you can resourcefully utilize your DIY pull out pantry shelves:
- Spice racks: Helps in keeping spices organized and visible, making it quicker to find what you need while cooking or meal prepping.
- Storing appliances: Store all your big mixers and blenders in your pantry shelves that slide while keeping them easily accessible for use.
- Cleaning supplies: Organize your clothes, sprays, and brushes to save ample space and ensure easy access during cleaning tasks.
- Craft supplies: Store your favorite paints, art tools, or even sewing kits in a neat and easy-to-reach way to keep your workspace efficient and tidy.
Conclusion
Suffice it to say, DIY pull out pantry shelves are a brilliant investment for you if you are looking to make the most out of your kitchen space.
Moreover, they are super easy to build, affordable, highly customizable, and offer lasting benefits for organization and accessibility.
So, take the first step by measuring your pantry space and getting the right tools and materials and transform your pantry into a storage haven to enjoy functionality and accessibility at its finest.