Pull-out Storage Cabinet

I built a pull-out storage cabinet in my laundry room to utilize the 36″ deep space  above my washer and dryer.  36″ is a lot deep space and that’s a lot of potential storage.  The problem is the items in the back would be difficult to reach and I don’t want to have to move all the front items out of the way to reach deep in the back.  That would be a pain!  So, pull-out storage cabinet it is!

Pull out Pantry Storage Cabinet - free plans!

I  built the outside “housing” cabinets first.  Remembering that my cabinets are 36″ deep, I had to buy (pretty expensive) drawer slides to accommodate that depth.  I purchased 250lb weight capacity, full extension slides that require 3/4″ space for installation.  You should buy your drawer slides before you begin so you can build your cabinet parts to your own specifications.  Most common slides only require 1/2″ clearance but you never want to assume anything.  Order your hardware first and build to fit.

Here are the specifics on MY cabinet member.

Pullout storage cabinet

And with the faceframe attached.

free plans- pullout storage cabinet tutorial

Now for the pullout inside cabinet:

I built mine out of 1/2″ plywood with a 3/4″ faceframe.  I attached one side to all the shelves first.  I glued and screwed.  No need to hide the screws because there will be a door front attached so you won’t see any of the fasteners.

free plans- sliding storage shelves

Second, I attached the second side in the same manner:  glue and screws.

free plans- pullout storage cabinet tutorial

Attach the back with glue and screws making sure to square up the entire “box” first.

free plans- pullout storage cabinet tutorial

I built my faceframe out of 1×2 lumber with pocket hole screws using my Kreg jig.

free plans- pullout storage cabinet tutorial

Then attach the faceframe with pocket hole screws.  Again, none of these fasteners will be seen once the door is attached.   

free plans- pullout storage cabinet tutorial

Now attach your drawer slides.  Mine are 3/4″ wide,  36″ long, heavy duty,  250-500 lb weight capacity drawer glides.

Follow the installation instructions on your specific drawer slides.  On mine, the slides were installed flush to the front of each cabinet part.

*I used a spacer to ensure that I installed the drawer slides exactly the same distance apart on both the cabinet parts.

Installing glides in cabinet

I set my pullout cabinet member on top of a 1/2″ board and then installed my bottom slide flush with the floor.  I wanted 1/2″ clearance on the bottom of my housing cabinet so my pullout cabinet wouldn’t drag when I try to pull  it out.

Installing drawer part of slide

Then used the same spacer that I used in the housing cabinet to ensure my glides were in the exact right location.

Build a sliding pantry storage

 

Make sure you leave yourself some clearance on the FRONT of your pullout cabinet too.  You don’t want it hitting the housing cabinet when you pull it out.

 

How to build cabinet

 

Now all you have to do is build a door, attach it and use your AWESOME pullout pantry style storage cabinet to your hearts content!

Rolling Shelves - Free plans!

Resources:

Drawer Slides:  I SEARCHED far and wide for affordable drawer glides.  I found mine from TCHweb.com for $36 per pair which is unbelievable.  Every other site I looked at sold them for over $100 per pair.  It’s a crazy good deal– I don’t know how long they will be that price or how long they will last but as of right now, (1-19-2013) they are $36.

Pocket hole jig:  I have the Kreg Jr Pocket Hole Jig.  It is portable and I can use it in my shop or on the worksite.  It runs around $40.

 

If you liked this tutorial, you might also enjoy my tutorial to build a pull out sweater drying rack.

how to build a pull out drying rack

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39 Comments

  1. On these hinges you do have to release a lever on the side. Mine is a tight fit.

  2. Building a similar arrangement….the backside of my pullout is close to a wall, basically the face door will just clear the wall….so my question is, will I need to reach in behind to release the glides to totally remove the unit if need be? If so, guess I better leave more clearance for my fingers! Or do they “release” by just tilting up a bit, pulling harder, or…..???
    BTW, looks like the glides are still at the good price! And thanks for an excellent tutorial!
    Bruce

  3. Magdalena says:

    Thanks for the wonderful directions!

    I have been dreaming about having pull out cabinets under the poorly designed storage under my stairs…it frustrates me to have to use the small 3 ft by 3 ft doorway and crawl in to get items stored way in the back…no matter how organized they are. So, this will be my next project, after I complete the batten and board project. 🙂 You are an inspiration!

  4. By the time you subtract the material, you’d only have 1 1/4″ of cabinet and that’s without faceframe which doesn’t seem like enough function to warrant the time and expense of building the cabinet. But lot’s of people love their pull out spice racks so it’s ultimately up to you.

  5. Need a 2 inch filler cabinet to put between cabinet and wall. Could this be use for this purpose?

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