Double Kitchen Cabinet Storage with DIY Extra Shelves
If your kitchen cabinets are stuffed to the brim, it may be time to consider adding extra shelves. This relatively simple DIY project can double your storage capacity so you can finally organize all those dishes, cookware, baking pans, and other items.
With just a few tools, materials, and basic carpentry skills, you can gain organized storage and easier access to the contents of your cabinets.
Things to Consider Before Adding Shelves
Before you start drilling and hammering, take some time to plan your extra shelves project.
First, carefully measure the width, depth, and height of your existing cabinets. You'll need these precise measurements to cut shelves that fit perfectly within your cabinet boxes. It's better to measure twice than to cut boards too small!
Also inspect the structure and weight capacity of your cabinets. Most modern cabinets can support additional shelving, but if you have older or weaker cabinets, consider reinforcing them before adding load-bearing shelves.
You'll also need to decide on the best shelf material. Plywood, MDF board, and metal shelves each have their pros and cons. Plywood is inexpensive but requires priming, painting, or staining. MDF is smooth and durable, but heavy. Metal wire shelves are super strong but open rather than enclosed.
Finally, figure out how many shelves your cabinet space requires. Stack cookware and measure to approximate how tall your items are. Leave some room between shelves for taller items.
Step-by-Step Guide to Adding Shelves
Gathering Materials
Once you've assessed your cabinets' specifications, it's time to gather supplies. You'll need:
- Shelf boards cut from plywood, MDF or other boards
- Primer, paint, or wood stain for any unfinished shelving materials
- Shelf brackets or pins
- A power drill for drilling shelf pin holes
- Tools like a tape measure, stud finder, level, and pencil for measurements
Prefabricated shelving units are also available if you want to skip the woodcutting step. Just confirm the dimensions fit prior to purchasing.
Measuring and Cutting Shelves
To start installing extra shelves:
- Remove all existing cabinet doors, drawers, and shelves. This gives you full access.
- Measure the empty cabinet widths very precisely. Double check for accuracy!
- Cut plywood, boards, or premade shelves to the exact cabinet width.
- Use a jigsaw to cut boards or sheets down to size.
- Sand any rough edges smooth for a finished look.
- Prime, paint, stain, or finish raw wood shelves as desired.
Installing Shelf Brackets
Once your shelf boards are cut to size, it's time to add supports. To install shelf brackets:
- Decide where you want shelves positioned based on storage needs.
- Measure and mark bracket locations on the cabinet sides.
- Pre-drill holes at your marks for bracket screws.
- Securely screw metal brackets into the pre-drilled holes.
Alternatively, insert shelf pins into pre-drilled holes and skip the brackets. Just ensure pins are long enough to support the depth of your shelves.
Adding and Securing Shelves
After brackets or pins are installed, the shelves can be set into place:
- Place each shelf board onto corresponding brackets or pins.
- Adjust pin or bracket heights to fine tune shelf positions.
- Use a level to double check shelves are even.
And that's it! Your cabinets now have extra storage ready for organizing all your kitchen essentials.
Additional Storage Solutions
Beyond just flat shelves, a few specialty storage options can further optimize your newly expanded cabinet space.
Try using vertical dividers to take advantage of all your cabinet height for tall items like baking sheets. Pull-out shelves are great for deep lower cabinets, making pots and pans in the back more accessible.
You can also install corner shelves to use wasted corner space. Under-cabinet lighting illuminates dark areas. Get creative with your storage!
Organizing Your New Shelves
Now comes the fun part - organizing all your kitchen items into your organized, expanded cabinet storage!
Group like items together on shelves - mugs together, spices together, baking essentials together. Use risers for vertical storage. Place frequently accessed items at eye or hand level.
Label shelves and use storage bins to neatly corral everything into place. Any unused cabinet space can store appliances or infrequent serving pieces.
Avoid "junk drawer" syndrome by giving everything a dedicated spot. Purge any unnecessary duplicate items. A few organizational tweaks can maximize the potential of your extra shelves.
Adding custom shelving inside your kitchen cabinets is a straightforward DIY project that can make a huge impact. With some careful measurements, basic tools, and quality materials, you can double your organized storage.
Follow the steps to properly install sturdy shelves fitted to your cabinet dimensions. Employ additional specialized storage solutions as needed. Take the time to thoughtfully organize items so your refreshed cabinets remain clutter-free.
With a few clever extra shelves, you can gain storage space, organization, and easy access to all your kitchen tools.