Slide Out Spacious Shelves Beneath Cabinets
If you're struggling to organize your kitchen cabinets, installing slide out shelves can provide the storage solution you need. We'll explain the benefits of slides and the various options to consider for maximizing your under cabinet space.
Slide outs, also called roll outs or pull outs, are shelves that smoothly glide in and out of your cabinets on tracks. They give you easy access to items in the back of cabinets without the hassle of reaching or moving everything up front out of the way.
Types of Slide Out Shelves
There are a few popular types of cabinet slide outs to consider:
Wooden Pull-Out Shelves
Wooden pull-out shelves provide a built-in look and feel. They're constructed from solid wood or plywood with a laminate or wood veneer finish. Pros include strength, durability, and aesthetic appeal. Cons are they tend to be the most expensive option. Wood works well for storing lighter items or small appliances.
Metal Drawer Slides
Some slides use sturdy metal ball bearing drawer slides. Pros are metal's strength and smooth slide motion. Cons are metal conducts heat so avoid direct contact with hot cookware. Metal works well for heavier cookware or appliances.
Plastic Rolling Shelves
Lightweight plastic roll out shelves have built-in wheels and slide on plastic tracks. Pros are affordability and easy DIY installation. Cons are less weight capacity and potential to crack over time. Plastic shelves work well for everyday dishes, food boxes, or bathroom essentials.
Factors to Consider When Choosing Slides
To select the best slides, assess:
Weight Capacity
Check weight limits, especially for appliances. Wood or metal is best for heavy items.
Mounting Mechanism
Look for secure mounting brackets tailored to your cabinet's dimensions and interior.
Soft-Close Technology
Soft-close slides prevent slamming. Some even have catches to keep the shelf pulled out.
Customization Options
See if you can add extra shelves or adjustable dividers to personalize the storage solution.
How to Install Slide Out Shelves
Installing slides is an intermediate DIY project. With proper prep and patience, you can upgrade your cabinets yourself. You'll need:
- Stud finder
- Level
- Screwdriver
- Power drill
Then follow these key steps:
Remove Existing Shelves
Empty the cabinet and take out any shelves you plan to replace with slides.
Measure for Slides
Check interior dimensions and layout to select slides guaranteed to fit.
Attach Slide Hardware
Anchor into solid wood using studs, not just drywall. Follow all manufacturer instructions.
Test Slides
Test the slide motion and make any adjustments. Load items to check weight capacity.
Troubleshoot Issues
If slides don't glide smoothly, check tracks for obstructions and reload items more evenly distributed.
Maximizing Storage with Slide Outs
Slide outs effectively double your storage space. Plus, you'll actually use the added space since everything is easily accessible. Clever ways to use them:
Use for Blind Corner Cabinets
Hard-to-reach corner cabinets become ultra functional with diagonal slide out shelves.
Stack Multiples in Wide Cabinets
Use dual or triple slide outs vertically to optimize all the unused vertical storage wasted in wide cabinets.
Combine with Other Organizers
Install slide-out trays or baskets so smaller items don't get lost way in back.
| Organize These Items | With These Slide-Out Solutions |
|---|---|
| Cleaning supplies | Tall slide-out caddy |
| Bakeware | Deep extra-wide slide shelf |
| Stand mixer | Appliance garage slide out |
Going Beyond Slides for More Storage
While slide outs maximize cabinet efficiency, a well-organized kitchen requires some additional storage solutions. Useful additions include:
Cabinet Door Racks
Mount spice, foil, or cutting board racks to the inside of cabinet doors.
Drawer Organizers
Use compartment dividers, trays, and inserts to neatly arrange utensils and gadgets.
Pull-Out Waste Bins
Keep trash cans out of sight but also out of your way beneath the sink in a custom pull-out enclosure.
Pantry Pull-Outs
Maximize vertical real estate with pull-out drawers that hold snack boxes and cans in your pantry.
Upper Cabinet Racks
Ceiling mount pot lid racks, hanging basket coffee mug trees, or plate racks over cabinets.
Revitalizing tired kitchens with slide out storage is an affordable way to double your existing space. Slide outs keep everything visible and within arm's reach so you can cook efficiently. Review your needs and cabinet dimensions to select the right mix of solutions. With some planning and DIY handiwork, you can give your kitchen a major functional facelift.