DIY Pull Out Cabinet Drawers

Are you tired of digging through your cabinets, only to find that elusive pot or pan hiding way in the back? I totally get it!

That’s why I decided to tackle a simple DIY project that has completely transformed my kitchen storage: DIY pull out cabinet drawers.

Not only do these drawers make every inch of space accessible, but they’re also a fun and budget-friendly weekend project. Let me walk you through exactly how I made mine—using scrap wood and a few basic tools!

Why Add Pull Out Drawers?

If you’ve ever struggled with deep cabinets or those annoying half-shelves (seriously, who designed those?), you know how much space gets wasted—and how frustrating it is to reach for things in the back.

Pull out drawers are a total game changer!

Pull out cabinet drawers let you use every inch, keep things organized, and make cleaning a breeze. Plus, you can customize them to fit your exact needs and adding pull out drawers is a simple upgrade that can make your kitchen feel custom and high-end—without the hefty price tag.

What You’ll Need

Before you get started, gather your materials and tools. The best part? You can use leftover wood from other projects to save money and reduce waste!

However, if you don’t have scrap plywood or 1×2’s then you can absolutely buy what you need!

• Scrap 1/2″ plywood (for drawer bottoms)
• Scrap 1×2’s (for drawer sides)
• Drawer slides (full extension recommended)
• Multi-tool (for shelf removal)
• Laser level (for perfect alignment)
• Spacer blocks (for consistent spacing)
• Wood glue
• Brad nailer (or hammer and nails)
• Sandpaper and Sander

Step 1: Remove the Old Half-Shelf

First things first—those half-shelves have got to go!

I grabbed my trusty multi-tool and carefully cut out the half-shelves from all my cabinets. Take your time here and wear safety goggles.

Once the shelves are out, give the inside of your cabinets a quick clean.

Step 2: Install Drawer Slides

Now it’s time to prep for your new drawers! Installing the drawer slides is all about accuracy—this step will make sure your drawers glide smoothly and fit perfectly.

Start by measuring and marking where you want your drawer slides to go inside the cabinet. I used a laser level and some homemade spacer blocks to keep everything at the right height and perfectly straight. The spacer blocks are especially helpful for making sure each slide is installed at the same level on both sides.

Attach the slides to the inside walls of your cabinet according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Double-check that they’re level and parallel—this will save you a lot of frustration later! Once both sides are installed, slide the other half of the hardware onto your soon-to-be drawers so they’re ready for assembly.

Step 3: Build the Drawers

With your slides in place, it’s time to build the drawers themselves! This is where your scrap plywood and 1×2’s come in handy.

Start by measuring the width and depth of your cabinet opening to determine the size of your drawers. Remember to account for the thickness of the drawer slides on each side. Cut your 1/2″ plywood to size for the drawer bottoms, and then cut your 1×2’s for the sides, front, and back pieces.

Once all your pieces are cut, give them a quick sanding to smooth out any rough edges. Lay out the pieces and assemble the drawer box by attaching the sides to the bottom with wood glue and your brad nailer (or finishing nails if you don’t have a nailer). Make sure everything is square before the glue dries—this will help your drawers slide in and out smoothly.

Repeat the process for each drawer you need. Once assembled, do a final check for any rough spots and sand as needed.

Tips for Easy Drawer Assembly

• Dry Fit First: Before gluing or nailing, do a “dry fit” by assembling all the pieces without fasteners. This helps you catch any sizing issues before things get permanent.
• Use Corner Clamps: If you have them, corner clamps are a lifesaver for holding the drawer box square while you attach the sides.
• Mark Your Pieces: Label each piece (front, back, sides, bottom) with a pencil so you don’t mix them up during assembly.
• Wipe Away Excess Glue: Keep a damp rag handy to wipe away any glue that squeezes out at the joints for a cleaner finish.

Step 4: Attach Drawers to Slides

Now for the fun part—bringing your new drawers to life! With your drawer boxes built and your slides installed, it’s time to put everything together.

Start by attaching the corresponding part of the drawer slide hardware to each side of your drawer box. Make sure they’re positioned evenly and securely, following the manufacturer’s instructions. It helps to set the drawer on a flat surface using spacer blocks and use a measuring tape to ensure both slides are mounted at the same height.

Once the slides are attached to the drawers, carefully align the drawers with the slides inside your cabinet. Gently slide them in, making sure everything fits smoothly. You might need to make a few small adjustments to get the perfect fit—don’t be afraid to take your time here!

Test each drawer by pulling it out and pushing it back in a few times. If it glides smoothly and sits level, you’re all set! If not, check for any misalignment and adjust as needed.

Step 5: Enjoy Your New Storage!

That’s it—your DIY pull out drawers are officially installed! Take a moment to admire your handiwork and enjoy how much easier it is to access everything in your cabinets. No more digging around or losing items in the back—now, everything is right at your fingertips.

Start organizing your kitchen essentials in your new drawers. You’ll be amazed at how much more space you have and how much more functional your cabinets feel. Plus, there’s something extra satisfying about knowing you built these custom drawers yourself!

I can’t believe I waited so long to do this—my back (and my sanity) thank me every day!

Tips & Tricks

• Use What You Have: Scrap wood is perfect for this project and helps keep costs down. Don’t be afraid to mix and match materials as long as they’re sturdy.
• Label Your Drawers: Adding simple labels or organizers inside your new drawers can make it even easier to keep everything in its place.
• Drawer Liners: Consider adding non-slip liners to protect your drawers and keep items from sliding around.
• Soft-Close Slides: If you want a touch of luxury, upgrade to soft-close drawer slides—they’re worth the extra investment!
• Customize for Your Needs: Make your drawers deeper or shallower depending on what you plan to store. Customization is the beauty of DIY!
• Take Your Time: Don’t rush the measuring and installation steps. A little extra care here will make your drawers work perfectly for years to come.

Final Thoughts

Tackling a DIY project like pull out drawers might seem intimidating at first, but it’s truly one of the most rewarding upgrades you can make to your kitchen. Not only do you gain extra storage and organization, but you also get the satisfaction of knowing you built something with your own two hands. Every time you open those drawers and easily find what you need, you’ll be reminded of your hard work and creativity.

If you give this project a try, I’d love to hear how it goes! Share your results, ask questions, or tag me in your photos—I’m always excited to see your DIY successes. Happy building!