How to Add a Pull-out Shelf to Your Kitchen Cabinet

Adding a pull-out shelf to your kitchen cabinet is an easy way to make use of the depth of the cabinet, but still be able to see and locate everything. A pull-out shelf is also great for storing heavy appliances, which may gouge the wood if they are slide in and out of the cabinet.

Step 1: Measure the size of the cabinet where you intend to install your pull-out shelf. Subtract ½ inch from both the length and width measurement to calculate the required size of your pull-out shelf.

Step 2: If necessary, remove the existing shelf and any shelf supports using a pry bar.

Step 3: Cut the piece of wood you would like to use for your shelf using the dimensions you calculated in step 1. The type of wood you choose is completely up to you, just make sure it is ½ inch thick. Sand, stain, or prime as necessary before attempting to install the shelf into your kitchen cabinet.

Step 4: Separate the cabinet sliding tracks into the piece that will be attached to the cabinet and the piece that will be attached to the actual shelf.

Step 5: Place the part of the sliding tracks that you intend to install in the cabinet inside the cabinet to check the fit. Make sure the tracks are level with a carpenter's level. Also determine the correct height for the shelf. Once you are sure the sliding tracks are in the right place, mark the location of the screws with a pencil. Remove the tracks.

Step 6: Drill pilot holes into the cabinet to support the sliding tracks. Place the sliding tracks so they align with the pilot holes and screw into place.

Step 7: Attach the leftover pieces of the sliding tracks to the piece of wood you will use as the pull-out shelf for your kitchen cabinet. Mark the location of the pilot holes on the side of the wood, drill the holes, then screw the track into place.

TIP: Some tracks will attach to the bottom of the piece of wood: look at the diagram that came with the sliding tracks for more information.

Step 8: Install the pull-out shelf by sliding the piece into place along the tracks and into the kitchen cabinet. Most of the time you will have to install the shelf at an angle in the kitchen cabinets: the sliding tracks should have a stop to prevent the shelf from being pulled out completely.