Are you planning on installing a pullout shelf in your kitchen or bathroom cabinet? Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to measure a cabinet for a pull out shelf.
When it comes to re-organizing and updating your home, adding storage space has never been easier. Pull-out shelves are becoming increasingly popular for their convenience and ability to add convenient storage – but how do you measure a cabinet for them? Though measuring for new pull-out shelves can seem intimidating at first, using the right techniques makes this a straightforward task that most people can complete without professional help!
In this blog post, we’ll discuss the different methods of measuring your cabinets accurately in order to get a perfect size pull-out shelf. We will also review some tips for installing your own shelving unit so you can easily turn any ordinary cabinet into something special!
What Will You Need?
To get started, you’ll need the following items:
- Tape measure
- Pen or pencil
- Notepad (optional)
Once you’ve got these items, you’re ready to measure!
10 Easy Steps on How to Measure a Cabinet for a Pull Out Shelf
Step 1: Measure from Side to Side
Start by measuring the inside width of your cabinet from one side to the other. You can use the edge of the cabinet as a reference point. It will help make sure that your measurements are as accurate as possible.
Step 2: Measure Front to Back
Move on to measuring the depth or how far back your cabinet goes. Be careful not to measure more than the cabinet itself. Anything that goes beyond this might affect how your shelf fits once it’s installed.
Step 3: Determine Your Shelf Depth
Decide how deep you want your shelf to be within the cabinet, taking into account any door or drawers that may open and close in front of it. If you’re unsure, always err on the side of caution and go with a shallow depth. Otherwise, your shelf may not fit correctly.
Step 4: Note the Thickness of the Cabinet Sides
Finally, take note of how thick the sides of your cabinet are, as this will inform whether adjustable brackets or non-adjustable options are available for you to use. It is important to ensure your shelf can fit securely within the cabinet, so take this measurement carefully. Don’t forget to use a pen or pencil and a notepad (if you have one) to write down your figures.
Step 5: Check Measurements Against Standard Sizes
You can now check the measurements you have taken against standard sizes for pull-out shelves. If your shelf does not fit any pre-made sizes, you may need to consider custom building options. This is where the measurements you have taken will come in handy.
Step 6: Consider Installation Options
Consider whether you want to do a full installation with an adjustable bracket system or prefer a simpler approach with non-adjustable brackets and screws. Consider how much time and effort you want to put into installing your shelf and the cost associated with each option. As always, keep your measurements in mind when making this decision.
Step 7: Research Available Products and Prices
Start researching products and prices online so that you know what to expect before making any purchases. Don’t forget to read customer reviews for a better understanding of the quality and performance of each product. If you feel overwhelmed, contact professionals who can advise on what shelf and installation option is best for you.
Step 8: Double Check Measurements
Before finalizing your purchase, double-check all of your measurements and ensure that your shelf will fit in the cabinet. Don’t just rely on the standard sizes, as there could be slight variations from one cabinet to another. It is best to have accurate measurements that you can refer to in order to avoid any costly mistakes.
Step 9: Make Your Purchase
When you’re satisfied with your measurements, purchase online or at a store in person. Be careful to follow the instructions on how to install your shelf, as they can vary depending on whether you have chosen adjustable brackets or non-adjustable options. Additionally, some shelves come with additional components that must be put together before installation.
Step 10: Install Your Pull Out Shelf
Follow the manufacturer’s instructions to install your pull out shelf and get organized! Ensure that you secure the shelf correctly, as it will need to be able to bear the weight of whatever is loaded onto it. With your new pull-out shelf, you can now enjoy the convenience of having everything at your fingertips.
By following these simple steps, you can easily measure your cabinet for the perfect pull-out shelf. With the right measurements, you will have a great new addition to your kitchen and an increase in storage space!
5 Additional Tips and Tricks
- If you are installing a pull-out shelf in an existing cabinet, carefully measure the inside dimensions of your cabinet so that you know what size of the shelf to purchase.
- Measure the height from floor to ceiling and the depth between the walls in order to determine how much space you have available for your shelf.
- Make sure to take into account any obstructions or protrusions that may be inside the cabinet when measuring so as not to interfere with the shelves’ operation.
- Measure the width of the opening using a tape measure and then subtract 1/8th inch on either side for clearance if possible; this will help ensure that your shelf slides smoothly without snagging on anything while in use.
- When measuring for a pull-out shelf, always remember to double-check your measurements so that you can purchase the right size of the shelf and have it fit perfectly. This will ensure maximum storage potential.
By carefully measuring your cabinet dimensions and taking into account any obstructions or protrusions inside the cabinet, you can easily measure for a pull-out shelf that fits perfectly and maximizes storage space. With these tips and tricks in mind, you’ll be on your way to creating an organized and functional kitchen or other room with ease!
5 Things You Should Avoid
- Don’t forget to take into account any obstructions or protrusions when measuring for the shelf.
- Never purchase a shelf without double-checking your measurements first.
- Do not try to guess the shelf size you need; always measure it carefully.
- Avoid purchasing a shelf that is too large for the cabinet, as this can cause installation problems and may interfere with its operation.
- Refrain from buying a slide-out shelf that is too small, as it won’t provide enough space for storage and use.
By being mindful of what to avoid when measuring for a pull-out shelf, you can ensure that your new shelf fits perfectly in your existing cabinet and maximizes storage space. With these tips and tricks in mind, you can easily choose the perfect shelf for your needs!
What is the Difference Between a Drawer and a Pull Out?
Drawers and pull-out shelves are great storage solutions, but they differ in how they open. Drawers use drawer slides that allow them to be opened by pulling the drawer out of its frame. On the other hand, pull-out shelves use a different kind of mechanism that allows them to slide partially out of their frame; this makes them much easier to access than drawers and is ideal for kitchen or pantry storage.
When choosing between drawers and pull-out shelves, consider your specific needs as well as how easily you want each piece of furniture to be accessed.
Overall, by taking the time to measure your cabinet dimensions and familiarizing yourself with the difference between drawers and pull-out shelves, you can easily select the right shelf for your needs. With these tips and tricks in mind, you can easily create a functional and organized room!
With these tips in mind, you can easily create an organized and functional space!
What is the Most Common Type of Drawer Pull?
The most common type of drawer pull is the classic knurled knob pull. This pull style features a round knob with ridges or grooves cut into it, making it easier to grip and open.
Additionally, this classic design looks great in any kitchen or bathroom and can easily be matched with other hardware for a cohesive look. There are also many variations of this style available, so you can find one that works best for your needs.
Other popular types of pulls include bar pulls, cup pulls, ring pulls, and more – each offering its own unique aesthetic benefits.
Ultimately, when selecting the right drawer pull for your needs, consider the overall look and feel you want to achieve, as well as how easy it will be to grip and open. With these tips in mind, you can easily create a beautiful and functional space!
Conclusion
Updating the pullout shelves of your cabinets is a great way to increase storage and make room in your kitchen. Before you can do any work, you need to measure the cabinet to choose the right size shelf accurately.
All you need is a tape measure, something to write with, and this set of easy-to-follow steps.
Start by measuring from side to side, then front to back, before determining what depth you want for your shelf. Finally, note how thick your cabinet’s sides are because that will help inform the choice between adjustable brackets or non-adjustable options.
Hopefully, the article on how to measure a cabinet for a pull out shelf has helped you become more familiar with the process. Thanks for reading!
