Have you ever stared into your lower kitchen cabinets, struggling to reach items hidden in the back? You’re not alone. Those deep, dark spaces waste storage and create kitchen chaos.
Pull-out pantry shelves are an effective solution that anyone can build. Even if you’ve never tackled a DIY project, you can transform those frustrating cabinets into organized, accessible storage.
In this article, you’ll find a complete materials list, simple preparation steps, and 5 clear, step-by-step building instructions.
I’ve helped dozens of homeowners create these practical shelves in a single weekend. The techniques are straightforward, the tools are basic, and the results will change how you use your kitchen.
Let’s fix those cluttered cabinets together with this beginner-friendly project.
Tools and Materials You’ll Need
Tools:
- Drill with bits
- Measuring tape
- Pencil
- Level
- Saw (circular or jigsaw)
- Screwdriver
- Sanding block or sandpaper
Materials:
- 3/4″ plywood for shelves
- Full-extension drawer slides (pair for each shelf)
- Wood screws (1″ and 1-1/4″)
- Wood glue
- Wood finish or paint
- Sandpaper (medium and fine grit)
Optional Items:
- Shelf liners
- Storage bins
- Edge banding for plywood
- Cabinet handles
Measuring and Planning Your Pull-Out Shelves
Empty your cabinet first. Accuracy matters.
Key Measurements
- Width: Inside wall to wall
- Depth: Back wall to front opening
- Height: Bottom to top (or to desired shelf position)
Always measure twice.
Planning for Clearance
Drawer slides need 1/2 inch on each side. Subtract 1 inch from your total width.
Check for door hinges that stick inward. Make shelves narrower if needed.
Make shelves 1 inch shorter than the cabinet depth to prevent back wall bumping.
Quick Sketch
Draw a simple top-view rectangle of your cabinet. Mark:
- Cabinet walls
- Door opening
- Slide positions
- Final shelf size
A cardboard template can help test the fit before cutting wood.
5 Simple Steps to Build Your Pull-Out Pantry Shelves
I’ve built dozens of these shelves, and I promise you can do this too. Here’s how:
1. Cut Wood to Size
Start with your measurements from earlier. I mark each cut line twice to avoid mistakes.
For each pull-out shelf, cut:
- One base piece (the main shelf)
- Two side pieces (about 3-4 inches tall)
- One back piece
A circular saw works great, but a jigsaw or even a hand saw will do the job.
2. Assemble the Shelf Boxes
Now we’ll turn those pieces into a box. Apply wood glue to the edges where pieces meet.
Hold pieces in place with clamps if you have them. No clamps? Books or heavy objects work too.
Drive screws through the base into the sides and back. I use 1¼-inch screws for this.
Let the glue dry completely before moving on.
3. Install Drawer Slides in the Cabinet
This step makes or breaks your project. Take your time here.
Mark where your slides will go on both cabinet walls. They must be:
- Level (use that bubble level!)
- The same height on both sides
- Parallel to the cabinet bottom
Screw the cabinet part of each slide to your marks. Pre-drill holes to prevent the wood from splitting.
4. Attach Shelves to Slides
Flip your shelf box over. Attach the matching slide parts to the sides of your box.
Most slides have pre-made holes. Line them up about ½ inch from the bottom edge of your shelf sides.
Slide your shelf into the cabinet. Push it back, then pull it out.
Does it stick? Check if:
- The slides aren’t level
- The shelf is too wide
- A screw is sticking out
5. Finish and Customize
Sand all edges smooth with medium sandpaper, then fine sandpaper.
Apply your choice of:
- Paint (2 coats work best)
- Wood stain followed by a clear coat
- Just clear the polyurethane for a natural look
Once dry, add shelf liner if you want. This stops items from sliding around.
You did it! Now fill your new pull-out shelves and enjoy easy access to everything.
What is the Best Wood for DIY Cabinet Pull-Out Shelves?
Picking the right wood makes a big difference in how well your shelves work and how long they last.
My Top Wood Choices
I’ve tried many woods over the years. These three stand out for pull-out shelves:
Birch Plywood: This is my go-to choice. It’s strong, looks nice, and won’t break the bank. The smooth surface takes paint well.
Baltic Birch: A step up from regular birch. It has more layers, which means extra strength. Worth the higher price if you’ll store heavy items.
Maple Plywood: This costs more but has a beautiful grain. I choose maple when I want shelves that look good enough to leave natural or with a clear finish.
Strength Matters
Pull-out shelves hold a lot of weight and move often. Weak wood will sag or break.
Avoid these woods:
- Pine (too soft for heavy items)
- Particle board (falls apart when wet)
- MDF (heavy and weakens if damp)
Cost Considerations
A 4×8 sheet of good plywood costs $40-80. This makes about 4-6 pull-out shelves.
Is that too much? Look for cabinet-grade plywood at home centers. Sometimes they sell smaller pieces, perfect for this project.
Thickness Tips
¾-inch thickness works best for most shelves. It’s strong enough for canned goods and small appliances.
For extra-wide shelves (over 30 inches), I add support strips underneath to prevent sagging.
For small shelves holding light items, ½-inch plywood works fine and costs less.
DIY Pull-Out Pantry Shelves: Was It Worth It?
Yes, these shelves are worth the weekend effort.
The Benefits
- No more searching on hands and knees
- About 30% more usable storage space
- Custom fit to your exact cabinet size
For First-Time DIYers
Be proud! You used tools, built something useful, and solved a real problem.
Not perfect? That’s OK. My first project wasn’t either. The next one will be easier.
Share Your Success
Take a photo of your finished shelves! Post with #DIYPullOutShelves or send me a message with questions.
Now you can say, “I built a solution for that.”
Conclusion
Building pull-out pantry shelves isn’t as hard as it seems. Now you have the exact steps to make it happen.
These shelves end wasted space and forgotten food. No more awkward reaching into dark corners.
With basic tools, wood, and a weekend, you can create something useful for less money than store-bought versions.
This project works for all skill levels. No fancy woodworking needed.
Take action today. Measure, plan, and get supplies this weekend.
Soon you’ll open cabinets to find everything organized and easy to reach.
I hope you’ll share your results. Your success might inspire someone else’s first DIY project, too.
Good luck with your new pull-out pantry shelves!
FAQs
How much does it cost to build DIY pull-out pantry shelves?
I typically spend $30-60 per shelf. The drawer slides are the most expensive part at $10-25 per pair. Wood costs about $15-30 per shelf, depending on quality. Add $5-10 for screws, glue, and finish.
Can I install pull-out shelves in an existing pantry cabinet?
Yes, you can! I’ve added pull-outs to both new and old cabinets. Just make sure your cabinet has a flat bottom, enough clearance for the slides, and no center support post in the way.
Face-frame cabinets need special mounting techniques, but it’s still very doable.
Do I need soft-close drawer slides?
Not necessary, but I love them. Standard slides work fine and save about $8-12 per shelf. Soft-close prevents slamming and feels more high-end. It’s a small luxury that makes me smile every time I use it.
How much weight can DIY pull-out shelves hold?
This depends on your drawer slides. Most standard slides hold 75-100 pounds. Heavy-duty slides can support up to 150 pounds.
The wood matters too. A ¾-inch plywood shelf can easily handle canned goods, small appliances, and cookware. Wider shelves may need support strips to prevent sagging.
How do I keep items from falling off the shelves?
Adding a back and sides to your shelf box solves this problem. I make these 3-4 inches tall.
For small items that might slip between gaps, try adding a lip to the front edge, using shelf liner with grip, or placing small items in containers.
Is it better to use full-extension or 3/4-extension slides?
I always pick full-extension slides. They cost just a few dollars more but let you pull the shelf completely out. This gives access to items at the very back.
3/4-extension slides are fine for shallow cabinets where you don’t need to reach as far.
Can I build pull-out shelves without power tools?
Yes! Ask the hardware store to cut your wood. Use a hand screwdriver, manual saw for small adjustments, and sandpaper. It takes longer but works well.
