FULL EXTENSION PULL-OUT SLIDING DRAWERS

Presented by the SCA Woodchips Woodworking Club

www.scawoodchips.org

February 26, 2008

 

Shelf Width

The actual size (outside dimension) of the sliding shelf (drawer) should be exactly 1" less than the size of the “clear cabinet opening” (dimension A). This is to allow for the sliding shelving systems hardware on each side. To determine the “clear cabinet opening,” measure the distance between the cabinet face frames. Next, ensure there are no obstructions that would prevent the drawer from sliding out, such as hinges or door placement. If there are obstructions, reduce the “clear cabinet opening” so the drawer will slide out without interference.  It is also important to ensure the door opens far enough, at least 90 degrees. In some instances the door may infringe on the opening more when it is fully open.  If this is the case, reduce the “clear cabinet opening” dimension appropriately.

 

Shelf Depth

To determine the depth of your shelf, measure the distance from the inside edge of the kitchen cabinet face frame (the back side) to the back wall of the cabinet (dimension B). Watch out for any protrusions such as pipes or electric wires or outlets and adjust the size accordingly.

                                                     Measuring Guide

                                  "A" is the clear cabinet opening B is the cabinet depth for installing pull out shelves do it yourself do-it-yourself

Drawer Construction

The thickness of the material used to make your drawer bottom will depend on the size of the drawer and the type of joint you use to join the drawer bottom to the drawer front, back and sides.  We recommend you use 3/8” material for the bottom if you are making up to 14” wide drawers constructed with dado joints.  If you want to make up to 14” wide drawers constructed using rabitt or butt-end joints, use 1/2” material for the bottom. If you intend to make double cabinet drawers, use at least 5/8” material for the bottom, regardless of joint type.

The front, sides and backs of the drawers can be any height you desire.  Consider purchasing enough wood so they are at least 2” above the bottom of the drawer measured from the inside.  Higher sides and/or backs can sometimes prevent items from falling out. ½” thick sides should be adequate with all drawer widths. You can also customize your sliding drawers with dividers, separators, compartments, etc.  You may also want to consider extending the front of the drawer beyond the side of the drawer by about 3/8” on each side to hide the extension slides.  Dado and rabitt joints can help align the bottom, sides, back and front joints of the drawer and make the assembly process easier.  All drawer joints should be glued and nailed for strength.  After the drawer is finished, attach the rails.  Use at least three screws per rail.

Slide Type

There are two types of slides for pull out drawers. Standard slides that extend 3/4 of the length of the slide, and full extension slides that extend 100 percent of their length. The standard 3/4 extension slides work well for most installations. For a regular kitchen cabinet a 3/4 extension slide puts items that are in the back of the cabinet up where the front items were after the shelf is extended. Full extension slides do have their place. If you have a pantry and want to set canned foods on a shelf and be able to access the back can, full extension slides will do that for you.  Or, if you build a double drawer, they will more easily accommodate the weight.  For other locations such as a media shelf with DVD or CD flip strips, or a lower liquor drawer, the full extension slides give you full access.  Both type slides are available at Woodworkers Emporium, at a club discount, Home Depot, Lowes and on-line.

Side mount method

Normally the slides are mounted at the front and with a rear metal mount. When you need more weight capacity than the rear mount method can provide, the answer is side mounting. The problem is the cabinet side walls are usually not more than 1/2" thick and there is normally about 1" of open space that needs to be accounted for between the side wall and the clear cabinet opening. However, you can install vertical strips of wood on both sides (two on each side, one near the front and the other near the back) that provide the proper filling to match the space behind the cabinet face frame.  A side mount installation can be the strongest and most space efficient installation. It is best to use a piece of wood the same thickness as the space behind the face frame that runs from the bottom of the cabinet to above the height that you want the shelf installed. You can glue and screw this piece of wood in place to make a secure attachment. After the wood is installed you can measure up and make a mark where you want the slides installed. Simply screw the slides in where marked. You will need screws to secure shims to the cabinets and the rails to the cabinet shims.  Use at least two screws per shim and three screws per rail.  Then you should be able to install the sliding shelf. Just lift the rear end of the shelf slides (the end with the wheel) over the wheels on the front end of the cabinet slides for Ύ slides, or insert the slides together for full extension slides. Close the shelf fully and check for alignment, paying careful attention to the left side alignment. Adjust as needed. The use of simple alignment jigs and tools can greatly help with the installation process and save considerable time if you have multiple drawer installations.  Congratulations your shelf is complete!!

Tools

Most drawers require the use of the table saw, planer and jointer (cluster #4), the chop saw (cluster #6) and the router (cluster #8).  Call Dave Cartier, 419-4182, to schedule yourself for all of these clusters well BEFORE you begin constructing your drawers.  Other tools you may need in your home are a tape measure, a small level, a pencil and a drill for pre-drilling and to secure the screws. 


 

Materials List

 

Woodworkers Emporium, Gibson Ave.        Retail (all prices include the Woodchips discount)

          20” Ύ extension Euroslide, Almond            $2.31/pr

          22” Ύ extension Euroslide, Almond              2.42/pr

          20” Full extension                                    9.97/pr

          Metal rear mounting bracket                    1.50/ea

Screws, washers and nuts are required to attach the bracket and slides.

          Box, mounting screws, 100ct                   2.00

 

Superior Molding                                                Retail

          20” Full extension                                  $7.62/pr

 

Home Depot, Serene Ave.

          20” Ύ” extension Euroslide, White             $6.69/pr

          20” Full extension                                   14.48/pr

                                     

          5/8” Melamine 4’X8’                       26.79/sheet

          Ύ”   Melamine        49”X97”                    27.88/sheet

          ½ MDF                    4’X8’                       $18.00/sheet

          5/8 MDF                  4’X8’                       $20.97/sheet

         

          1X4” Poplar                                            1.38/lf

          1X6” Poplar                                            2.09/lf

          1X8” Poplar                                            2.88/lf

                   (The Poplar equates to about $4.00/board foot)

 

          1X6” Birch                                               2.80/lf

                   (The Birch equates to about $6.00+/board foot)

 

          1X6” Maple                                              3.28/lf ($6.56/bf)

 

          Minwax Wipe-on Poly, Clear Satin                7.47/16oz can

 

National Wood Products

            1/2” Russian Birch Plywood     5’X5’           $27.50/sheet

          3/4” Russian Birch Plywood     5’X5’           $39.95/sheet

          Soft Maple                                           $4.00/bf

          Poplar                                                  $2.85/bf

Full Extension Slides: http://stores.ebay.com/Contempo-Living-Inc  Order early as they run out of specific lengths regularly and must re-order.

Additional Wood Sources:

National Wood Products, 6065 Polaris Av. 795-2324  

Superior Molding, 5190 W. Patrick Lane, 739-9663 

Rugby IPD Corp., 4545 W. Diablo Suite B. 248-0050