Hey DIY enthusiasts!
We’re excited to share our latest project: transforming an under-sink cabinet into a functional and organized storage space. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how we did it.
Gathering the Materials
First things first, we gathered all the materials. We used scrap plywood left over from another project. No need for furniture-grade plywood here since this is just for under-sink storage. To really step up the quality if you’re using this idea in another space, we would use nicer quality plywood.
Cutting and Preparing the Wood
We laid out the pieces on the table saw, ensuring everything was pre-marked and ready to be cut. Once cut, we marked each piece for easy assembly. To avoid hitting any plumbing, we also tapered the tall sides.
Routing and Sanding
Using a round-over bit, we softened the exposed edges while leaving the joining edges flat for better adhesion. After routing, we sanded everything thoroughly. Even though we didn’t use the highest quality plywood, sanding helped smooth out any rough cuts and prevent tear-out.
Assembling the Drawers
We used handy 90° angle clamps and a countersink drill bit to assemble the drawer sides. This ensured the screws sat flush and didn’t interfere with the drawer tracks. Of course, don’t forget your Titebond wood glue.
Installing Drawer Slides
We chose under-mount drawer slides for this project. These slides are heavy-duty and come with pegs or locks to prevent the drawers from sliding out accidentally. After carefully aligning and drilling holes for these locks, we did a dry fit to ensured the slides fit perfectly. Once we knew everything would fit properly, we installed the drawer slides with the included screws.
Adding the Finishing Touches
With the drawer slides installed, we re-used the existing cabinet doors as the drawer fronts. This way, the new drawers blend seamlessly with the rest of the kitchen. We also cut and repurposed a hanging mesh rack from one of the cabinet doors, adding a touch of functionality and quick access storage for sponges to each drawer.
Priming and Painting
Before final assembly, we gave everything a good sanding. We used a primer to seal the wood and then painted it white to match the kitchen cabinets. This step is crucial for durability and aesthetics.
Final Assembly and Installation
Once painted and dried, we attached the cabinet doors to the drawers using L-brackets. This clever reuse of the existing doors ensured a cohesive look, and from the outside you can’t even tell they are slides!
The Result
After all the hard work, the under-sink area is now a functional, organized space. While we didn’t use furniture-grade materials, the result is sturdy and practical. For a more polished look, consider adding edge banding or using wood putty to fill any rough seams or holes. The use of quality plywood would also help with this finished aesthetic.
Conclusion
This project turned out great, and we’re thrilled with the new storage solution. If you’re looking to optimize your own under-sink area, we hope this guide inspires you to give it a try.
Thanks for following along! Be sure to subscribe to our YouTube channel for more DIY projects and check us out on Instagram at @RodneyAndJake. Click the bell icon on our channel to get notified when our next video is out.
Happy DIY-ing!
-Rodney and Jake
Product & Tool List
*include affiliate links*
Titebond Wood Glue – https://amzn.to/45c0fOO
Dewalt Router – https://amzn.to/3Vz3CfC
Dewalt Table Saw – https://amzn.to/3yQvNxt
Dewalt Impact & Drill – https://amzn.to/3Vfpv1S
Dewalt Sander – https://amzn.to/3VurkcB
Dewalt 3″ Cut-off Tool – https://amzn.to/45bD1rS
Plywood Edge Banding – https://amzn.to/4c4beMc
Corner or 90-degree Clamps – https://amzn.to/3KDEVYN
L-Brackets – https://amzn.to/3Vwu5ub
Paint Brush – the ONLY brand Rodney will use – https://amzn.to/4cazTie
Shellac Primer – https://amzn.to/45kD8le
If you liked this project, don’t forget to leave a comment and let us know how your DIY projects are going. Stay tuned for more tips, tricks, and home improvement ideas!
