How to Convert Base Cabinets to Drawers

Don't you wish that you could convert base cabinets to drawers? Even with this year's ever changing decorating trends, some homeowners find that it's just not practical to add a whole wall of drawer storage to their home. Here are some simple ideas for converting base cabinets to drawers.

You may need to remove the base cabinets first in order to open the drawer rails. If your drawers are made of solid wood, then you will need to be able to chisel out a hole.

Most home improvement stores will sell you a drawer rail mounts that allow you to attach your rails to the inside of the cabinet. Since drawer rails are usually made of metal, you will need to paint the inside of the cabinet with a primer coat of paint. Make sure to match the color of the paint to the inside of the cabinet.

If you have a drawer that has a number of knobs, you can simply drill small holes in each of the knobs and slide the drawer rail through the holes. If the knobs are plastic, you will need to use a saw to cut through them and make the holes in the knobs. You can do this either in a project shed or with a table saw. However, a drill is preferable since the saw can create lots of little scratches on the inside of the drawer.

Your second option for converting base cabinets to drawers is to use a ladder to reach the upper shelves. If you install the rails at an angle so that you can reach the higher shelves, then you can raise the bottom shelf and put on your new drawer rails, and use your new rail shelf to get the lower shelves.

For the top drawers, you will want to remove the old rails. When removing the existing rails, be careful as the wood can become very brittle and splintery. To protect the cabinet, use a clean rag to wipe off any moisture from the wood before removing the old rails.

It may also be necessary to replace the metal hooks on the bottom of the drawers. You can either purchase new hooks, or you can make them yourself. Most hardware stores sell hooks made from thin metal rod, or aluminum sheet. You can bend these rods in half or quarter-turns until you get a look you like.

Once you have installed the hooks in the drawers, mark where they are going to go. Then carefully measure and cut the metal rod to the required length. You can then drill the holes using your drill press.

Fasten the new hooks into place by using a clamp to secure them in place. Make sure that your screws do not poke through the edges of the rails. Then screw the rails to the frame.

Lastly, you will need to hide nails that have been exposed. You can do this easily by drilling holes through the exposed nails and filling the holes with a wood filler such as plywood. Then fill the holes of the base cabinets to disguise the exposed nail heads.

If you are going to take these cabinets to a home improvement store, they will be able to assist you in figuring out the best way to convert base cabinets to drawers. Just follow their instructions exactly.

If you follow their instructions correctly, you will have a beautiful set of drawer storage. Your home will look great and also fit perfectly into a functional space.