Sunday, April 02, 2006

Here's what I built in about 2 hours

Don't have a before shot, but trust me, it wasn't pretty.

First, buy some drawer slides

I found these for 2 bucks at Big Lots.

Then, install some blocks for mounting

I just used a piece of scrap wood. Put two screws into it or it'll move. This one's the center one. There's two more -- one on the left and one on the right.

Then, mount the brackets

The drawer slides should come with screws. Make sure it goes straight back or the platform won't slide correctly. I used a carpenter square.

Also, use a level to make sure the bracket is -- well -- level.

Find some wood and attach it

Use the screws that came with the drawer slides. The wood can be longer than the bracket. Mine's a full 24 inches long and reaches all the way to the back of the cabinet.

That's just three-quarter inch plywood that I had lying about. I used my table saw to cut the proper dimensions. You can pick up little squares of plywood at Home Depot and they'll even cut them for you for 50 cents a cut.

Make sure the platform fits

If it jams as it's sliding, you might have to reposition the blocks at the back. Amazingly, I got mine right on the first try.

Go buy some baskets

I found these baskets at Wal-Mart. They made to be stacked and cost $6 for two. Pretty sweet deal. You could go fancier -- like wicker or rattan. But, I didn't build mine for public consumption. After all, they'll sit behind cabinet doors most of the time.

Attach the baskets

I used these staples that looked like two-headed bent nails. Use a hammer and make sure you really knock them into the wood deeply.

Fill up your baskets

That's it. Pretty simple project that makes a huge difference in your kitchen.