Changing some or all of the conventional cabinets in your kitchen to drawers is an increasingly popular kitchen remodel option. Drawers provide easier access to items stored in your kitchen than traditional cabinets with fixed shelves. The contents of drawers are visible at a glance, preventing items from getting lost in the back of dark cabinets. Drawers are also great for storing pots, pans, utensils, and other items you use frequently while cooking. With a simple pull, everything you need is right at your fingertips.
While changing cabinetry to drawers can make your kitchen more user-friendly, there are some factors to consider before remodeling your kitchen with all drawers. In this article, we’ll look at the pros and cons, costs, cabinet construction considerations, and steps for converting cabinets to drawers.
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Pros of Converting Cabinets to Drawers
There are many benefits to changing some or all of your kitchen cabinets to drawers:
Increased Accessibility
Drawers make everything stored in them easy to see and access. No more rummaging around dark shelves or climbing up and down to reach things stored in tall cabinets. With drawers conveniently located at arm level, you can instantly grab whatever you need while cooking and cleaning up.
More Efficient Storage
Drawers efficiently utilize all the vertical space in your kitchen cabinets. Shelves in regular cabinets often leave wasted gaps between taller items. In a drawer, you can neatly organize pots, lids, utensils, bakeware, and other items to fully maximize the space.
Customized Storage
Drawers allow you to customize compartments to store specific items. From wide drawers for cooking tools, to narrow spice drawers, to divided cutlery trays, each drawer can be designed for optimal use of the space.
Easier Cleaning
It’s much simpler to clean a drawer than scrub down the back of a deep cabinet. Just pull out the drawer, empty it, and wipe clean. Drawers also preventItems dust and crumbs from collecting in dark corners of your cabinets.
Improved Ergonomics
Bending and reaching into low or overhead cabinets can strain your back and shoulders. Pulling open a drawer at a comfortable height reduces physical strain in the kitchen.
Cons of Converting Cabinets to Drawers
While there are excellent reasons to switch to drawers, there are also a few potential downsides:
Higher Cost
In most cases, replacing all your cabinets with drawers will increase the cost of a kitchen remodel. Drawers have more moving parts than standard cabinets, so there is increased material and labor expense.
Reduced Storage Capacity
Eliminating upper cabinets for a full bank of drawers could reduce your overall kitchen storage capacity, depending on drawer configuration. Deep lower cabinets may actually provide more cubic footage of storage space compared to shallower drawers.
Access to Corner Cabinets
Corner cabinets with “lazy susan” turntables provide efficient access to items compared to a blind corner drawer. Consider keeping corner cabinets if you have them.
Less Strong Structure
Drawers do not provide as sturdy an upper structure as fixed wall cabinets. For upper drawers especially, the roller system won’t hold excessive weight. Go for lighter storage items in upper drawers.
Not Ideal for Infrequently Used Items
Items you only use occasionally are better kept in upper cabinets or pantries. Drawer space is better utilized for your every day dishes, cookware, utensils, and ingredients.
Cost to Convert Kitchen Cabinets to Drawers
Changing some or all of your cabinetry to drawers will impact your kitchen remodel budget. Factors affecting the cost include:
Scope of the Remodel
Are you keeping your existing cabinet boxes and just replacing the doors? Or doing a full teardown and replacement of cabinets and drawers? The more extensive the remodel, the higher your costs will be.
Type of Drawers
– Custom built drawers are the most expensive option. Stock or semi-custom drawer boxes with custom fronts help reduce costs.
– Drawers with advanced soft-close dampening systems, dividers, organization trays, and other specialty options will increase the price. Opt for basic drawers to save money.
Quality of Materials
– Solid hardwood drawers are pricier than plywood construction. Go for plywood with a veneer finish for a budget-friendly but still durable option.
– Upscale drawer slides/glides allow greater access to drawer contents but cost more than basic side-mounted metal slides.
Here’s a rough breakdown of estimated costs for switching to drawers:
| Remodel Scope | Estimated Price |
|---|---|
| New drawer fronts only | $1,500 – $3,000 |
| New drawer boxes and fronts | $3,000 – $7,000 |
| Full teardown and replace with drawers | $7,000 – $15,000 |
These are approximate costs for an average 10 x 10 kitchen. Higher end custom work could be $25,000 or more.
How to Convert Cabinets to Drawers
If you decide to switch out all or some of your cabinets for drawers, be sure to consider:
Cabinet Construction
Not all cabinet boxes can easily be converted to drawers. Frameless cabinet construction works best, as the sides are more rigid without a face frame. Framed cabinets can be adapted but may require additional reinforcement.
Weight Distribution
Drawers should be evenly spaced to distribute weight. Plan drawer size and configuration carefully. Too many large, deep drawers on one side could make cabinets unstable.
Drawer Slides
Drawer slides determine how far drawers can pull out and how much weight they can handle. Full extension ball bearing slides are best for full access. Go for heavy duty extension slides for larger drawers.
Depth of Drawers
Standard kitchen cabinets are 24 inches deep. Limit large drawers near the stove or sink to 18 inches deep for easier access. Deeper drawers can store bakeware and platters near the oven or fridge.
Height of Upper Drawers
Aim for upper drawers no more than 26 inches tall for easy access. Shallower upper drawers keep contents visible and prevent heavy items from being stored up high.
Contents of Drawers
Plan drawer contents carefully. Use lower drawers for heavy pots and pans. Upper drawers are ideal for light dinnerware, utensils, and pantry goods.
Conclusion
Converting kitchen cabinets into drawers can significantly improve the ergonomics, storage efficiency, and accessibility of your kitchen storage. While drawers have some limitations in terms of weight capacity and storage volume, the pros of easy access and customizable organization often make them a smart choice for many homeowners. Carefully evaluating your storage needs and remodel budget will help determine if switching to drawers is the right decision for your kitchen. Consider combining drawers and some traditional wall and base cabinets to get the best of both options. With good planning and expert cabinetry work, you can transform your kitchen with drawer storage that maximizes functionality and minimizes frustration.