Can you convert cabinets into drawers?

Converting existing cabinets into drawers can be a great way to increase storage and accessibility in your kitchen or other spaces. With some simple alterations, you can transform stationary cabinetry into functional drawers without completely remodeling your space. There are a few factors to consider before taking on a cabinet to drawer conversion project. Assessing the construction of your current cabinets, choosing the right materials, and proper installation will ensure your new drawers are sturdy, slide smoothly, and serve your organizational needs.

Can You Physically Convert Cabinets to Drawers?

Yes, it is generally possible to physically convert existing kitchen or bathroom cabinets into functional drawers. The process involves removing cabinet doors, replacing the cabinet bottom with drawer slides and rollers, and installing new drawer fronts. With appropriate carpentry skills, proper drawer hardware, and attention to measurements, many cabinets can be successfully retrofitted into pull-out drawers.

The conversion process will vary depending on the cabinet construction. Face-frame cabinets with a recessed bottom panel can accommodate drawer hardware more easily than frameless cabinet designs. Cabinet structural elements, interior accessibility, weight considerations, and desired drawer size will factor into successfully completing a cabinet to drawer conversion project. Proper planning and hardware selection helps ensure your new drawers operate smoothly and withstand regular use.

Benefits of Converting Cabinets into Drawers

Converting your existing cabinets into drawers can provide several benefits compared to standard stationary cabinets:

– Increased accessibility – Drawers pull out so contents are easy to see and reach. This is especially helpful for corner cabinet spaces or base cabinets with typically limited visibility and access.

– Improved organization – Drawers allow you to neatly divide spaces and belongings. You can organize utensils, cooking tools, bathroom toiletries, craft supplies, or anything else into organized compartments.

– Customized storage – Drawers can be customized to your needs with different configurations, sizes, and compartmental options.

– Efficient use of space – Drawers maximize vertical storage space. More can be stored and accessed with ease compared to reaching into or accessing the back of regular cabinets.

– Cost savings – Converting cabinets is generally more affordable compared to full cabinet or kitchen renovations. New life can be brought to existing cabinetry.

– Convenience – Smooth rolling drawers are easier to open and close compared to cabinet doors. Contents are moved to you rather than you having to reach in to find what you need.

Should You Convert Upper or Lower Cabinets?

When deciding which cabinets to convert, consider factors like usage, weight load, and ergonomics. Here are some factors for upper vs. lower cabinet conversions:

Lower Cabinets:

– Are more accessible for installing and adjusting drawer hardware

– Allow the use of large, deep drawers

– Provide greater weight load capacity

– Gain enhanced ergonomic access to contents

– May offer more universal drawer access for those with disabilities or limited mobility

Upper Cabinets:

– Offer vertical storage efficiency

– Provide frequently accessed items at eye-level

– Allow small organizational drawers for items like spices

– Can utilize shallower drawers

– Require secure hardware to safely handle opened weight

Either upper or lower cabinet drawers can help simplify and organize your space. Evaluate your unique needs and usage patterns to decide if converting top or bottom cabinets will benefit you most. Many kitchens can take advantage of drawer conversions in both locations.

How to Assess Your Cabinets for Conversion

Before getting started on your cabinet to drawer conversion, inspect your existing cabinetry and ensure it is suitable for the project. Assess the following:

– Cabinet style – Face-frame or frameless construction? Frameless cabinets without a front frame will require added structural support.

– Materials – What are the cabinet boxes made of? Particleboard is easiest to work with. Solid wood or metal may require extra tools.

– Door style – Hinged or sliding doors? How are they attached? Removing doors is the first step.

– Interior access – Can the cabinet interior be accessed to install drawer slides/hardware?

– Current base – Is there an existing bottom panel or cross-support? This will be removed and replaced with drawer elements.

– Corner cabinets – Can these two-sided cabinets accommodate drawer hardware and runners?

– Plumbing or electrical – Are there any supply lines to avoid when removing cabinet parts or installing drawers?

Doing this evaluation will determine what work and modifications may be required as part of your cabinet conversion project.

How to Modify Frameless Cabinets

Frameless cabinets require some additional structural modifications compared to face-frame cabinets when converting to drawers. Here are the steps for frameless cabinet conversions:

1. Remove cabinet doors and shelves. Detach any cross-members or back panels as needed to access interior.

2. On both sides of the cabinet, attach wood strips or L-brackets to provide stability and support drawer slides. These will stabilize the cabinet once you remove the base.

3. Remove back panel of cabinet if still in place. Leave sides and top intact.

4. Unscrew bottom panel or interior base from cabinet sides. Remove any cross-members or central supports.

5. Install drawer slides into cabinet sides, attaching to reinforcement strips or L-brackets if installed.

6. Build new drawer box to dimensions matching cabinet interior opening. Attach roller guides.

7. Install new drawer front chosen to match cabinet style. Attach pulls or handles if desired.

Reinforcing the side walls is key for a frameless system to support drawers properly. The wood strips or metal brackets provide attachment points for drawer slides and keep the cabinet stable once you remove the original base.

Selecting Drawer Slides and Hardware

Choosing suitable drawer slides and hardware components ensures your new drawers will operate smoothly. Consider factors like:

– Drawer slide type – Ball-bearing, full extension slides perform best for a cabinet conversion. Look for weight rating, slide travel, and mounting style to fit your cabinets.

– Size – Measure interior cabinet dimensions. Choose slide sizes that maximize usable drawer space. Standard slides are available in lengths ranging from 10″ to 30″.

– Weight capacity – Consider the contents you’ll store. Choose pound capacity rating greater than maximum expected weight.

– Mounting method – Look for drawer slides designed to mount to cabinet sides, bottom, or reinforcement brackets.

– Drawer box – Durable wood, metal, or quality polymer materials. Match dimensions to opening and slides.

– Soft-close – Drawer slides with integrated soft-close mechanisms prevent slamming. A useful upgrade feature.

Investing in high-quality, heavy-duty hardware ensures smooth operation that will last. Don’t skimp on materials for this important functional component.

Installing Drawer Slides and Rollers

Proper installation techniques are critical for optimal drawer function when converting cabinets. Follow manufacturer instructions for your specific slides, but general steps include:

1. Confirm level cabinet installation. Use shims if cabinet is uneven.

2. Position slide against cabinet side wall at desired height. Mark screw holes.

3. Pre-drill screw holes at marked locations. Avoid splitting cabinet material.

4. Attach slide side securely using provided screws. Repeat for other side.

5. Confirm slides are level and aligned. Test extension function.

6. Build or install drawer box. Attach roller guides to drawer sides at marked locations.

7. Insert drawer box between extended slides on rollers. Ensure smooth travel.

8. Attach drawer front and handles as desired.

Taking care to position slides level and drilling pilot holes for a secure fit will give your drawers the stability they need for years of service.

Important Tips for Converting Cabinets to Drawers

Follow these tips for a smooth cabinet to drawer conversion:

– Carefully detach doors/panels to avoid cabinet damage

– Reinforce frameless cabinets for stability

– Use height-adjustable drawer slides for positioning flexibility

– Seal raw wood edges of cabinet interiors for protection

– Frequently test drawer travel when installing to ensure proper alignment

– Pre-drill screw holes in cabinet sides to prevent splitting

– Shim any uneven areas for level drawer operation

– Use drawer liner or padding to reduce noise and friction

– Organize contents into containers to maximize drawer space

– Label new drawers for easy identification of contents

– Check hardware after installation for tightness. Tighten any loose screws.

Taking the time to properly install quality components will lead to years of enhanced access and organization with your new drawer system.

Considerations When Converting Bathroom Vanity Cabinets

Converting bathroom vanity cabinets to pull-out drawers can also be a convenient upgrade. When planning this type of conversion, be sure to:

– Check for plumbing or electrical lines hidden under or behind vanity

– Select slide hardware rated for bathroom humidity and moisture

– Use corrosion resistant components

– Provide adequate clearance beneath pipes or sinks for drawers

– Ensure water supply lines have enough slack for drawer movement

– Consider shallow rollout trays instead of full-depth drawers if space is limited

With careful planning and quality materials suited for a damp environment, you can successfully add drawer storage to your bathroom vanity.

Cost to Convert Cabinets into Drawers

The cost to convert cabinets into drawers will depend on several factors:

– Type of cabinets – Frameless or face-frame construction

– Number of cabinets/drawers – More drawers equals higher cost

– Hardware components – Economy vs heavy-duty slides and rollers

– DIY vs professional installation – Hiring a carpenter adds labor costs

– Cabinet modification complexity – Refacing or structural changes needed

As a general estimate, costs range from:

– DIY using economy hardware: $50 – $150 per drawer

– Professional installation with premium hardware: $250 – $500 per drawer

This covers materials like slides, rollers, wood, and new drawer fronts. Expect to pay more for additional carpentry work, cabinet modifications, or extensive alterations. Luxury upgrades like soft-close slides also increase overall project expense.

Should You Hire a Carpenter?

While a skilled DIYer can likely convert cabinets on their own, hiring a professional carpenter offers some advantages:

– Experience with cabinetry construction and project complexity

– Correct tools and methods for modifications

– Precision cutting skills for sizing replacement parts

– Installing reinforcements on frameless cabinets

– Creating custom drawer boxes to fit your space

– Ensuring optimal drawer operation and longevity

Consider your skill level, tools, and willingness to do potential cabinet modifications. Professional help is recommended for more complex cabinet projects or structural changes.

Conclusion

Converting existing cabinets into functional drawers can greatly improve kitchen and bathroom organization and access. With proper planning and materials, many cabinet styles can be retrofitted with quality drawer hardware and custom-sized drawer boxes. Face-frame cabinets offer the most straightforward conversion, while frameless designs require structural reinforcements. Investing in durable, smooth-operating drawer slide components ensures ease of use for years. Understanding installation factors like alignment, load capacity, and clearance allows drawers to work optimally. With some carpentry skills and quality hardware, you can transform your fixed cabinets into customized pull-out drawers that make items easily visible and within reach.

Cabinet Type	Conversion Complexity	Modifications Needed
Face-frame	Low	Removal of doors, base
Frameless	Medium/High	Reinforcement brackets installed
Wood	Low	Bottom panel removed
Metal	Medium	May need specialty tools

References

https://www.bobvila.com/articles/how-to-convert-cabinets-to-drawers/

https://www.familyhandyman.com/kitchen/cabinets/how-to-convert-kitchen-cabinets-to-drawers/

https://www.homedepot.com/c/ah/how-to-convert-cabinets-to-drawers/9ba683603be9fa5395fab90e4fb1dce

https://www.bhg.com/kitchen/cabinets/tips-for-converting-cabinets-to-drawers/