Not a recipe, but I thought y'all would be the ones to ask ...
Has anyone converted their kitchen cupboards to draws? I want to but are not sure if I need to chuck the old units and replace them, or whether I can literally convert from one to other by putting the fixtures for the draws in my current cupboard units. They are modern modular construction

bisloy - 2019-09-29 18:35:00

Are you planning on getting the drawers made for the space available or purchasing flat packs?

If getting made then I believe that it would be completely doable to just replace cupboards with drawers. If you are buying modular I guess you would have to purchase the whole 'unit'.

I have just done a similar exercise looking a Kaboodle. I decided not to go with them.

Why not pop into your nearest Bunnings and ask them what your options are. Take along a rough diagram of what you want with measurements.

buzzy110 - 2019-09-29 18:48:00

Because I can't get into the back corners of my lower cupboards, I'm planning on putting drawers in their place.
A drawer is just a basic box, so if the carcase is suitable, i.e., solid walls both sides, nothing sticking out to interfere with drawers, it is a simple matter to fit metal drawer runners to suit. The drawers have to have about 1.2 cm clearance on each side, to fit the runners, and drawer fronts and handles are screwed on to suit.
My biggest problem has been finding drawer runners of the right length for my current cabinets.

Edited by punkinthefirst at 12:06 pm, Mon 30 Sep

punkinthefirst - 2019-09-30 12:05:00

Can you find our what brand your current units are and contact the company?
It should be reasonably easy if you have standard size units, or could you buy runners and fit sliding shelves, or baskets, inside the cupboard instead so you open the existing doors and slide a shelf out instead of a drawer?

articferrit - 2019-09-30 12:33:00

As punkinthefirst says but it could be difficult. The sides need to be a reasonable thickness, access to install drawer slides and the usable width will be less with drawers. Rather than removing the shelves, putting stuff in baskets, or plastic containers, that you can pull forward would be easier, for a similar amount of storage space.
As articferret suggests baskets, rails installed underneath the shelf and top would work.

amasser - 2019-09-30 16:20:00

All great ideas people. Thank you.
I never thought about runners and baskets...but this is for plates and servers, so I think I need something a bit more robust.
Let you know what I do, but it won't be soon.
Thanks again!

bisloy - 2019-10-01 14:53:00

I have had mine done and hubby says why on earth didnt I do that years ago, then we went onto gas hot water and cylinder taken out and half that cupboard is draws then shelves for higher space, I did have a cabinet maker do them, the only awkward ones were the ones under the sink because of the pipes and we had to go around them but still plenty of room for pots and pans

gardner12 - 2019-10-15 15:15:00

I had a custom built free standing 'island' made & I was going to have cupboards underneath until drawers were suggested ... they are so much easier to use.
So pleased I made that choice, 6 drawers cater for everyday glasses & coffee mugs/cups, serving plates/platters bowls etc for entertaining - mishmash of first aid & bit's & bobs, frequently used recipe books & lastly for some unknown reason ....handbags!

samanya - 2019-10-15 18:27:00

Love drawers in the kitchen! I've inherited a newish kitchen in my wee cottage that has mostly drawers. Under the sink unfortunately is still cupboards. Much cursing when getting pots etc out sometimes.But I can't afford to replace those.
I can never understand the Americans in the HGTV shows when they have all those awfully high overhead cupboards. I used to hate climbing up to get things in my old house!
Lol @ handbags samanya.....they are my weakness now I can't wear high heels, I'd need a whole pantry for mine!

hound31 - 2019-10-15 18:42:00