Hey there, fellow DIY enthusiasts! Robert Kline here, and today we’re tackling a project that’s both practical and stylish: a corner lazy susan cabinet for your kitchen. Now, I’m a huge advocate for sturdy, long-lasting builds, and let me tell you, this cabinet is built to last a lifetime!
Why a Corner Lazy Susan Cabinet?
Ever feel like the back corners of your kitchen cabinets are black holes where things go to disappear forever? Yeah, me too. That’s where the beauty of a lazy susan comes in. It maximizes space and accessibility, making sure every inch of your cabinets is usable.
I learned this the hard way. We once bought a pre-made corner cabinet with a flimsy cardboard back, and let me tell you, it felt like a rip-off! That experience taught me the value of quality materials and construction, especially for kitchen staples like cabinets.
Building the Cabinet: Stronger Than Ever!
For this project, we went all out with 3/4″ plywood, even for the back. Overkill? Maybe. But trust me, this cabinet is sturdy enough to withstand anything life throws at it!
Here’s a step-by-step breakdown:
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Side Panels: We started with two side panels, identical to the other base cabinets in the kitchen, except without shelf pin holes (no shelves in this bad boy!).
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Assembly: Using a Kreg Jig for those beautifully hidden pocket holes, we constructed the cabinet box. Remember, keep those pocket holes on the outsides and undersides for a clean finish inside the cabinet.
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Toekicks: A jigsaw helped us cut out the toekicks, ensuring a cohesive look with the other cabinets.
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Bottom Shelf: We set the bottom shelf at the same height as the rest of the cabinets for consistency.
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Back it Up: Here’s where our trusty 3/4″ plywood comes in for a super strong back.
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Face Frame: We crafted the face frame from poplar 1×2 boards, pre-painted it, and attached it later.
Installing the Lazy Susan: Smooth and Easy
While we could’ve built a lazy susan from scratch, those ready-made kits are a lifesaver! Affordable, easy to clean, and adjustable – what’s not to love?
Installation was a breeze:
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Positioning: The kit came with a handy pattern. Just align it with the front pie cut of the bottom shelf.
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Pre-drilling: Follow the pattern’s instructions to pre-drill the holes.
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Hardware Installation: Attach the bottom hardware piece, followed by the center rod that supports the shelves. Then, slide on your shelves with the top hardware piece underneath.
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Top Hardware: Use the pattern again to drill holes for the top hardware piece and secure it to the underside of the top. We added a plywood top for extra support, but boards work too!
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Final Touches: Finish assembling the cabinet, secure the adjustable center rod, and voila! You have a fully functional lazy susan.
Attaching the Face Frame: The Finishing Touch
With the cabinet built and the lazy susan installed, we moved on to attaching the pre-painted face frame.
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Glue and Secure: We applied glue to the sides of the cabinet and used the pocket holes we drilled earlier to attach the face frame.
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Seamless Look: Like with the other cabinets, we maintained a 1/4″ overextension for a consistent look.
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Nailing it Down: In areas where pocket holes weren’t feasible, we nailed the face frame directly.
Lessons Learned: Measure Twice, Lift Once!
The trickiest part of this whole project? Maneuvering that beast of a cabinet up the stairs! Let’s just say it was a tight squeeze and involved some creative problem-solving.
My advice? Consider building this cabinet in place if you don’t have easy access to your kitchen. It’ll save you a lot of sweat and potential headaches.
Ready to Conquer Your Corner?
There you have it, folks! Building a corner lazy susan cabinet is a fantastic way to optimize your kitchen space and add a touch of custom craftsmanship.
If you’re looking for a unique, handcrafted gift idea or want to explore more DIY projects, head over to Robert Kline Art. We’ve got something for everyone!
Have you tackled any challenging builds lately? Share your stories and tips in the comments below – I love hearing from fellow DIYers!