Adding glide-out shelves is an excellent way to maximize storage space and accessibility in your kitchen. These smooth-sliding shelves make items in the back of cabinets easily reachable. Installing glide-out shelves transforms static cabinet space into an adjustable storage system.
This comprehensive guide will cover everything you need to know about adding glide-out shelves during a kitchen remodel or upgrade. Learn the benefits of installing glide-outs, types of systems available, important design considerations, costs, and step-by-step installation instructions. With the right information, adding these specialized shelves is an achievable do-it-yourself project for many homeowners.
Benefits of Adding Glide-Out Shelves
Installing glide-out shelves offers many benefits compared to standard fixed shelves:
Increased Storage Capacity
Glide-outs allow you to access the entire depth of the cabinet. Items can be stacked vertically and are no longer buried behind other items. This increased organization results in holding more dishes, cookware, pantry items, and anything else stashed in your cabinets.
Easy Accessibility
The smooth side-to-side motion makes contents in the back of the cabinet just an arm’s length away. No more crouching down or using awkward grasps to get items from deep shelves. Glide-outs bring everything conveniently to your fingertips.
A Customized Solution
Glide-out systems come in a wide range of sizes and designs. Choose a specific shelf depth, weight capacity, and mounting style to customize shelves for your needs and preferences.
Improved Ergonomics
The accessible storage reduces time spent bending and reaching. This can help prevent strains and aches associated with constantly stretching into fixed cabinets.
Enhanced Organization
The full extension and easy access lets you neatly group and categorize items. Everything has a designated place, so cabinets stay tidier.
Modernized Style
Sleek glide-outs give your kitchen an updated, high-end look. They also showcase your organizational skills.
Types of Glide-Out Systems
Several design options are available when selecting a glide-out system. Consider which features are most important for your intended purpose.
Standard Side-Mounted Shelves
The most common style has shelves mounted to the cabinet’s side walls with ball bearing glide hardware. The shelf pulls out parallel with fixed shelves above/below it. These are cost-effective and suitable for most uses.
Full-Extension Drawers
Full-extension drawer glides work well for large, deep cabinets. The entire compartment smoothly slides out like a drawer to provide complete access. These maximize storage capacity.
Tiered Pull-Out Systems
Also called pantry pull-outs, these have stacked shelves that emerge together in one unit. Different shelf heights store a variety of items neatly. Helpful in pantries and deep cabinets.
Swinging Shelves
Hinges allow the shelf to pivot outwards in an arc. Helpful in corner cabinets or where side clearance is limited. Not full extension.
Under-Cabinet Shelves
Mounted shelves attach underneath wall cabinets to take advantage of wasted space. Useful for small appliances, knives, cutting boards, cookbooks, etc.
Design Considerations
Keep the following factors in mind when planning for glide-out shelves:
Shelf Dimensions
Consider the cabinet’s interior depth and height. Measure carefully to determine the maximum shelf size that will fully fit. Standard depths are usually 10-14 inches.
Weight Capacity
Verify the slides and shelf material are rated to safely hold the intended contents. Average weight limits are 75-100 lbs. Higher capacities are available.
Mounting Style
Will you mount shelves to the cabinet sidewalls or floor? Side mounting takes up interior space. Floor tracks don’t interfere with fixed shelving.
Cable Mechanisms
Look for smooth ball bearing extension slides. These provide the best, most effortless sliding functionality.
Material
Wood, metal, plastic? The material affects aesthetics, durability, and cost. Wood matches existing shelves; metal is sturdy.
Customization
Can the system be adjusted to fit your exact cabinet layout? Flexible tracks allow custom positioning.
Ease of Installation
Opt for systems that mount with simple screws into pre-drilled shelf pin holes. Ones needing cabinet modifications add complexity.
Cost of Glide-Out Shelves
The cost of glide-out shelves varies greatly depending on the quality, design, customization, and kitchen size. Here are some typical price ranges:
- Basic DIY kits with shelves and hardware start around $30-60 per shelf.
- Pre-assembled shelves are $80-150 each.
- Custom-fitted, professionally installed systems run $300-500 per cabinet area.
- Full kitchen installs including shelves, drawers, racks, etc can be $2,000-5,000.
Factors affecting the overall cost include:
- Shelf size – Larger shelves fitting bigger cabinets cost more.
- Shelf material – Real wood is generally pricier than coated metal.
- Weight rating – Heavy duty shelves with 100+ lb capacities run higher.
- Extension slides – High-end ball bearing slides are more expensive.
- Customization – Prefab kits are cheaper than custom-built cabinetry.
- DIY vs Pro Install – Paying a carpenter or contractor adds professional labor fees.
DIY Installation Guide
Adding glide-out shelves is a manageable project for many DIYers. Follow these basic steps:
1. Take Measurements
Carefully measure the cabinet’s interior height, width, and depth. Account for any fixed shelves or internal structures.
2. Order Components
Purchase shelves, tracks, and hardware based on your measurements and project plans. Kits streamline this step.
3. Prep Cabinet
Remove existing shelving as needed. Vacuum and clean the interior. Have any tools and materials ready.
4. Install Tracks/Hardware
Screw side mounted rails onto sidewalls or slide floor tracks into place per instructions.
5. Insert Shelf
Place the glide-out shelf into the cabinet and insert the ball bearing retainer clips as directed.
6. Test Sliding Function
Fully extend and retract the shelf several times. Make any adjustments for smooth travel.
7. Add Cabinet Contents
Carefully organize and add back any contents to maximize the new space. Avoid overloading.
Tips For Adding Glide-Out Shelves
Follow these tips for the best results from your new glide-out shelves:
- Measure carefully and twice to ensure ordered components fit properly.
- Review all instructions before starting. Have tools and hardware ready to go.
- Clear out the cabinet completely for easy access during installation.
- Protect cabinet floors/walls from scratches during hardware mounting.
- Double check slides engage smoothly without rocking or resistance.
- Avoid pushing shelves beyond maximum extension during use.
- Open shelves slowly and carefully to prevent contents from falling.
- Clean ball bearing slides periodically with compressed air to maintain function.
- Don’t overload shelves past recommended weight capacities for safety.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are some good uses for glide-out shelves?
Some of the best uses are for kitchen pantries, spice racks, bakeware cabinets, under sinks, bathroom vanities, media centers, home offices, laundry rooms, garage storage, and more.
How much weight can glide-out shelves hold?
Average weight limits are 75-100 lbs per shelf. Heavy duty versions can hold 150+ lbs. Check the product specifications for the capacity.
Do I need cabinetry experience to install them?
If you’re comfortable with basic tools and doing projects around the house, glide-out installation is very doable for most DIYers without cabinetry expertise. Brands like Rev-A-Shelf have user friendly systems designed for homeowners.
What tools do I need?
A tape measure, pencil, level, drill, screwdrivers, and safety glasses are generally all that’s needed. Make sure you have the drill bits specified for your particular mounting hardware. Always use caution when drilling.
How are side mounted shelves attached?
For side mounting, shelf standards or tracks first screw vertically onto the sidewalls. The shelves have integrated glides that clip into the standards to slide horizontally.
Should I get wood, metal, or plastic shelves?
Wood matches existing cabinetry but is pricier. Metal is durable and economical. Plastic is also affordable but more prone to scratches and wear. Choose based on your aesthetic preferences, budget, and durability needs.
Can I adjust the shelf height placement?
Many systems use vertical tracks with adjustable slots to customize shelf height positioning. This is helpful for accommodating items of different sizes.
How much interior clearance do I need?
When retracted, side mounted shelves take up around 3-5 inches of interior space. Measure carefully to ensure adequate room for the shelf thickness and full drawer extension.
How do I remove a shelf if needed?
Depending on the mounting system, shelves can lift out or slide out when clip connectors are detached. This allows rearranging or replacing shelves in the future.
Conclusion
Adding glide-out shelves is one of the most impactful upgrades you can make when remodeling a kitchen or cabinets. Just a few strategically placed shelves can massively increase your storage capacity and accessibility. The smooth motion keeps contents neatly organized and easily reachable while also modernizing the aesthetic. With some careful planning and elbow grease, installing these specialized shelves can be a rewarding and budget-friendly DIY project. Just follow the measurements, instructions, and techniques discussed to successfully incorporate glide-outs in your cabinets. In no time, you’ll be enjoying improved organization and appreciating the convenience every time you effortlessly access items in your revamped space.