Build a DIY Pullout Trash Cabinet for Custom Storage on a Budget

Put trash in its place with a handy built-in cabinet. The easy pullout glides contain trash in a stylish way.

Project Overview
  • Working Time: 2 hours
  • Total Time: 2 hours
  • Skill Level: Beginner

Visible trash cans in the kitchen can be unappetizing. Have you considered conveniently storing your trash out of sight? A DIY pullout trash cabinet provides handy compartments for recycling and waste. This easy sliding drawer is perfect for your next weekend project!

What You'll Need

Equipment / Tools

  • 1 Phillips screwdriver
  • 1 Tape measure
  • 1 Saw
  • 1 Level
  • 1 Pencil
  • 1 Drill
  • 1 1/16-inch drill bit
  • 1 Combination square

Materials

  • 1 Store-bought cabinet pullout kit with mounting hardware
  • 2 Trash can
  • 1 Plywood boards
  • 1 Screws

Instructions

  1. Prep the Cabinet

    Choose a cabinet in a functional spot. Next to the sink is great for scraping food, and near the island makes an easy place to dump food scraps while chopping fruits and veggies. Make sure the pullout hardware you choose will fit in the cabinet, too. We used this kit. Unscrew cabinet door and remove hinges. Then remove any unwanted shelving.

  2. Measure Up

    Measure the height of the pullout from the bottoms of the trash cans to the center of the roll-out glides. Also measure the overhang of the face frame to the cabinet box. For reference, ours was 3/4 inch thick.

  3. Cut and Drill

    Cut a board to use as the installation template. Ours was 13-1/2 x 22 x 3/4 inches. Cut two boards for the glides. Ours were 2 x 22 x 3/4 inches each. Predrill each board with three evenly spaced holes. Then measure and mark the center of the 2 x 22-inch boards. Predrill three evenly spaced holes across each of the glide boards as well.

  4. Position Glide Boards

    Place a glide board above the installation board template against the inner left wall of your cabinet. Position the left glide board atop the installation template. Screw the glide board into the cabinet using predrilled holes. Repeat on the right side.

  5. Attach the Pullout

    Detach metal roll-out glides from the shelf unit. Align roll-out glides and screw into the glide boards in the cabinet. Install the pullout unit into the cabinet glides. Then attach the pullout unit to the cabinet door.

  6. Transfer Measurements

    Measure from the bottom of the cabinet face frame to the bottom of the pullout hardware. Transfer those measurements to the back of the door. Measure the width of the pullout. Transfer measurements, centering pullout unit on door. Use a combination square to draw straight lines.

  7. Screw into Place

    Remove the pullout unit from the glides and place down onto the cabinet door. Position with your drawn guide lines. Screw into the door. Add trash cans and slide into place.

Related Articles