DIY Lazy Susan Corner Cabinet
A lazy susan corner cabinet is a great way to maximize space in your kitchen, especially in those hard-to-reach corners. It provides easy access to all your items, making it an efficient and convenient storage solution. This guide will provide you with a step-by-step process to build your own lazy susan corner cabinet, turning your kitchen’s dead space into a functional and stylish storage area.
Materials Needed
The materials needed for this project depend on the size and design of the cabinet you wish to build. However, here is a general list of materials and tools that you will need:
- Wood: Choose plywood, MDF, or solid wood for the cabinet frame, shelves, and lazy susan base. Plywood is a cost-effective option, while MDF provides a smooth surface for painting. Solid wood offers durability and a classic look.
- Hardware: You will need hinges, drawer slides (if you’re adding drawers), lazy susan bearing plates, and screws. Consider stainless steel hardware for durability and a modern look.
- Lazy Susan Mechanism: Select a lazy susan mechanism that fits the size and weight of your cabinet. They are available in different sizes and materials, like metal or plastic.
- Paint or Stain: Choose a paint or stain that complements your kitchen decor. Consider a durable, water-resistant finish for easy cleaning.
- Tools: You will need basic woodworking tools, such as a saw, drill, sander, measuring tape, level, and a screwdriver.
Building the Cabinet
Building a lazy susan corner cabinet involves several steps, each requiring careful attention to detail and precision.
Step-by-Step Guide
| Step | Description | Materials | Tools |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Plan and Design: Determine the dimensions of your cabinet, including the height, width, and depth. Consider the space available in your corner and the items you want to store. Sketch out your design, including the number of shelves, drawers (if any), and the size of the lazy susan mechanism. | Pencil, paper, measuring tape | None |
| 2 | Cut the Wood: Use a saw to cut the wood for the cabinet frame, shelves, and lazy susan base according to your design. Ensure all cuts are precise and at right angles. | Wood, saw | Saw, measuring tape, level |
| 3 | Assemble the Cabinet Frame: Join the cut pieces of wood for the cabinet frame using screws or wood glue. Make sure the frame is square and level. | Wood, screws, wood glue | Drill, screwdriver, level |
| 4 | Install the Lazy Susan Mechanism: Attach the lazy susan bearing plates to the base of the cabinet frame. Then, install the lazy susan mechanism itself, ensuring it spins smoothly. | Lazy susan mechanism, bearing plates, screws | Drill, screwdriver |
| 5 | Install Shelves: Attach the shelves to the cabinet frame using screws or shelf brackets. Ensure the shelves are level and spaced according to your design. | Wood, screws, shelf brackets | Drill, screwdriver, level |
| 6 | Add Drawers (Optional): If you are including drawers, install the drawer slides to the cabinet frame and then attach the drawers themselves. Ensure the drawers open and close smoothly. | Drawer slides, drawers | Drill, screwdriver |
| 7 | Finish the Cabinet: Sand the cabinet to smooth out any rough edges. Then, apply paint or stain to the cabinet, following the manufacturer’s instructions. | Sandpaper, paint or stain | Sander, paintbrush or roller |
| 8 | Install the Cabinet: Once the finish is dry, carefully install the cabinet in your corner. Ensure it is level and securely attached to the wall. | None | Level, screws, drill |
Corner Cabinet Design and Customization
A corner cabinet, especially when equipped with a lazy susan, offers a unique and practical storage solution for any kitchen or bathroom. You can customize it to fit your needs and style, maximizing space and creating an organized and efficient environment.
Corner Cabinet Designs, Diy lazy susan corner cabinet
Corner cabinets come in various designs, each offering its own advantages and disadvantages. The most common designs include:
- Standard Corner Cabinet: This design features a standard cabinet with shelves, making it suitable for storing smaller items or items that don’t require frequent access. It typically has a fixed shelf configuration and can be challenging to access items at the back.
- Tiered Corner Cabinet: This design features multiple tiers or shelves, offering more storage space and allowing you to organize items based on size or frequency of use. The tiered design can make accessing items easier compared to standard cabinets, but it may require more careful planning to ensure stability and prevent items from falling.
- Pull-Out Corner Cabinet: This design features a pull-out drawer or shelf system, making it easier to access items stored in the back. The pull-out mechanism can be customized to fit different needs, including single or multiple drawers, and can be a great option for storing larger items or items that need to be easily accessible.
Lazy Susan Mechanism Customization
The lazy susan mechanism is a key component of a corner cabinet, allowing for easy access to items stored in the back. You can customize the lazy susan to suit your specific needs and preferences:
- Size: The size of the lazy susan should be chosen based on the dimensions of your cabinet and the size of the items you plan to store. It’s important to ensure there’s enough clearance for the lazy susan to rotate smoothly without hitting the cabinet walls or shelves.
- Rotation: The rotation mechanism of the lazy susan can be either manual or automatic. Manual lazy susans require you to manually rotate the platform, while automatic lazy susans have a built-in motor that allows for smooth and effortless rotation. The choice between manual and automatic depends on your budget and personal preference.
- Material: Lazy susans are available in various materials, including metal, wood, and plastic. The material should be chosen based on durability, aesthetics, and compatibility with the rest of your cabinet. For example, metal lazy susans are generally more durable and resistant to moisture, while wooden lazy susans can provide a more traditional look.
Choosing the Right Cabinet Size and Style
Choosing the right cabinet size and style is crucial for maximizing storage space and creating a functional corner cabinet. Here are some tips:
- Measure the Corner Space: Accurately measure the available space in your corner, including the width, depth, and height. This will help you determine the maximum size of the cabinet you can fit.
- Consider Your Needs: Determine the type of items you plan to store in the cabinet and their size. This will help you choose the appropriate cabinet design and lazy susan mechanism. For example, if you need to store large pots and pans, a pull-out corner cabinet with a large lazy susan would be a good option.
- Match the Style: Choose a cabinet style that complements the overall aesthetic of your kitchen or bathroom. You can find corner cabinets in various styles, from modern and minimalist to traditional and rustic.
Corner Cabinet Design Comparison
| Design | Pros | Cons | Suitable for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard Corner Cabinet | Simple design, affordable | Difficult to access items in the back, limited storage space | Storing smaller items, items that don’t need frequent access |
| Tiered Corner Cabinet | More storage space, easier access to items compared to standard cabinets | May require careful planning to ensure stability, items can fall if not properly organized | Storing a variety of items, organizing items based on size or frequency of use |
| Pull-Out Corner Cabinet | Easy access to all items, customizable drawer or shelf system | Can be more expensive than other designs, requires more space for the pull-out mechanism | Storing larger items, items that need to be easily accessible |
Installation and Finishing Touches: Diy Lazy Susan Corner Cabinet
Installing your DIY lazy Susan corner cabinet is the final step in creating a functional and stylish storage solution. This section will guide you through the process of attaching the cabinet to the wall, connecting the lazy Susan mechanism, and finishing it with paint, stain, or decorative hardware.
Installing the Corner Cabinet
After assembling the cabinet, it’s time to install it in your desired corner.
- Mark the location: Use a level to determine the exact position of the cabinet on the wall and mark the location with a pencil. Make sure to consider any existing electrical outlets or plumbing fixtures.
- Attach the cabinet to the wall: Secure the cabinet to the wall using screws or anchors, depending on the wall material and the weight of the cabinet. If you are using anchors, ensure they are rated for the weight of the cabinet.
- Connect the lazy Susan mechanism: Carefully attach the lazy Susan mechanism to the cabinet base, following the manufacturer’s instructions. Ensure the mechanism is securely fastened and spins smoothly.
Finishing Touches
Adding finishing touches to your corner cabinet enhances its appearance and complements your existing décor.
- Painting or staining: Choose a paint or stain color that complements your kitchen or bathroom design. Apply multiple coats for a durable and even finish. Consider using a primer before painting for better adhesion and coverage.
- Adding decorative hardware: Install handles, knobs, or pulls to enhance the cabinet’s aesthetic appeal and make it easier to open and close. Choose hardware that complements the cabinet’s style and your overall décor.
Organizing and Maximizing Storage
To maximize storage efficiency, consider these organization tips:
- Use dividers and shelves: Utilize dividers and shelves within the cabinet to create separate compartments for different items. This helps to keep things organized and easy to find.
- Utilize vertical space: Maximize vertical space by using stackable containers and bins. This helps to keep items organized and easily accessible.
- Label containers: Labeling containers clearly helps you quickly identify and locate specific items. You can use labels, markers, or even a simple system of color-coding.
Installation Guide
Here’s a step-by-step guide to installing your lazy Susan corner cabinet:
| Step | Description | Materials | Tools |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Mark the location of the cabinet on the wall using a level and pencil. | Pencil, level | Tape measure |
| 2 | Attach the cabinet to the wall using screws or anchors, depending on the wall material. | Screws or anchors, drill | Screwdriver or drill |
| 3 | Connect the lazy Susan mechanism to the cabinet base, following the manufacturer’s instructions. | Lazy Susan mechanism | Screwdriver or drill |
| 4 | Apply paint or stain to the cabinet, using a primer if necessary. | Paint or stain, primer | Paintbrush or roller |
| 5 | Install decorative hardware, such as handles or knobs. | Handles, knobs, or pulls | Screwdriver |
| 6 | Organize the cabinet using dividers, shelves, containers, and labels. | Dividers, shelves, containers, labels | N/A |
A DIY lazy Susan corner cabinet can be a fantastic way to maximize space in your kitchen, especially if you’re working with a smaller layout. Choosing the right cabinet color can be tricky, especially if you have black granite countertops.
To make sure your cabinet color complements your countertop, consider checking out what color cabinets match black granite for inspiration. Once you’ve chosen the perfect shade, you can get started on your DIY lazy Susan corner cabinet project, knowing that your color choice will tie everything together beautifully.
A DIY lazy Susan corner cabinet can be a real game-changer in a kitchen, especially when paired with a sleek, modern aesthetic like black stainless steel appliances with espresso cabinets. The dark, rich tones of the cabinets and the contrasting shine of the appliances create a sophisticated backdrop for the functionality of a well-designed corner cabinet.
A well-crafted lazy Susan allows for easy access to even the furthest corners, making the most of every inch of your kitchen space.
