2019 310gk - bathroom cupboard - modification

[CLARKR4]

I am looking for modifications to the cupboard in the bathroom above the toilet. It might work for people that are over 6' tall, but for my height I can reach only half way back.

It would be good to have a rack on sliding hardware that is about 15 high and 30" long. Looking for ideas!

Rich

[gahatt]

Rich, It is natural to think in terms of a slide-out mechanism for the cabinet. The problem is that the narrow width of the opening greatly limits the size of any slide-out you might build, so a lot of interior space is wasted. You can take the door frame off and cut away some of the finished lip, but I deemed that a rather risky venture and not worth the effort.

So, I took a different approach. As I was able to reach in about a third of the way without a step stool, I cut a piece of dark wood-grain shelving that sits inside the cabinet, long enough for me to reach. Using additional pieces of shelving, I hot-glued a back piece and sides to it. (I also ran strips of Gorilla tape over the hot glue beads for added strength.) Finally, I attached a handle to the front of the shelf. (Of course, all of this was done inside the cabinet since the outside lip makes it impossible to build outside and then install.)

Essentially, this makes a moveable three-sided box (without a top) that can be slid back and forth by pulling the handle. The box fits against the sides, back and bottom of the cabinet cavity, so almost no interior space is wasted. I can load up the box and push it back all the way into the cabinet, leaving space in the front for a few additional items (which of course would have to be removed to slide the box forward).

This is not a perfect solution, but it is easy to do and takes advantage of most of the available interior space. Sorry I don't have any pictures at the moment but I'm sure you get the idea.

-- Gary

[CLARKR4]

Gary

That sounds like a great idea. Did you attach the shelf/box half way up the height so that items could be stored in the bottom, or it the shelf/box on the floor of the cupboard?
To avoid having to assemble/glue inside the cupboard, whether pins/dowelling could be inset into the floor, with holes drilled in the bottom of the back and sides. Then the back and sides could be set onto the dowelling in the cupboard? Not sure if I am capable of that level of intricacy, but might be worth a try. Did you attach the handle with just a bracket of some kind?

Rich

Rich, It is natural to think in terms of a slide-out mechanism for the cabinet. The problem is that the narrow width of the opening greatly limits the size of any slide-out you might build, so a lot of interior space is wasted. You can take the door frame off and cut away some of the finished lip, but I deemed that a rather risky venture and not worth the effort.

So, I took a different approach. As I was able to reach in about a third of the way without a step stool, I cut a piece of dark wood-grain shelving that sits inside the cabinet, long enough for me to reach. Using additional pieces of shelving, I hot-glued a back piece and sides to it. (I also ran strips of Gorilla tape over the hot glue beads for added strength.) Finally, I attached a handle to the front of the shelf. (Of course, all of this was done inside the cabinet since the outside lip makes it impossible to build outside and then install.)

Essentially, this makes a moveable three-sided box (without a top) that can be slid back and forth by pulling the handle. The box fits against the sides, back and bottom of the cabinet cavity, so almost no interior space is wasted. I can load up the box and push it back all the way into the cabinet, leaving space in the front for a few additional items (which of course would have to be removed to slide the box forward).

This is not a perfect solution, but it is easy to do and takes advantage of most of the available interior space. Sorry I don't have any pictures at the moment but I'm sure you get the idea.

-- Gary

[gahatt]

Rich,
My shelf slides on the actual floor of the cabinet cavity. I placed two large round furniture sliders underneath the shelf for easier sliding. The back and side pieces are about 12 - 14 inches high; for rolls of paper towells, stacks of toilet paper, etc., there was no reason to build the sides to the full height of the cabinet. Depending on what you intend to store, build the sides as high as necessary.

I see no reason not to build the box with dowels and then assemble inside. Good idea if you have the means to do that. I attached a basic cabinet handle to the sliding shelf, pointing up, prior to insertion.

-- Gary

[CLARKR4]

Gary
We have a fully equipped wood shop here at Victoria Palms, Donna, TX, with lots of knowledgeable instructors, who could guide me. I guess I could start with one level and see how that goes and then add a level if more storage was required.

Thanks for the initial suggestion.

Rich

[CLARKR4]

Gary
Can you share what type of wood you used and the thickness? Solid wood or plywood?

Thanks

Rich

[gahatt]

Composite pre-finished shelving from Home Depot.

[CLARKR4]

Gary

Thanks.
Rich

[Annie & Tom]

Rich,

I am attaching a couple of photos of how I addressed this same issue. I can provide additional information if you are interested.


Tom

[tjndsa]

Rich,

I am attaching a couple of photos of how I addressed this same issue. I can provide additional information if you are interested.


Tom

Looks good. What a great idea. Did you make the sliders or purchase them? We ordered something like that on line when we turned a base cabinet into a printer cabinet in our home.