A corner cabinet with a Lazy Susan inside is a brilliant way to transform awkward kitchen or workshop corners into highly accessible and organized storage spaces. Say goodbye to lost items and wasted space with this simple, effective solution!
Ever stared at that empty corner in your kitchen or workshop and thought, “What a waste of space”? You’re not alone! Those nooks can be notoriously tricky to utilize. Things get lost in the back, and reaching them often means a bit of a contortion act. But what if I told you there’s a super-smart way to turn that dead zone into your most organized spot? Get ready to discover the magic of a corner cabinet with a Lazy Susan inside! It’s a woodworking feat that’s totally achievable, and I’m here to walk you through it, step-by-step. We’ll make that forgotten corner work for you!
Table of Contents
Unlocking the Corner: Why a Lazy Susan is Your Storage Superhero
Let’s be honest, corner cabinets have a reputation. They’re often dubbed “black holes” for pots, pans, spices, or tools. Things shoved in there tend to stay there, forgotten and inaccessible. Trying to find that one specific ingredient or your favorite wrench can feel like an archaeological dig. This is where the genius of a rotating shelf, commonly known as a Lazy Susan, comes into play. It brings the forgotten items right to you with a simple spin.
Imagine this: instead of digging into the dark abyss of a corner cabinet, you give a gentle nudge, and a tray full of your perfectly organized items glides smoothly into view. That’s the power of a Lazy Susan. It’s not just about storage; it’s about making your life easier and more efficient. Whether it’s in the kitchen for seldom-used appliances, in a pantry for canned goods and spices, or in a workshop for screws, nails, and small tools, the Lazy Susan transforms a clumsy space into a functional showcase.
The Benefits of a Rotating Corner Cabinet
Adding a Lazy Susan to your corner cabinet isn’t just about fixing a problem; it’s about upgrading your space. Here are some of the fantastic advantages:
- Maximized Accessibility: No more reaching or crawling. Everything rotates to the front.
- Full Space Utilization: Even the deepest corners become reachable and usable.
- Organization Made Easy: Items are visible and accessible, making it simple to keep things tidy.
- Reduced Clutter: By making it easy to store and find things, you’ll naturally reduce clutter.
- Versatility: Works wonders in kitchens, pantries, garages, workshops, and craft rooms.
- Cost-Effective: Often much cheaper than custom cabinetry and adds significant value.
- DIY Friendly: With the right guidance, it’s a fantastic beginner woodworking project.
Choosing Your Lazy Susan Setup: What You Need to Know
Before we get our hands dirty with tools, let’s talk about the types of Lazy Susan systems you can install. For a corner cabinet, there are generally two main routes: buying a pre-made Lazy Susan hardware kit or building one from scratch. Most DIYers find that using a pre-made kit is the most straightforward way to get fantastic results without needing advanced woodworking skills. These kits typically include the rotating hardware, shelves, and mounting hardware.
When looking for a Lazy Susan hardware kit, consider these factors:
- Diameter: Measure your cabinet opening to ensure the Lazy Susan will fit and spin freely. Kits come in various diameters.
- Height: Make sure the height of the unit is suitable for your cabinet’s interior space, allowing for clearance above.
- Load Capacity: If you plan to store heavy items (like kitchen appliances or toolboxes), check the weight limit of the hardware.
- Ease of Installation: Look for kits that come with clear instructions and all necessary parts. Pivoting shelf kits are often simpler for beginners.
- Material: Shelves are commonly made of wood (laminated particle board is common for kitchen units) or durable plastic.
For a true DIY build from scratch, you’d be looking at purchasing Lazy Susan hardware (the bearing mechanism itself) and then cutting your own shelves from plywood or MDF. This offers more customization but requires more precision and woodworking tools. For this guide, we’ll focus on installing a pre-made Lazy Susan kit, which is perfect for most beginner and intermediate DIYers aiming for that genius storage solution.
The Classic Corner Cabinet with Lazy Susan: A Step-by-Step Guide
Alright, let’s get down to business! We’re going to transform that awkward corner into a functional storage powerhouse. This guide assumes you’re installing a common type of Lazy Susan into an existing cabinet. If you’re building a new cabinet, the principles are similar, but you’ll integrate the Lazy Susan during the cabinet construction phase.
Tools You’ll Need
Having the right tools makes any project smoother and safer. Here’s what you’ll likely need:
- Measuring Tape: For accurate measurements.
- Pencil: To mark your points.
- Drill/Driver: For pre-drilling holes and driving screws.
- Drill Bits: Various sizes for pilot holes and screw heads.
- Level: To ensure your shelves are installed plumb and level.
- Screwdriver Set: If any screws need manual tightening or adjustment.
- Safety Glasses: Always protect those eyes!
- Work Gloves: To protect your hands.
- Optional: Stud Finder: If you’re mounting directly to cabinet framing.
Materials You’ll Need
The star of the show is, of course, your Lazy Susan!
- Lazy Susan Hardware Kit: This usually includes the rotating hardware (bearing), shelves, and mounting screws. Read the instructions that come with your specific kit carefully!
- Shims (Optional): To help level the shelves if your cabinet isn’t perfectly square.
Installation Steps: Transforming Your Corner
Follow these steps for a successful installation. Remember to always refer to the specific instructions that came with your Lazy Susan hardware kit, as designs can vary slightly.
Step 1: Prepare the Space
First things first, empty your corner cabinet completely. Clean out any dust or debris. We want a fresh start! If your cabinet has existing shelves, you’ll need to remove them. Measure the interior dimensions of your cabinet – height, width, and depth. This helps confirm your Lazy Susan kit will fit and can give you a baseline if any adjustments are needed.
Step 2: Install the Lower Lazy Susan Hardware
Most Lazy Susan kits will have a central mounting pole or a base plate that attaches to the cabinet floor. Many newer kits have a pivoting shelf mechanism that attaches directly to the cabinet walls or floor without a central pole. For a pivoting shelf system:
- Identify the pivot point on the cabinet floor or lower wall according to your kit’s instructions.
- Mark the screw hole locations carefully. Use a drill bit slightly smaller than your screws to pre-drill pilot holes.
- Secure the base hardware to the cabinet floor using the provided screws. Ensure it’s firmly attached.
If your kit uses a central pole, you’ll typically attach a base plate to the floor and a top mounting plate to the cabinet ceiling, with the pole connecting them. The pole usually has adjustment mechanisms.
Step 3: Attach the Shelf (or Shelves)
This is where it starts to look like magic! Your Lazy Susan kit might come with one or two shelves. Lazy Susan shelves are typically round. They will have a pre-drilled center hole or a specific mounting point designed to connect to the hardware.
- If you have a pivoting system, you’ll often attach one side of the shelf to the installed hardware.
- If you have a pole system, you’ll slide the shelf onto the pole and secure it at the desired height using a set screw or clip provided in the kit.
- Crucial Step: Leveling! Use your level to ensure the shelf is perfectly horizontal. Adjustable legs or shims can be used underneath the shelf or the hardware base if your cabinet floor is uneven. An unlevel shelf will not spin smoothly and can cause items to slide off.
Many kits are designed so the shelf hangs and pivots from an arm or bracket. You’ll attach this arm to the shelf first, then connect it to the main hardware mechanism installed in Step 2. Follow your kit’s graphics closely here!
Step 4: Test the Rotation and Stability
Before loading it up, give your new Lazy Susan a spin! Does it move freely? Does it rub against the cabinet walls? Does it wobble?
- Gently push the shelf to rotate it through its full range of motion.
- If it catches, check for obstructions or if the shelf needs minor adjustments to ensure it’s level and centered.
- Listen for any scraping sounds. Sometimes, the hardware might need slight repositioning.
- If the shelf is wobbly, double-check that all screws are tight and that the hardware is securely fastened to the cabinet.
Step 5: Install Additional Shelves (if applicable)
If your kit includes multiple shelves, repeat Step 3 for each additional shelf. Ensure adequate clearance between shelves. You want enough room to access items without them hitting the shelf above.
Step 6: Load Up and Enjoy!
Now for the best part! Start placing your items onto the Lazy Susan. Distribute weight evenly if possible. Place heavier items on the bottom shelf for better stability. Rotate the shelf to see how easily everything comes into view.
Lazy Susan Installation Variations and Considerations
As I mentioned, Lazy Susan systems can vary. Understanding these differences can help you choose the right one for your needs and skill level. Here’s a quick look at common types:
| Type of Lazy Susan System | Description | Best For | DIY Friendliness |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Round Rotating Shelf | Mounts to cabinet floor and ceiling with a central pole. Shelves spin independently on the pole. | Deep corner cabinets, pantries, kitchens. Offers good capacity. | Moderate. Requires precise pole installation. |
| Pivoting Shelf System | One or two shelves that pivot out from a concealed hardware mechanism mounted to the cabinet floor and side. Often no central pole. | Kitchen cabinets, pot and pan storage. Sleek look. | High. Generally simpler screw-and-mount installation for beginners. |
| Lazy Susan Hardware (Bearing Only) | Just the rotating bearing mechanism. You build your own shelves from wood or other materials. | Custom projects, workshops where specific shelf sizes are needed. | Low to Moderate. Requires cutting and finishing shelves. |
For most homeowners looking to retrofit an existing cabinet, a pivoting shelf system or a kit designed for easy installation (often with a simplified pole or no pole at all) is the way to go. These are readily available at home improvement stores and online retailers.
Kitchen Cabinet Applications
In the kitchen, Lazy Susans are an absolute game-changer for corner cabinets. Think about:
- Pots and Pans: No more stacking and unstacking to get to the one you need.
- Spices and Condiments: Keep your cooking essentials organized and visible, eliminating rummaging.
- Small Appliances: Store your stand mixer attachments, blender, or other gadgets efficiently.
- Can Goods and Pantry Items: Make sure nothing gets lost at the back of the pantry.
When installing in a kitchen, it’s a good idea to ensure the shelves are made of materials that are easy to clean and won’t absorb odors. Melamine-coated particle board or durable plastic are common and effective choices. For a more robust solution, you might look at solid wood shelves, but these can add significant weight.
Workshop and Garage Applications
Don’t count out the workshop or garage! These spaces can benefit immensely from a well-organized corner. Use your Lazy Susan for:
- Small Tools: Wrenches, screwdrivers, pliers – keep them all neat.
- Fasteners: Jars of screws, nails, bolts, and washers sorted and at your fingertips.
- Craft Supplies: Yarn, hardware for jewelry making, paint jars – anything small and numerous.
- Cleaning Supplies: Keep bottles and sprays organized and accessible.
For workshops, durability is key. Sturdier materials like thicker plywood shelves are excellent. Check the weight capacity of the hardware to ensure it can handle your tools or supplies without strain. Websites like EngineersEdge.com offer detailed information on rotary motion and bearings, which can be helpful if you’re delving into the mechanics of how these systems work.
Maintaining Your Genius Storage Solution
Once your Lazy Susan is installed, a little care will keep it working smoothly for years to come. The maintenance is generally minimal, which is part of its charm!
- Regular Cleaning: Wipe down the shelves with a damp cloth and mild cleaner as needed. For kitchens, this is standard. For workshops, a quick dust-off might be all that’s required.
- Check for Tightness: Periodically, especially after heavy use, check that all screws and mounting hardware are still tight. Gently shake the shelves to feel for any looseness.
- Lubrication (Rarely Needed): Most modern Lazy Susan bearings are sealed and maintenance-free. However, if you notice a squeaking sound, a tiny bit of silicone spray lubricant might help, but consult your kit’s manual first. Avoid over-lubricating, as it can attract dust and grime.
- Respect Weight Limits: Avoid overloading the shelves beyond the manufacturer’s recommended weight capacity. This is the most common reason for hardware failure.
By following these simple maintenance tips, you’ll ensure your corner cabinet with a Lazy Susan continues to be your hero of organized storage.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: Can I install a Lazy Susan in any corner cabinet?
A1: Generally, yes! Most standard corner cabinets, whether base cabinets or upper cabinets, can accommodate a Lazy Susan. You’ll need to measure your cabinet’s interior dimensions to ensure the Lazy Susan kit you choose will fit and spin freely without obstruction.
Q2: How do I measure my cabinet for a Lazy Susan?
A2: Measure the width and depth of your cabinet’s interior space. For corner cabinets, measure from the front opening to the back corner. The most critical measurement is usually the diameter of the Lazy Susan shelf you intend to use, ensuring it’s smaller than the diagonal measurement within your cabinet and allows clearance to rotate.
Q3: Do I need special tools to install a Lazy Susan?
A3: Typically, no. Basic tools like a measuring tape, pencil, drill with drill bits, a level, and a screwdriver are usually sufficient for installing most pre-made Lazy Susan kits.
Q4: What’s the difference between a full-round Lazy Susan and a kidney-shaped one?
A4: A full-round Lazy Susan is a complete circle. A kidney-shaped (or D-shaped) Lazy Susan is designed to fit into corner cabinets with angled fronts and has a curved edge that pivots out, often requiring less clearance to open.
Q5: How much weight can a Lazy Susan hold?
A5: This varies significantly by the hardware kit. Smaller, lighter-duty units might hold 20-50 lbs per shelf, while heavy-duty kits can support over 100 lbs. Always check the manufacturer’s specifications for the specific product you are purchasing.
Q6: Will I need to modify my cabinet to install a Lazy Susan?
A6: For most pre-made kits designed for retrofit installations, you will only need to drill pilot holes for mounting screws. Significant cabinet modifications are usually not necessary. Always read the installation guide for your specific kit.
Conclusion: Embrace the Spin!
There you have it! Transforming a neglected corner cabinet into a highly functional storage masterpiece with a Lazy Susan is an achievable and incredibly rewarding DIY project. From making elusive kitchen spices easily accessible to organizing a jumble of tools in your workshop, the benefits are undeniable. You’re not just adding a spinning shelf; you’re adding efficiency, order, and a touch of clever design to your home or workspace.
Remember to measure twice, drill once, and always prioritize safety. With the right Lazy Susan kit and these simple steps, you’ll conquer that awkward corner space and wonder how you ever managed without it. So, go ahead, embrace the spin, and enjoy your newly organized, genius storage solution!