Drawers

For cabinetry under benchtops deeper than 450 mm, pull-out shelves or drawers give much more useable storage space than cupboards with fixed shelves. Cupboards are the cheapest option but only give good, easily used storage at the front of the top shelf. Even if you are trying to minimise costs, one or two sets of drawers are really worthwhile.

Use the highest quality full extension drawers that you can. Full extension drawers come right out of the cupboard so that all the drawer space can be used. With good quality runners, wide drawers can be used which will maximise drawer space and minimise the cost as a large portion of the cost is per drawer.

Measure the height of the items that you plan to store in drawers so that the height of the drawers can be made to fit. Usually drawer units can be four drawers deep and still fit the tallest items in the bottom drawer. The items used most often should be stored in the top drawers with the heavier, less often used items in lower drawers. To maximise visibility and accessibility have items only one deep unless they are all the same, such as stacks of plates and bowls.

Everyday crockery and glasses are conveniently stored in a wide drawer. The kitchen can be planned so that when the dishwasher is open, dishes can be handed across into the open drawer, with no walking required.

Drawers  |  Shelves and Cupboards   |  Pantries
Special Items   | Corner Units