How To Build A Trash Can Cabinet Using Empty Space You Already Have

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Every kitchen needs a trash can, but even if you splurge on a nice one, it's still an unsightly reminder of your trash. Some homes come with nifty trash can cabinets, which hide your trash behind a door indistinguishable from your other cabinets, but most do not. If you want to make your trash disappear, you can repurpose an empty bottom cabinet as your own hidden trash can for around $50.

Once you finally get around to cleaning and organizing your kitchen cabinets, don't fill up all the bottom cabinets with Tupperware and reusable water bottles. Pick a strategic cabinet to leave empty. This now-empty cabinet will serve as the home of your new pull-out drawer trash can. Trash cabinets can be either pull-out or tilt-out, but pull-out drawers allow you to take advantage of the whole space inside the cabinet. There are a few ways you can approach this DIY project, including the more convenient but expensive pre-built kits, as well as door mounting and soft-close sliding track options.

To begin, you should decide whether you want to build your own pull-out drawer mechanism or invest in a pre-built kit like the HOLDN' STORAGE Pull Out Trash Can. These pull-out drawer systems accommodate differing cabinet sizes as well as single or double trash cans. Purchasing a complete pull-out system is more expensive than building your own, but it is easier to install, requiring fewer tools and less time. You must also decide whether you want the door to be attached to the pull-out mechanism. Mounting the door to the pull-out drawer creates a high-class, seamless finished product, but it does require more work on your end.

If you're DIYing your pull-out trash can cabinet, you'll need to make a trip to the hardware store to purchase some wood. The depth of your cabinet will dictate the length of your board, but it should be about one foot wide. This board will become the drawer that houses your trash cans. For the pull-out feature, you'll need some heavy-duty side-mount drawer slides. These sliding tracks should be strong enough to support the weight of your drawer, trash cans, and all the potential trash you'll make. With the help of some must-buy power tools, you can get started on elevating your kitchen.

Installing a pull-out kit is approachable for beginner DIYers, requiring only a drill and the instructions that came with your particular model. Assembling your own drawer is a more hands-on process, and while it will take you a little longer, it'll be satisfying to look upon your finished work every time you go to throw out your dinner scraps. Either option will help you fully utilize every inch of cabinet storage space.

Make sure you have accurate measurements of the inside of your cabinet, then cut down your board to make the four sides of the drawer. For the bottom, you can either use thinner planks or a solid piece of plywood — just make sure to factor the bottom into your measurements. Fit the four sides together, securing them with a wood glue like the trusty Gorilla Wood Glue, then nail or screw them together. If you are using screws, you might want to opt for a countersunk screw, which will lie either flush or slightly inset into your drawer, ensuring the screw head won't snag or scrape against anything. Install your drawer slides inside the cabinet and on the sides of the drawer, fitting them together to create the perfect sliding cabinet for your trash. Finally, you will affix the cabinet door to the front of the drawer using an L bracket.