How to Install Lazy Susan Cabinet

Installing a Lazy Susan cabinet can be a great way to maximize storage in your kitchen while keeping items easily accessible. Whether you’re updating your cabinetry or starting a new project, this guide will walk you through the steps of how to install lazy susan cabinet with ease. By following these instructions, you’ll ensure a functional and efficient addition to your kitchen space.

Why Lazy Susan Cabinets Are a Game-Changer

lazy susan cabinet ideas revolutionize kitchen storage by optimizing both organization and accessibility. Their rotating shelves make it effortless to reach items stored at the back, eliminating the frustration of digging through cluttered spaces. This ingenious design makes use of every inch of corner cabinets, which often go underutilized in traditional setups. Lazy Susan cabinets are perfect for storing pots, pans, spices, or other kitchen essentials, while maintaining a neat and tidy appearance. Ultimately, they enhance the functionality of your kitchen, making cooking and meal prep more efficient and enjoyable.

Types of Lazy Susan Cabinets

Lazy Susan cabinets come in various designs, each tailored to fit different kitchen layouts and storage needs. The most common types include the following:

Pie-Cut Lazy Susan

This type features two hinged shelves that form a “pie” shape, fitting seamlessly into corner cabinets. Pie-cut designs often rotate on a fixed center pole, offering easy access to stored items.

Full-Round Lazy Susan

Perfect for maximizing storage, the full-round Lazy Susan consists of circular shelves that rotate a full 360 degrees. These are ideal for larger cabinets and ensure every item is within arm’s reach.

Kidney-Shaped Lazy Susan

With a unique kidney shape, this design fits snugly into spaces where rectangular or circular shelves may not work. It’s a popular choice for irregularly shaped corner cabinets.

Half-Moon Lazy Susan

Designed for blind corner cabinets, half-moon models pull out and swing to the side, making them perfect for tighter spaces. This design provides a practical solution for hard-to-reach corners.

D-Shaped Lazy Susan

These shelves have a flat edge, making them ideal for cabinets with a fixed door or for use in pantry setups. The D-shape allows for maximum use of rectangular spaces.

Each type of Lazy Susan cabinet offers unique storage benefits, allowing homeowners to customize their kitchen organization based on their specific needs.

Tools and Materials You’ll Need

To install or replace a Lazy Susan cabinet, you will need the following tools and materials:

• Measuring Tape: For accurate measurements of the cabinet space and Lazy Susan dimensions.
• Power Drill and Screwdriver: To secure the hardware components in place.
• Level: Ensures proper alignment and installation.
• Pencil and Ruler: For marking drilling points or alignment references.
• Mounting Screws and Hardware: Often included with the Lazy Susan kit, but ensure you have the correct type for your project.
• Safety Glasses and Gloves: For protection during installation.
• Replacement Lazy Susan (if applicable): Confirm it matches the dimensions and style needed for your cabinet space.

Having these tools and materials ready will help ensure a smooth and efficient installation process.

10 Methods How to Install Lazy Susan Cabinet

1. Choose the Right Lazy Susan Kit for Your Cabinet Type

The first step in the installation process is selecting the correct Lazy Susan unit for your specific cabinet design. Corner cabinets come in diagonal, L-shaped, and blind corner configurations, and each one accommodates a different type of Lazy Susan. For example, a full-round Lazy Susan works well with diagonal corner cabinets, while a kidney-shaped Lazy Susan is suited for L-shaped corners with center posts.

Measure the cabinet’s interior width, height, and depth, and compare these to the manufacturer’s specifications to ensure compatibility. Some models are pole-mounted, while others feature bottom- and top-mount plates or pivoting shelves. Choosing the right kit ensures a seamless installation and optimal use of space.

2. Prepare the Cabinet Interior by Clearing and Cleaning

Before installation begins, remove any items stored inside the cabinet. If this is a new cabinet, ensure it’s properly installed, level, and securely mounted. Vacuum or wipe the interior to remove sawdust, debris, or packaging remnants. Check for obstructions such as corner braces or improperly placed shelf pins that may need to be removed or relocated. A clean and clear space gives you an unobstructed work area and helps ensure precise measurements and safe handling of parts during assembly and mounting.

3. Mark the Center Point for the Mounting Pole

With the cabinet interior prepped, you’ll need to locate and mark the center point where the mounting pole will be installed. This is especially critical for pole-mounted Lazy Susans, as the accuracy of this mark affects the unit’s balance and rotation. Use a tape measure to find the midpoint of the cabinet’s base, then double-check by measuring from all sides. Mark this point clearly with a pencil or a piece of masking tape. For kidney-shaped shelves, mark the back and side clearances as well, ensuring the shelves will rotate without obstruction. Some kits come with a paper template to make this process even easier.

4. Measure and Cut the Mounting Pole (if Necessary)

Most Lazy Susan kits include a telescoping or adjustable pole that spans from the cabinet base to its top. Measure the height of the cabinet interior, then follow the manufacturer’s instructions to either adjust or cut the pole to the appropriate length. If cutting is necessary, use a hacksaw or pipe cutter, making sure the cut is clean and straight. A properly sized pole will ensure the shelves mount at the right heights and rotate without wobbling or binding. Some poles come in pre-marked segments, which simplifies height adjustment considerably.

5. Install the Bottom and Top Mounting Plates

Once the pole is ready, begin by installing the bottom mounting bracket or plate on the cabinet floor, centered on the mark you made earlier. Drill pilot holes first to prevent splitting the wood, then attach the bracket using the screws provided in the kit. Repeat the process at the top of the cabinet, aligning the top bracket directly above the bottom one. Use a level or plumb line to ensure vertical alignment, especially if you’re installing a tall unit or one with multiple shelves. Misalignment can cause the pole to lean and affect the Lazy Susan’s rotation.

6. Insert and Secure the Pole into Position

With the brackets securely in place, insert the pole into the bottom bracket and then into the top bracket, locking it as instructed by the manufacturer. Some poles twist to expand and lock into place, while others may require tightening set screws or using retaining clips. Ensure the pole is firmly seated and does not wiggle or rotate independently of the brackets. A solidly fixed pole is essential for the shelves to function smoothly and avoid misalignment over time.

7. Assemble and Attach the Lazy Susan Shelves

Now that the pole is secure, it’s time to mount the rotating shelves. Begin by attaching the mounting collars or hardware to each shelf, following the specific instructions for your model. Most collars include clamps or brackets that slide onto the pole and can be locked at the desired height. Start with the bottom shelf, sliding it onto the pole and positioning it several inches above the cabinet floor to allow for clearance. Level the shelf, then tighten the collar or clamp to secure it in place. Repeat the process for any additional shelves, spacing them evenly or as needed based on what you intend to store.

8. Test the Rotation and Shelf Clearance

With the shelves installed, manually rotate each one in a full circle to test its range of motion. Listen for rubbing, scraping, or catching points that might indicate improper height adjustment or interference with cabinet walls or door frames. Adjust the shelves if needed by loosening their collars, raising or lowering them slightly, and re-tightening. This step ensures that the Lazy Susan operates smoothly and maximizes your cabinet’s storage potential. It’s also a good time to double-check that no screws have worked loose and that the pole remains firmly seated.

9. Reattach or Install Cabinet Doors

If you had to remove cabinet doors to install the Lazy Susan, reattach them now, ensuring they are level and do not interfere with shelf rotation. In the case of diagonal corner cabinets, doors often mount directly to the shelves, turning in unison as the Lazy Susan rotates. These require careful hinge placement and alignment, often involving trial and error. If your Lazy Susan does not attach to the doors, make sure the doors swing open far enough to allow full access. Adjust hinges and catches as needed to achieve smooth, gap-free closure.

10. Clean, Load, and Enjoy Your Organized Space

Finally, wipe down the new Lazy Susan shelves and cabinet interior with a damp cloth to remove fingerprints or construction dust. Begin loading items onto the shelves, placing heavier items on the bottom for stability and lighter or frequently used items on the top. Avoid overloading to preserve smooth rotation and prevent strain on the mounting hardware. As a finishing touch, label shelf zones or add shelf liners for extra grip and aesthetics. Regularly clean and inspect the unit to ensure long-lasting performance and functionality.

Conclusion

Installing a Lazy Susan cabinet might seem like a complex endeavor, but with proper preparation, attention to detail, and patience, it becomes a manageable and highly rewarding home improvement project. These ten comprehensive methods walk you through everything from selecting the right kit to testing the final rotation, allowing even DIY beginners to upgrade their kitchen’s organization and accessibility. Thanks for reading our blog post on how to install lazy susan cabinet! We hope you found it helpful and informative.