Author Topic: Drawer Organization (Read 5018 times)

afish · « **on:** August 25, 2022, 06:28 PM »

As Im getting closer on my kitchen im starting to think about drawer organization and how I want to go about it and materials. I havent really found a store bought version I like yet so Im leaning towads making them. I know there is a bunch of OCD dudes around here so post pics of your drawers. Ah, Kitchen drawers that is...

Packard · « **Reply #1 on:** August 25, 2022, 07:25 PM »

This basic concept maximizes drawer space. You will need two (6 compartments).

I bought one and now will buy the second. I think resin is preferred over wood for this design, The thin walls make better use of the space and they can be washed. Oh, and for $11.00, it does not seem like it pays to make it myself.

https://www.kohls.com/product/prd-5191061/joseph-joseph-drawerstore-compact-cutlery-organizer.jsp?skuid=30265493&CID=shopping15&utm_campaign=FOOD%20PREP&utm_medium=CSE&utm_source=google&utm_product=30265493&utm_campaignid=15096102625&CID=shopping15&utm_campaign=SSCZombie=CSE&utm_source=google&utm_campaignid=15096102625&gclid=EAIaIQobChMI_77BrJDj-QIV94JaBR3xZg2zEAQYBSABEgI5ivD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds

4nthony · « **Reply #2 on:** August 25, 2022, 07:53 PM »

My current drawers are unorganized, however, I love the way HenryBuilt does drawer organization:

https://henrybuilt.com/page/interior-components

afish · « **Reply #3 on:** August 25, 2022, 08:05 PM »

Yes, Anthony thats more like I was talking about thats some pretty nice stuff and more like I was thinking. Not sure Im going to try and bust out some solid walnut fork organizer but it was nice. I dont have a good source for solid hardwood. Its hard to tell what the other parts are made of but looks like some type of Aluminum extrusion and something else.

Packard · « **Reply #4 on:** August 25, 2022, 09:42 PM »

Quote from: 4nthony on August 25, 2022, 07:53 PM

My current drawers are unorganized, however, I love the way HenryBuilt does drawer organization:

https://henrybuilt.com/page/interior-components

Those look nice. Not particularly space-efficient. I would not go that route myself. I always seem to be running out of drawer space.

tjbnwi · « **Reply #5 on:** August 25, 2022, 09:49 PM »

We fabricate the inserts to fit the client. We use the baskets because most of the homes we do have outdoor kitchens and dinning areas. The baskets allow the homeowner to move the flatware easily.

Most are drawer in drawer or drawer over drawer.

Tom

afish · « **Reply #6 on:** August 25, 2022, 10:40 PM »

I saw the baskets looking around online and the idea didnt thrill me until I saw yours. For some reason I was just picturing the baskets all crammed haphazardly into a drawer. It looks like a good system and I like the ability to transfer common items outside as we have outdoor kitchen as well. couple questions if you dont mind.
1. looks like you use around 3/4 for dividers for the baskets. Is there a reason you dont use thinner material to save space?
2. When you say they move items in between indoors and out are they grabbing each basket individually? Seems like it would be good to group some common items into a 1 piece mini tray so you can just grab and go. Now I will have to look into some type of pop up handle.
3. In the one pic it looks like one large tray that sits inside the drawer are you putting another bottom on that or is it just a grid that sits in the drawer.
4. Also @tjbnwi do you have a good source for the baskets

I was thinking of building a grid to organize each item and laser engrave the bottom with an image of what goes in that spot. just wasnt sure on what material to use I was leaning toward maple since I can probably find that locally or use maple ply since I dont have any tools for surfacing hardwood. looks like the co2 laser will engrave laminate too.

tjbnwi · « **Reply #7 on:** August 25, 2022, 11:46 PM »

@afish

We use different width materials depending on the drawer width. We have use down to 1/4”.

Yes, they grab the entire basket.

All of the pictures, the the drawers are double decker. Push the top drawer in, doing so exposes more divided storage. The first two pictures are of the same drawer.

I purchased the baskets at Bed, Bath and Beyond.

Tom

Cheese · « **Reply #8 on:** August 26, 2022, 12:01 AM »

Quote from: tjbnwi on August 25, 2022, 11:46 PM

I purchased the baskets at Bed, Bath and Beyond.

Bed, Bath & Beyond...who'd have thunk.

I like it, I have an immediate need.

afish · « **Reply #9 on:** August 26, 2022, 08:40 AM »

Quote from: tjbnwi on August 25, 2022, 11:46 PM

@afish

We use different width materials depending on the drawer width. We have use down to 1/4”.

Yes, they grab the entire basket.

All of the pictures, the the drawers are double decker. Push the top drawer in, doing so exposes more divided storage. The first two pictures are of the same drawer.

I purchased the baskets at Bed, Bath and Beyond.

Tom

Thanks, Ill check BBB I was thinking it would be good to have the silverware in a group of 3-4 baskets instead of removing/carrying individual baskets. So, you can just grab a single handle and pull out everything needed in one easy to carry package that will pop in and out.

tjbnwi · « **Reply #10 on:** August 26, 2022, 08:57 AM »

Quote from: afish on August 26, 2022, 08:40 AM

Quote from: tjbnwi on August 25, 2022, 11:46 PM
@afish

We use different width materials depending on the drawer width. We have use down to 1/4”.

Yes, they grab the entire basket.

All of the pictures, the the drawers are double decker. Push the top drawer in, doing so exposes more divided storage. The first two pictures are of the same drawer.

I purchased the baskets at Bed, Bath and Beyond.

Tom

Thanks, Ill check BBB I was thinking it would be good to have the silverware in a group of 3-4 baskets instead of removing/carrying individual baskets. So, you can just grab a single handle and pull out everything needed in one easy to carry package that will pop in and out.

If you're going to do a larger single basket with a handle just be aware of possible imbalance causing tipping if the load is not equal around the handle.

Plan the handle shape accordingly.

Tom

cpw · « **Reply #11 on:** August 26, 2022, 03:13 PM »

I just did simple 3/8" or 1/4" Maple cut to size and then glued and pinned together. It is not terribly strong outside of the drawer (you could easily rack it), but captured into place it works fine and allows more of the drawer to be used than commercial flatware trays that leave space around the edges and don't fit into the drawer perfectly.

tjbnwi · « **Reply #12 on:** August 26, 2022, 04:26 PM »

Another one we did. I think this is a single tier. A knife block was requested in this one.

(Sorry for the orientation, posting from my iPad)

Tom

afish · « **Reply #13 on:** August 26, 2022, 04:34 PM »

Yep, in drawer knife block is a must this time. Sick of having that big chunk of wood on the counter. Goal is to have nothing stored on the counter.

tjbnwi · « **Reply #14 on:** August 26, 2022, 04:47 PM »

Quote from: afish on August 26, 2022, 04:34 PM

Yep, in drawer knife block is a must this time. Sick of having that big chunk of wood on the counter. Goal is to have nothing stored on the counter.

You can do a pull down knife block. (Not my work, stole it from someone….)

Tom

afish · « **Reply #15 on:** August 26, 2022, 05:50 PM »

Thats cool too but not for me. Not only would it block my outlets (plugmold) and my under cabinet lighting it would also detract from the clean smooth uninterrupted lines. I appreciate the creativity though

GoingMyWay · « **Reply #16 on:** August 26, 2022, 06:00 PM »

Quote from: tjbnwi on August 26, 2022, 04:47 PM

(Attachment Link)
Quote from: afish on August 26, 2022, 04:34 PM
Yep, in drawer knife block is a must this time. Sick of having that big chunk of wood on the counter. Goal is to have nothing stored on the counter.

You can do a pull down knife block. (Not my work, stole it from someone….)

(Attachment Link)

Tom

That's a great idea! I've never seen that before, but getting the big knife block off of the counter would be nice.

cpw · « **Reply #17 on:** August 26, 2022, 06:30 PM »

Forgot to attach a picture.

afish · « **Reply #18 on:** August 26, 2022, 06:56 PM »

That was kind of what I was picturing in my head. I was thinking of using another piece for a full bottom so I could either dado in the dividers or glue and pin them from underneath for some extra strength but now tjbnwi has me wanting a quick way to transport the main utensils fork, spoon. knife from one location to another outside/inside or to just set out if you have guests. I am also thinking about having them vertical like in the picks below but not sure how I will like that. On one hand it makes it easier to tote around and less balance issue. However that would mean putting them in the middle drawer. I like the stainless steel ones but would like them better if they were square not round to save space

Cheese · « **Reply #19 on:** August 27, 2022, 11:03 AM »

My parents had one of those drop down knife holders in their home. The problem is that for large, full tang, heavy bolster knives (think Wüsthof or Henckels) the increased weight of the knives soon overpowers the magnet that keeps the knife holder closed. Slowly but surely the knife holder slowly opens up and you're always walking by and closing the thing...PITA.

tjbnwi · « **Reply #20 on:** August 27, 2022, 11:13 AM »

@afish They make square inserts, I'll find them for you when I get back.

@Cheese Nitogen springs solve some of this issue. On the mixer lifts the only ones we order now are the Strong Arm assist no more spring models for me.

Tom

Steve1 · « **Reply #21 on:** August 29, 2022, 07:40 AM »

I planned out (look closely at the first image) and then made my own.
3/8" maple dividers and 1/4" maple plywood bottom, a few coats of urethane.
No fasteners, just glue.
This was before I bought my planer, so the dividers were taken from 3/4" to 3/8" with a table saw and belt sander.

Bob D. · « **Reply #22 on:** August 29, 2022, 09:41 AM »

Quote from: Cheese on August 27, 2022, 11:03 AM

My parents had one of those drop down knife holders in their home. The problem is that for large, full tang, heavy bolster knives (think Wüsthof or Henckels) the increased weight of the knives soon overpowers the magnet that keeps the knife holder closed. Slowly but surely the knife holder slowly opens up and you're always walking by and closing the thing...PITA.

Can you add more magnets to overcome the additional weight?

Cheese · « **Reply #23 on:** August 29, 2022, 10:04 AM »

Quote from: Bob D. on August 29, 2022, 09:41 AM

Can you add more magnets to overcome the additional weight?

I don't know Bob, I never looked at that aspect of it. I guess I was just underwhelmed with the construction in general because when you closed it back up you had to push it with both hands or the extended arms would flex sideways and make closing difficult. It was sold with the house...problem resolved.

SoonerFan · « **Reply #24 on:** August 31, 2022, 12:51 PM »

Lots of great ideals here for store bought and custom built. Thanks to @afish for starting. The magnetic knife organization @tjbnwi shared is the bomb. Would have never thought of that.

I got a Onefinity recently and have just about got it figured out. One early project is custom organization using CNC capabilities.

afish · « **Reply #25 on:** September 01, 2022, 03:27 PM »

well, here is my first attempt at drawer organizer. Actually this is the first time I used the laser too. I tested it when it arrived just to make sure it was working and it has been collecting dust for months. Well today was the the day to knock the dust off. there was a lot of learning involved today with new software test cuts etc. This was first try after figuring out the burn offsets. I was a little worried about the 1/4" actual .205" material but once its together its incredibly strong and light. Thing assembles like a zipper and almost needs no glue its so snug.

I need to put some finish on it and thinking some Howards butcher block conditioner or clear polycrylic. Leaning towards the Howards since its a wipe on finish. Open to suggestions on the finish.

I have some others planned but this was the easiest and wanted to figure out the process on the easy one. So far I'm liking it. Its sturdy, light, and I can make the compartments any size or shape without being locked into store bought sizes. This will be double stacked over top of some of the lesser used utensils. However I wanted the basic most used ones to be able to come out in a single container. There is a fork and knife engraving also just like the spoon. Im planning on engraving a pic for each cubby so everything can get put back in its correct location easily.

Chris Wong · « **Reply #26 on:** September 02, 2022, 10:39 AM »

Here is a solid wood knife organizer (knives sit in kerfs), and drawer dividers made from 1/8" baltic birch plywood.

Chris Wong · « **Reply #27 on:** September 02, 2022, 10:47 AM »

Quote from: afish on August 26, 2022, 08:40 AM

Thanks, Ill check BBB I was thinking it would be good to have the silverware in a group of 3-4 baskets instead of removing/carrying individual baskets. So, you can just grab a single handle and pull out everything needed in one easy to carry package that will pop in and out.

Maybe one of these trays? Just drop it into a Mini Systainer and go!

afish · « **Reply #28 on:** September 02, 2022, 06:56 PM »

Getting a little more fancy. Upper tray lifts out if need to access the shish kabob skewers and provides a little extra storage.

afish · « **Reply #29 on:** September 02, 2022, 07:10 PM »

Here is a pic of the parts for the lower tray only, pre assembly. You can see the engravings for each of the items and all the tab holes. Still kind of amazed on how this stuff goes together once you get your burn offsets dialed in. For the trays that sit down inside the drawers I dont even think im going to glue them anymore. The silverware one needed glue since the silverware will be banging front to back every time the drawer opens/closes and the stuff is heavy so eventually it would probably tap it apart. but when all 4 sides are captured glue is not even needed. The lower tray from today drops in by itself but it takes about 45 seconds to reach the bottom since there is a cushion of air that needs to escape the fit is so precise, eventually it settles to the bottom...