How to Hang Cabinets From Rafters

Measure the space between your rafters and subtract 1/8 inch. This will be the width of your cupboard. The ideal length is 2 feet.

Measure and cut your boards. Use two 2-foot boards for the sides, two boards with the width measurements for the top and bottom, one shelf that is 1 inch smaller than the width pieces and a back piece covering the length and width. Additionally, cut two small pieces that are 3 inches long and the width of the rafter; the pieces will be used as cleats.

Cut wooden dowels to the same length as the shelf piece. You need at least two dowels for each cupboard.

Construct the frame of the cupboard, drilling three wood screws into each corner.

Add the shelf and dowel pieces. Drill three screws into each side of the shelf piece and one screw into each side of the dowel pieces. The dowel pieces should be positioned halfway between the shelf and frame in both directions and will act as stabilizers to keep things from falling off the shelves when you let down the cupboard.

Add the back piece, drilling screws into place every 6 inches.

Slide the cupboard into the rafter, and check for a clean fit.

Have a friend hold the cupboard in place while you mark the locations for the pivots. The pivots should be at the front end of the cabinet and will be what the cabinet hangs by and hinges on. Ensure the pivots are even on both sides; verify the evenness by measuring the distance from the end of the rafter to the marked location for the pivot.

Install the cleats by drilling them onto both rafters that the cabinet is between. The cleats should be toward the unsupported end of the cupboard. Drill screws in the the cleats tight enough so that they are in place but not so tight to prevent movement.