How to Make a Slide Out Shelf

Measure the width and depth of the space where your shelf will fit using the measuring tape, allowing for a 1/4-inch margin widthwise and a 3/4-inch margin lengthwise. The margins will allow sufficient space in which to operate the sliding shelf.

Cut a shelf from the plank of plywood to match your shelf dimensions using the circular saw.

Mark a "B" on one side of the shelf with your pencil to designate the bottom.

Screw the horizontal face of each telescoping shelf brace into the bottom of the shelf using the screwdriver and four wood screws per brace, ensuring that the horizontal face of each brace fits flush with the side of the shelf. Each shelf brace has two faces that will attach to a piece of wood. The horizontal face attaches to the bottom of the shelf; the vertical face will fit against the inside of the desk or cabinet in which the shelf will fit. The horizontal face must fit flush against the sides of the shelf for the vertical face to fit against the inside of your cabinet or desk.

Ask your assistant to hold the shelf into place within the shelf slot. The shelf slot is the space in your cabinet or desk that will hold the shelf.

Test the position of the shelf by pulling it in and out while your assistant continues to hold it in place. Get a sense of how high or low to position the shelf as well as where to position it horizontally. The front of the shelf should fit flush against the front of the desk or cabinet. If the shelf is for a desk, sit in front of the extended shelf to ensure it clears your knees.

Screw the vertical faces into the sides of the shelf or cabinet using the screwdriver and four wood screws per brace, ensuring that the front face or edge of the shelf fits flush with the front face of the desk or cabinet.

Open and close the shelf, ensuring it fits snugly within the space.