CUTLERY CAPERS

Build a bespoke kitchen storage solution that perfectly suits your needs

Sick and tired of those storebought cutlery inserts that don’t quite fit either the drawer or your kitchen essentials? Try making your own! You can size it to the perfect dimensions for the available space, then design all of the compartments to hold your favourite cooking utensils. Best of all, the materials are easy to get. From there, it’s as simple as cut, glue, drill and nail. Too easy!

For you to note

• All components are joined using PVA glue. Remove excess with a damp cloth.

• If you sand timbers before cutting it will make sanding the unit before applying the oil an easier job.

Here’s how

STEP 1 Measure internal dimensions at drawer base and use to determine the overall tray measurements. Consider what you want to store and do a sketch of your tray showing the required compartments and sizes. STEP 2 Use mitre saw to cut meranti to length for the tray perimeter. Make sides the full length of measurement. For front and back, deduct 24mm from overall width to allow for thickness of sides.

STEP 3 Assemble perimeter of tray by butting front and back into sides. Predrill through sides using a 1mm drill bit, then nail together with 25mm nails.

STEP 4 Cut centre divider that goes the full width of the tray. Use a square to mark it for the timber that will further divide the tray into compartments. Make the marks for each section’s compartments on the same side of the divider so you can align timber before nailing.

STEP 5 Hold centre divider alternately against the front and back of the perimeter. Transfer over the marks made on this divider so you can easily align the different dividers during assembly.

STEP 6 Cut compartment dividers to length, then glue, predrill and nail to the centre divider, aligning timber with the marks made in Step 4.

STEP 7 Sit perimeter of tray around centre/compartment divider assembly.

STEP 8 Run clamps alternately between centre divider and front and back of perimeter as you predrill and nail through these 2 pieces into compartment dividers.

STEP 9 Cut base out of 4mm ply to suit dimensions of tray. Glue bottom edges of tray assembly then sit base on top. Predrill and nail base to rest of tray. Allow to dry.

STEP 10 Sand entire unit using 120-grit paper. Apply 2 coats of food-grade oil to the entire unit with a cloth. Allow to dry for 24 hours after each coat.

Make the most of your kitchen Create a place for everything and everything in its place – designed for a bespoke fit! The natural colours and textures of the meranti also add a touch of class. FOR PROJECT SUPPLIES AND SHOPPING DETAILS, SEE OUR STOCKISTS PAGE