Build Your Own Lazy Susan

A lazy susan is a great way to save space in a corner cupboard. If you have never seen a lazy susan before, it is a round little table that spins. When it is used in a corner cupboard, it makes it easier to access the things in the back. Lazy Susan’s are sold everywhere, but for your cabinets you may need to build a custom lazy susan. This is an easy project for beginners and it is fairly cheap to build your own lazy susan.

To begin, you need to find the correct size for your lazy susan. Measure the inside of your cabinet’s width and length. Make the circumference of your circle a few inches smaller than the width and length. Also, measure your cabinet opening to make sure your circle will fit inside the door.

Take a trip to your local home improvement center and size up some lumber. You can buy a simple precut piece of plywood or if you’re not going to paint your lazy susan, buy a nice piece of oak or other fine hardwood. I used two pieces of oak and glued them together to make the proper width of my lazy susan. Some home improvement centers have pre-cut circles if you’re not keen on cutting your own circle. Don’t forget to buy the lazy susan bearing hardware.

After you get your material home, you will need to find the center of your wood. Nail a small nail in the center. Now cut a piece of string half of the circumference of your circle. Attach the string to the nail and using a pencil trace a circle with your newly created compass. You may need to make the string a little longer than needed to attach it to the nail and the pencil. Hold the string tight as you make the circle on your wood.

Cut the circle out using a jigsaw. Sand the edges with a fine grit sandpaper or a palm sander. You can router the edges if you really want a detailed look. If you want a lip around the edge of your lazy susan, repeat the above steps to make a circle. Now make a smaller circle inside of the larger circle. About two inches should be enough. Cut out the smaller circle using a jigsaw, and then cut out the larger circle. Glue the lip to the top of the lazy susan. Add additional pieces of wood to extend your lip upward. Sand the finished pieces after they have been glued together. Finish painting or staining the lazy susan according to your taste before you attach the lazy susan bearing hardware.

Attach the lazy Susan bearing hardware according to the manufacturers directions to the bottom of the circle. Spin the lazy susan around to make sure it is aligned properly. Place the lazy susan inside of the cabinet and fill it up!