Pull out Larder Unit

OREGATO

Hey guys, so we're doing a good bit of work on the house at the moment and trying to save on costs.

There is a job I want to gauge and run by you to see if it's feasible to do our selves or if I should probably just get someone in.

In the kitchen, there is a fitted kitchen, there is an area beside the wall which the previous owners stored the fridge, they removed the fridge and we're going to be putting our fridge in a different location as it's too big for the gap.

We want to use this space effectively and are thinking that a pull out larder unit would suit. We will be putting in a dryer on the bottom but the top I assume, could be converted to a larder unit.

My plan would be to install the larder unit myself above the dryer, so build a shelf which would form the bottom of the larder unit and then get the matching kitchen unit front put on, one for the dryer and then one for the larder unit, either myself or a carpenter could do this.

Anyone any experience of doing this and is it a tough job?

Where could I get the larder unit? It would appear to be just fitting the metal fixings and rollers to the bottom and the top of the unit?

Am I missing something?

Here is an image of what I'm talking about, although for us, the bottom will be another press for the dryer, the larder unit will start above this and run to the top of the kitchen units.

dodzy

If you're handy, its not a big job. Although the pic you linked to looks like a 400mm wide unit. You will be looking at a 600mm to incorporate the width of the dryer, or else you will have to look for a slimline dryer. Once you have that in, you will need the doors of the correct height ( I'm assuming you know this anyway ). The only other issue you will have will be sourcing the pull-out larder mechanism - B&Q would have a decent range so worth a try, and they are easy to fit

Alun

I'd say you'd be wanting to make 200% certain it's fixed properly with that potential weight hanging out when it's fully extended.

mel.b

Ikea will also have everything you need to create a pull out larder.

acon2119

Apart from if you can construct the unit or not have you taken into consideration that it may not be a good idea to have a larder on top of a dryer. Obviously a dryer creates heat which will increase the temperature (even if only a little) in the larder, this is not good for any food, even dry foods, foods are better being stored at room temperature or slightly cooler. the larder is a great idea, I would make it the full height and find somewhere else to put the dryer.

dodzy

mel.b wrote: »

Ikea will also have everything you need to create a pull out larder.

Doh, I meant to say Ikea. B&Q - I wouldn't be going near.

peter bermingham

What ever you do buy a very good quality one as them cheep ones will break your heart after a few weeks not closing right wheels breaking opening by its self

dodzy

peter bermingham wrote: »

What ever you do buy a very good quality one as them cheep ones will break your heart after a few weeks not closing right wheels breaking opening by its self

Ikea are very reasonable and carry a great warranty on kitchen stuff.

looksee

Agree with the point about the heat from the drier. In fact it might be better to put the dryer on top, because the top shelf of the unit is going to be difficult to access so you are only going to get a couple of really useful shelves with the larder high up. The balance would be better for pulling it out too.

OREGATO

Hi all,

Many thanks for the replies. You guys really did help a lot with the final solution (which I wanted to share)

So we took on board the points made about the dryer and it really made sense. With that in mind, we decided to visit Ikea to get some inspiration. We went with two of their kitchen units, which were just about right to fit into the space. With that, we purchased some shelves and pull out drawers also.

By pure chance, we found on adverts, some matching second hand presses and ended up buying a good few doors for when we put in more presses (we knocked a wall so have more room to extend the kitchen) two of these presses measured to the exact height and with some tinkering, I managed to get it installed over the weekend. Some finishing touches to be done with it but overall, I think it's a sound solution costing a lot less than getting someone else in. Here are some before and after photos:

Before (Walls freshly plastered so will be painted in due course - 20140621_165518 by Pulsar_vzr, on Flickr

After (Sorry for the mess)

20140623_215317 by Pulsar_vzr, on Flickr

20140623_215252 by Pulsar_vzr, on Flickr

You can see part of the old waller paper but we have some wood which will cover that piece, just yet to fit it.

Thanks again for all the help and advice.

dodzy

We'll done, and you saved a good few quid too. Result;)