How To Make A Lazy Susan For Kitchen Cabinets Using Dollar Store Supplies

Kitchen organization doesn’t have to be expensive. One of the most frustrating inefficiencies in any kitchen is hard-to-reach items buried behind others in corner or deep cabinets. A lazy susan—a rotating shelf—can solve this problem instantly. While pre-made versions can cost $20–$50, you can build your own high-functioning version using only dollar store materials. This guide walks through exactly how to do it, with practical steps, material alternatives, and real-world tips to ensure success.

Why a DIY Lazy Susan Makes Sense

A lazy susan transforms awkward cabinet spaces into accessible zones. Corner cabinets, especially, are notorious for wasted space. Items pushed to the back are often forgotten until they expire. By installing a rotating tray, everything becomes visible and reachable with a simple spin.

Most commercially available models are made from plastic, wood, or metal. The ones at discount stores are often flimsy. But by building your own, you control the quality, size, and durability—all while spending under $10. Dollar stores carry surprisingly robust supplies that, when combined thoughtfully, perform just as well as retail products.

“Smart storage isn’t about buying more—it’s about rethinking what you already have access to.” — Dana Reynolds, Home Organization Consultant

Materials You’ll Need (All Available at Dollar Stores)

The beauty of this project lies in its simplicity and accessibility. Every item listed below is commonly found at national dollar store chains like Dollar Tree, Family Dollar, or Dollar General. No specialty hardware stores required.

Item	Purpose	Notes
Plastic cutting board or serving tray (round)	Main rotating surface	Choose one with a smooth underside; avoid textured backs.
Non-slip shelf liner (roll or sheet)	Friction grip for contents	Cut to fit top surface to prevent sliding jars.
Heavy-duty adhesive felt pads or furniture glides	Reduce friction on cabinet floor	Use four to six to elevate the base slightly.
Plastic lid from a large container (optional)	Center stabilizer	If the tray wobbles, glue a smaller lid underneath as a pivot point.
Hot glue gun and glue sticks	Assembly and reinforcement	Dollar stores often sell mini glue guns for $1.
Scissors or utility knife	Cutting liner and trimming materials	Use with care on hard surfaces.

Tip: Look for thicker plastic trays—some are designed for picnic use and are sturdier than standard prep boards.

Step-by-Step Assembly Guide

Building your lazy susan takes less than 30 minutes. Follow these steps carefully to ensure stability and smooth rotation.

1. Measure your cabinet interior. Use a tape measure (or ruler) to determine the maximum diameter that will fit with clearance on all sides. Most standard lower cabinets accommodate up to 14 inches. Round down by 1 inch to allow room for movement.
2. Select the right tray or cutting board. Pick a round plastic board close to your target size. If necessary, sand down the edges lightly with coarse sandpaper (also sold at dollar stores) to reduce diameter.
3. Clean both surfaces thoroughly. Wipe the bottom of the tray and the cabinet floor with a damp cloth to remove dust and grease. Let dry completely before proceeding.
4. Attach felt pads to the underside. Place one pad near each edge, spaced evenly around the perimeter. These act as feet, reducing direct drag and allowing smoother spinning. For heavier loads, add a fifth pad in the center.
5. Optional: Add a central stabilizer. Find a rigid plastic lid (like from a coffee container). Glue it upside-down to the center of the tray’s underside using hot glue. This creates a low-friction pivot point that helps prevent wobbling.
6. Line the top surface. Cut a circle from non-slip shelf liner to match the tray’s size. Press it firmly into place. This keeps bottles, spice jars, and cans from sliding during rotation.
7. Test the rotation. Place the assembly in the cabinet and gently spin it. It should turn smoothly without catching. If it sticks, check for uneven pads or debris on the cabinet floor.
8. Load with items. Start light—place a few canned goods or spice bottles on the surface. Rotate to confirm balance. Avoid overloading one side, which can cause tilting.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

• Wobbling? Ensure all felt pads are the same thickness and properly adhered. Re-glue if needed.
• Not spinning freely? Clean the cabinet floor again. Even small crumbs can impede motion.
• Too much play? Try adding a small rubber washer (available in hardware sections) under the center lid for tighter control.

Tip: If your cabinet has a raised seam or ridge, test the lazy susan there first. You may need to adjust placement slightly off-center.

Real-World Example: Transforming a Forgotten Cabinet

Sarah, a homeowner in Austin, Texas, had a deep corner cabinet under her sink that she avoided opening. “It was full of cleaning supplies stacked haphazardly,” she said. “I’d pull out three bottles just to get to the one I needed.”

After seeing a social media post about DIY lazy susans, she visited her local dollar store with a measuring tape. She bought a 12-inch round plastic tray ($1), a roll of non-slip liner ($1), and a pack of heavy-duty felt pads ($1). Using a hot glue gun she already owned, she assembled the unit in her kitchen.

“I put my spray cleaners, scrub brushes, and refill bottles on it,” Sarah explained. “Now I just spin it to find what I need. It took five minutes to load and has saved me time every week since.”

She later made a second one for her pantry using a larger tray, noting that “once you see how useful they are, you want one everywhere.”

Do’s and Don’ts of Dollar Store Lazy Susans

To maximize performance and longevity, follow these best practices based on user testing and material limitations.

Do	Don’t
Use thick, rigid plastic trays	Choose warped or flexible boards
Balance weight evenly across the surface	Stack heavy items on one side
Clean the cabinet floor monthly	Ignore crumbs or spills under the unit
Replace felt pads every 6 months	Expect years of maintenance-free use
Label containers for quick identification	Overfill the surface beyond 70% capacity

“The key to success with budget builds is regular maintenance. Check alignment and adhesion monthly.” — Marcus Lin, DIY Home Efficiency Expert

Customization Ideas for Different Cabinet Types

This basic design can be adapted for various storage needs throughout the kitchen.

• Pantry shelves: Use two stacked trays—one fixed on the shelf, one rotating above—to create a double-tier system. Separate snacks from baking supplies.
• Spice cabinet: Choose a smaller 8-inch tray. Attach labeled jars with magnetic labels for easy reading.
• Under-sink organizer: Pair with waterproof bins. Place the lazy susan beneath a caddy to rotate entire categories (e.g., dish soap, sponges, gloves).
• Appliance garage: Fit a custom-sized tray to hold oils, vinegars, and small prep tools near your countertop appliances.

For narrow cabinets, consider a half-round design. Cut a semicircular tray from a rectangular non-slip mat and attach felt sliders. Though not fully rotating, it slides outward like a drawer, improving access.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I wash the lazy susan?

Yes. Remove it from the cabinet and wipe down with warm, soapy water. Rinse with a damp cloth and dry thoroughly before replacing. Avoid soaking, as moisture can weaken glued components over time.

Will this work on carpeted cabinet floors?

No. Carpet creates too much resistance. This design works best on hard surfaces like vinyl, laminate, tile, or wood. If your cabinet has a liner, ensure it’s smooth and flat.

How long will the felt pads last?

Typically 4–8 months with daily use. Signs of wear include fraying, peeling, or increased resistance when spinning. Replace them proactively to maintain smooth function.

Checklist: Build Your Lazy Susan in 8 Steps

• ☐ Measure cabinet interior diameter
• ☐ Purchase a round plastic tray (slightly smaller than cabinet)
• ☐ Buy non-slip shelf liner and felt pads
• ☐ Clean tray and cabinet floor
• ☐ Attach 4–6 felt pads to tray underside
• ☐ Optional: Glue center stabilizer lid
• ☐ Cut and apply non-slip liner to top surface
• ☐ Test rotation and load with balanced items

Final Thoughts: Small Change, Big Impact

A lazy susan isn’t just a convenience—it’s a functional upgrade that changes how you interact with your kitchen. What once required bending, reaching, and rummaging now happens with a flick of the wrist. And doing it for under $5 using readily available supplies proves that smart organization doesn’t require big budgets.

The real value isn’t just in saving money, but in reclaiming time and reducing daily frustration. Once installed, you’ll wonder how you ever managed without it. Whether you’re renting, remodeling, or simply optimizing your current space, this project delivers immediate returns.

💬 Try it this weekend! Visit your nearest dollar store, grab the supplies, and install your first lazy susan tonight. Share your results, modifications, or photos in the comments—your idea might inspire someone else to organize smarter.