A pull out bin can usually be installed in an existing kitchen cabinet by measuring the usable space, positioning the runner frame, marking the mounting points and securing the system to the cabinet base or sides. The exact method depends on whether the bin sits behind a hinged cupboard door or operates as a Pull Out bin drawer with the cabinet front attached.
This guide explains how to inspect and measure the cabinet, install a typical base-mounted system, fit a drawer-front model and correct common installation problems. Installation time varies depending on the mounting system, cabinet condition and the adjustments required — a straightforward base-mounted model is generally easier to install than a system with a cabinet front attached.
Important: Pull Out bin designs vary between manufacturers. Always read the installation instructions supplied with your particular product before drilling or modifying the cabinet.
Pull Out Bin Installation at a Glance
|
Installation detail |
General guidance |
|
Suitable cabinet |
Sound base cabinet with sufficient clear space |
|
Typical mounting style |
Cabinet-base or side-mounted runners |
|
Main tools |
Tape measure, pencil, drill, screwdriver and level |
|
Most important measurement |
Narrowest usable cabinet opening |
|
Main obstruction to check |
Hinges, plumbing, shelves and cabinet framing |
|
DIY difficulty |
Varies by system; base-mounted models are generally simpler than drawer-front systems |
|
Professional help recommended |
Plumbing changes, damaged cabinets or drawer-front alignment |
Can You Install a Pull Out Bin in an Existing Cabinet?
Yes, many existing base cabinets can be upgraded with a Pull Out bin. You do not necessarily need to renovate the whole kitchen or replace the cupboard.
Before purchasing or installing the system, make sure the cabinet:
- Has enough usable width, depth and height
- Has a strong, reasonably level base
- Opens widely enough for the bin to extend
- Has sufficient clearance around the hinges
- Does not contain fixed plumbing or electrical fittings that block the installation area
- Can support the bin frame when the buckets are loaded
- Has removable shelves where necessary
Correct measurements are important, but the cabinet must also be dry, stable and strong enough to support the loaded bin. A bin should not be fixed to a cabinet base that is swollen, cracked, damp or separating from the side panels.
Before beginning the project, confirm that a built-in system is the right choice for your kitchen. If you are still deciding between different configurations, read our guide comparing Pull Out, door-mounted and freestanding kitchen bins.
Identify the Type of Pull Out Bin You Are Installing
Not every Pull Out bin is fitted in the same way. Identifying the mounting style before drilling can prevent incorrect hole placement and alignment problems. The table below summarises the four common types.
|
Bin type |
How it works |
Installation requirement |
|
Base-mounted bin |
Sits behind a hinged door |
Frame attaches to cabinet base |
|
Side-mounted bin |
Slides on runners fixed to cabinet sides |
Both runners must be level and parallel |
|
Pull Out bin drawer |
Cabinet front moves with the bin |
Front-panel alignment is required |
|
Door-connected system |
Door movement helps pull the bin forward |
Product-specific brackets are required |
Base-Mounted Pull Out Cupboard Bin
A base-mounted pull out cupboard bin is secured to the floor of the cabinet, and the existing cupboard door normally remains hinged. You open the door, pull the bin frame forward, then push it back and close the door. This is often the most manageable style for a DIY installation because the door does not need to be removed or realigned.
Pull Out Bin Drawer
A Pull Out bin drawer operates like a normal kitchen drawer, with the cabinet front attached directly to the bin frame so the front and bin move together. It usually involves removing the existing hinged door, installing the runner assembly, attaching brackets to the cabinet front and aligning that front with the neighbouring doors. The drawer-front stage requires more precision than fitting a bin behind an existing hinged door.
What Tools Do You Need?
The exact tools depend on the product, but a typical installation may require:
- Tape measure
- Pencil
- Masking tape
- Cordless drill/driver
- Correctly sized drill bit
- Phillips-head screwdriver
- Spirit level
- Combination square
- Safety glasses
- Manufacturer's installation template
- Supplied screws, spacers and brackets
Do not automatically replace the supplied screws with longer ones. A screw that is too long may pass through the cabinet floor or damage something underneath the cabinet.
How Do You Measure a Cabinet for a Pull Out Bin?
Measure the actual usable space rather than relying only on the cabinet's advertised width. Doors, hinges, frames, pipes and internal supports can all reduce the available opening.
Record every measurement in millimetres.
Measure the Usable Opening Width
Open the cabinet door fully and measure the clear space through which the bin must travel.
Take measurements:
- Near the top of the opening
- Across the centre
- Near the cabinet floor
- Between any projecting hinges
- Between internal frame edges
Use the smallest measurement as your usable opening width.
For example, the cabinet may have plenty of internal room once you are past the hinges, but the bin still needs to pass through the narrower opening at the front.
Measure the Internal Cabinet Depth
Measure from the rear of the closed cabinet door to the cabinet's back panel or the nearest obstruction.
Check for:
- Waste pipes
- Water pipes
- Power points
- Dishwasher hoses
- Water filters
- Cabinet braces
- Uneven back panels
Do not assume that the entire cabinet depth is available to the bin.
Measure the Available Height
Measure from the cabinet floor to the lowest obstruction above the planned bin position.
Under a sink, the limiting point might be:
- The bottom of the sink bowl
- The waste trap
- A pipe connection
- A water filter
- A cabinet rail
- A shelf support
Remember to allow enough room for the bucket handles and any lid mechanism.
For a more detailed explanation of cabinet capacity and plumbing clearance, see our under sink bin size guide.
Check the Hinges
Hinges are one of the most commonly overlooked obstructions.
Confirm that:
- The frame can pass between the hinges
- The buckets will not hit the hinge arms
- The door can remain fully open
- The extended bin will not scrape the door
- The handles can be lifted without touching the hardware
Inspect the Cabinet Base
The cabinet floor should be:
- Flat
- Dry
- Securely attached
- Free from major cracks
- Strong enough to hold the loaded system
If the base flexes when pressed, repair or reinforce it before installing the bin.
Cabinet Measurement Checklist
Complete this checklist before ordering or drilling:
- Usable opening width: ______ mm
- Internal cabinet depth: ______ mm
- Available internal height: ______ mm
- Narrowest hinge clearance: ______ mm
- Lowest plumbing point: ______ mm
- Cabinet base is level: Yes / No
- Cabinet base is dry and secure: Yes / No
- Cabinet door opens fully: Yes / No
- Shelves can be removed: Yes / No
- Bin frame can extend without obstruction: Yes / No
Once the measurements are confirmed, compare them with the minimum cabinet requirements listed for the product — not just the overall size of the buckets.
How to Install a Pull Out Bin Step by Step
This covers a typical base-mounted Pull Out bin fitted behind an existing hinged cabinet door.
Step 1: Empty and inspect the cabinet
Clear out the cupboard, then vacuum and wipe the base so it's clean and dry. Check for water damage, loose panels, hidden pipes or wiring, and repair any problems first. Under a sink, check for leaks before you start.
Step 2: Unpack and identify the components
Lay out all parts and compare them with the product manual — frame, buckets, lid, brackets, runners, screws and any template. Don't drill until you know where each part belongs.
Step 3: Assemble the frame if required
Some systems arrive assembled; others need the runners or lid supports connected first. Follow the manufacturer's steps, keeping screws slightly loose until aligned, then test the runners outside the cabinet.
Step 4: Position the frame
Set the empty frame in place, parallel with the cabinet sides, clear of the hinges and door, with the rear clearing any plumbing. Confirm the buckets can still be removed. A combination square helps keep it straight.
Step 5: Perform a dry test
Before drilling, slide the frame fully in and out. Check it clears the hinges and plumbing, the door stays open, the runners extend fully, and the frame sits fully inside without catching. Adjust until the movement is smooth.
Step 6: Mark the mounting holes and check for services
Mark the fixing points with a pencil (masking tape helps on dark or glossy surfaces), keeping the frame still. Before drilling, make sure there are no pipes or wires beneath the marks — take extra care near dishwashers, plumbing or power points. Don't drill until the area is safe.
Step 7: Drill the pilot holes
Use a bit matched to the screw and cabinet material. Shallow pilot holes prevent splitting and keep screws straight. Keep the drill vertical and drill only as deep as needed — tape on the bit works as a depth marker.
Step 8: Secure and align the runner frame
Insert the screws, tightening each only part-way at first so you can still adjust. Check the frame is straight, test the runners, then tighten gradually. Don't overtighten into particleboard or MDF, as it strips the hole.
Step 9: Install the lid and buckets
Fit the lid per the instructions, checking it doesn't rub the walls, plumbing or buckets. Seat the buckets and confirm they sit flat, lift out easily and don't block the runners. For double bins, decide which bucket is for waste and which for recycling.
Step 10: Test empty and under light load
Open and close several times, listening for scraping or binding — it should move freely without force. Then add a little weight and test again (not a full bin). Stop and fix the installation if the base flexes, the frame shifts or screws start pulling out.
How Do You Install a Pull Out Bin Drawer?
Installing a pull out bin drawer requires additional work because the cabinet front becomes part of the moving assembly. The exact process varies, but it commonly involves the following stages.
1. Remove the Existing Cabinet Door
Support the door while removing the hinges. Keep the existing screws and hardware until the installation is complete. Inspect the cabinet front for old hinge holes that may affect the positioning of the new mounting brackets.
2. Install the Bin Runner Assembly
Position and secure the runner assembly using the same measuring, dry-testing and pilot-hole process described earlier. Confirm that the frame is level before attaching the cabinet front.
3. Fit the Drawer-Front Brackets
Attach the supplied brackets to the bin frame. Some systems offer adjustment for:
- Height
- Side movement
- Tilt
- Depth
Keep the adjustment points accessible until the front is aligned.
4. Position the Cabinet Front
Hold the cabinet front against the brackets and use spacers or temporary supports to match the gaps around neighbouring doors and drawers. Check the alignment from several positions rather than looking only from directly in front.
5. Secure the Front Panel
Attach the panel using the approved screws and bracket locations. Do not use screws that could pass through the visible face of the cabinet front.
6. Adjust the Alignment
Close the drawer and examine:
- The top gap
- The bottom gap
- Left and right spacing
- Alignment with adjacent cabinets
- Handle or finger-pull position
Make small adjustments rather than moving one bracket dramatically.
7. Test the Completed Drawer
Open and close the bin repeatedly. Make sure the cabinet front:
- Does not touch the neighbouring doors
- Closes evenly
- Activates the soft-close system
- Remains level when the buckets contain weight
- Does not tilt or loosen
Professional installation may be worthwhile for handleless cabinetry, expensive painted fronts or systems with limited adjustment.
Common Pull Out Bin Installation Problems
|
Problem |
Possible cause |
What to check |
|
Bin hits the hinge |
Frame is too close to one side |
Reposition the frame or use approved spacing |
|
Frame will not extend fully |
Obstruction or incorrect runner position |
Check the rear of the cabinet and runner alignment |
|
Bin scrapes the cupboard |
Insufficient opening clearance |
Measure the narrowest point again |
|
Cabinet door will not close |
Frame is mounted too far forward |
Move the system further into the cabinet |
|
Bin feels unstable |
Loose fixings or damaged cabinet base |
Inspect and secure the mounting area |
|
Runners feel stiff |
Frame is twisted or out of parallel |
Loosen, realign and retighten the frame |
|
Soft-close does not activate |
Runners are uneven or not closing fully |
Check the level and rear clearance |
|
Buckets hit plumbing |
Incorrect position or excessive height |
Reposition the frame or choose a lower model |
|
Drawer front looks crooked |
Brackets are uneven |
Adjust the front-panel mounting points |
|
Screw spins without tightening |
Fixing hole has stripped |
Repair the fixing point before using the bin |
What Should You Check in an Under-Sink Cabinet?
Under-sink cabinets require extra care because the sink bowl, waste trap, supply lines, dishwasher connections and water filters can reduce the usable space. Test the bin through its complete movement and make sure no pipes or hoses are being pushed or strained. If plumbing must be relocated, use a suitably qualified professional.
Should Renters Install a Pull Out Bin?
Renters should obtain written permission from the property owner or manager before drilling into kitchen cabinetry. A Pull Out installation may leave permanent screw holes or require the removal of a cabinet shelf or door, and even a minor alteration can affect the property's fixtures. Where permanent modifications are not permitted, consider a removable storage option instead.
How Do You Maintain a Pull Out Bin?
Regular maintenance helps keep the runners smooth and the cabinet hygienic.
· Clean the Buckets
Remove and wash the buckets regularly using a suitable household cleaning product. Dry them before returning them to the frame.
· Keep Waste Away From the Runners
Loose food, liquid and torn bin liners can enter the runner mechanism. Clean spills promptly and vacuum crumbs from the cabinet base.
· Check the Mounting Screws
Inspect the frame periodically. Tighten loose screws before they enlarge the mounting holes.
· Avoid Overloading
A Pull Out bin is designed for normal household waste. Avoid placing unusually heavy materials in the buckets unless the product is rated for the load.
· Follow the Runner Instructions
Do not apply oil or spray lubricant unless the manufacturer recommends it. Some runner and soft-close systems are designed to operate without additional lubrication.
Choosing a Pull Out Bin for an Existing Cabinet
The easiest product to install is one that fits the cabinet without requiring significant changes. Before purchasing, compare:
- Minimum cabinet opening width
- Overall product depth
- Overall product height
- Mounting position
- Number of buckets
- Total capacity in litres
- Lid configuration
- Runner extension
- Soft-close operation
- Drawer-front compatibility
- Plumbing clearance
- Replacement bucket availability
Avoid choosing capacity first and cabinet fit second. A slightly smaller bin that moves freely is more useful than a larger model that cannot extend properly.
If you want to separate general waste, recycling and food scraps, choose a double or multi-bucket system, with bucket sizes suited to your household and local kerbside collection service.
Why Choose The Kitchen Organiser?
The Kitchen Organiser helps Australian households create more practical and manageable kitchen storage.
Our range includes Pull Out bins, under-sink systems, door-mounted bins, replacement buckets and other cabinet storage options for different kitchen layouts. Product dimensions and fitting information can help you compare suitable systems before making permanent changes to your cabinetry.
Whether you are improving an older kitchen or completing a new storage project, choosing a system that matches the real cabinet opening is the most important first step.
Browse our wider collection of kitchen bin solutions to find an option suited to your space and household routine.
Final Installation Checklist
Before considering the project complete, confirm that:
- The mounting screws are secure
- The frame is straight and level
- The runners extend fully
- The bin closes completely
- The system clears the cabinet hinges
- The buckets can be removed easily
- The lid opens or separates correctly
- Pipes and hoses are not being pushed, bent or strained by the bin
- The cabinet door closes normally
- The frame remains stable with normal weight
- Bin liners do not catch in the mechanism
A careful installation should allow the bin to move smoothly without scraping, twisting or pulling at the cabinet base.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you install a Pull Out bin in an existing cabinet?
Yes. A Pull Out bin can be added to many existing base cabinets when there is enough usable width, depth, height and hinge clearance. The cabinet base must also be dry, stable and strong enough to hold the loaded system.
Do Pull Out bins screw into the cabinet base?
Many Pull Out bins use a base-mounted frame that screws into the cabinet floor. Other systems use side-mounted runners or brackets connected to the cabinet front. Check the product instructions before marking any holes.
How much space does a Pull Out bin need?
The required space depends on the dimensions of the complete frame, not only the bucket size. Measure the narrowest cabinet opening, internal depth, available height, hinge clearance and any plumbing before selecting a model.
Can you install a Pull Out bin under a sink?
Yes, provided the system clears the sink bowl, waste trap, water lines and other plumbing. A lower or narrower model may be required when pipework reduces the usable cabinet area.
What is the difference between a Pull Out cupboard bin and a Pull Out bin drawer?
A Pull Out cupboard bin usually sits behind a normal hinged door and is pulled forward separately. A Pull Out bin drawer has the cabinet front attached directly to the bin frame, so the front and bin move together.
Can I install a Pull Out bin without removing the cabinet door?
Yes. A base-mounted system designed to sit behind a hinged door can usually be installed without removing the door. You still need to confirm that the runners, buckets and handles clear the hinges.
Why is my Pull Out bin not sliding smoothly?
The frame may be twisted, the runners may not be parallel, or part of the system may be contacting the cabinet. Loosen the mounting screws slightly, check the alignment and inspect the full travel path for obstructions.
Do I need a professional installer?
A competent DIY user may be able to install a straightforward base-mounted system. Professional help is recommended when plumbing needs to be moved, the cabinet is damaged, hidden services are present or a drawer front requires precise alignment.
Upgrade Your Existing Cabinet With Smarter Bin Storage
Installing a Pull Out bin in an existing cabinet is achievable when the system matches the usable cabinet dimensions and the runner frame is aligned before drilling. Measure the narrowest opening, check the hinges and plumbing, and dry-test the complete movement before securing the frame.
Always follow the instructions supplied with the product and use professional assistance when plumbing, electrical services or complex drawer-front adjustments are involved.