Installing a lazy Susan in a corner cabinet is a practical DIY project most homeowners can tackle with basic tools and a bit of patience. The result — a smoothly spinning, fully accessible corner cabinet — is well worth the effort. Here's everything you need to know to get it right first time.
What Is a Lazy Susan and Which Type Do You Need?
A lazy Susan is a rotating tray or shelf system fitted inside a corner cabinet to make deep, awkward corners easy to access. There are several common types:
- Full-circle rotating shelves – Two or more round shelves that spin independently on a central pole. Best for blind corner or full corner cabinets with a dedicated door opening.
- D-shaped (kidney) shelves – Flat-sided shelves that swing out with the cabinet door. Ideal for cabinets where the door is attached to the shelf unit.
- Pie-cut / half-moon shelves – Quarter- or half-circle shelves that pull out on a pivot. Suit cabinets with two doors meeting at the corner.
- Pole-mounted systems – A central pole runs floor to ceiling (or top to bottom of the cabinet) with shelves attached at intervals.
Measure your cabinet's internal width and depth carefully before purchasing. Most NZ kitchen corner cabinets suit a 800–900 mm diameter full-circle unit, but always confirm your clearances.
Tools and Materials You'll Need
- Tape measure and pencil
- Spirit level
- Power drill and drill bits
- Screwdriver (Phillips and flathead)
- Jigsaw (if cutting a centre hole in existing shelves)
- The lazy Susan kit (shelves, central pole or bearing plate, fixings)
- Safety glasses
You can find lazy Susan hardware and kits at Bunnings or Mitre 10. Check the kit includes all fixings — some budget units omit screws.
Step-by-Step Installation Guide
1. Empty and Inspect the Cabinet
Remove everything from the cabinet. Check the cabinet box is square, the base is solid, and there are no moisture issues or damage. Corner cabinets in NZ homes — especially older weatherboard houses — can be prone to dampness, so address any issues before fitting new hardware.
2. Measure Carefully
Measure the internal width of both cabinet openings and the diagonal depth of the corner. Note the height from the cabinet floor to the underside of the top shelf or cabinet ceiling. These measurements determine the diameter and height of the unit you need.
3. Assemble the Lazy Susan Unit
Most kits come flat-packed. Follow the manufacturer's instructions to assemble the shelves onto the central pole or bearing mechanism before fitting inside the cabinet. Lay everything out on the floor first so you understand how it goes together.
4. Position and Secure the Base
For pole-mounted systems:
- Place the bottom bearing plate centrally on the cabinet floor.
- Mark the screw holes with a pencil.
- Drill pilot holes (use a bit slightly smaller than your screw diameter to avoid splitting).
- Screw the base plate down firmly.
For bearing-plate systems (no pole):
- Centre the bottom bearing on the cabinet floor.
- Mark, pilot drill, and screw down.
- Set the shelf assembly onto the bearing and check it spins freely.
5. Fit the Top Fixing (Pole Systems)
Extend the pole to the correct height and secure the top bracket to the underside of the cabinet top or existing shelf. Use a spirit level to ensure the pole is perfectly vertical — a crooked pole will cause the shelves to wobble or bind.
6. Adjust Shelf Heights
Most systems allow you to slide shelves up or down the pole. Set heights to suit your storage needs — taller items on the bottom, shorter items higher up. Tighten all locking collars or clips once you're happy with the spacing.
7. Check the Swing Clearance
Open and close the cabinet door(s) while spinning the shelves to confirm nothing catches. D-shaped and pie-cut units in particular need careful alignment so the flat edge clears the door frame smoothly. Adjust as needed before fully tightening all fixings.
8. Reinstall or Adjust the Cabinet Door
If your lazy Susan attaches to the door (common with D-shaped units), you may need to adjust the door hinges so the door and shelf swing out together without binding. Most modern NZ kitchen cabinets use European (concealed) hinges that are easily adjusted with a screwdriver — no specialist tools required.
Tips for a Professional Finish
- Don't overtighten screws into cabinet floors — particleboard strips easily. Use the correct screw length (typically 25–35 mm for cabinet floors).
- If the cabinet floor is thin or damaged, add a small timber backing block beneath the base plate for extra grip.
- Wipe down the inside of the cabinet with a damp cloth and allow to dry fully before loading shelves.
- Apply a small amount of silicone lubricant to the bearing if the unit feels stiff after installation.
When to Call a Professional
This project is generally within DIY reach, but consider calling a qualified cabinet maker or kitchen joiner if:
- Your corner cabinet is non-standard, damaged, or out of square.
- You need to cut or modify existing cabinet carcasses significantly.
- The cabinet is part of a larger kitchen renovation requiring building consent — check with your local council, as some kitchen alterations may require consent under the NZ Building Code.
- You're unsure about the structural integrity of the cabinet.
Note: Installing a lazy Susan does not involve electrical, plumbing, or gas work, so there are no restricted-work licensing requirements for this task. However, if your renovation touches any wiring or plumbing, stop and engage a licensed professional — electrical work must be carried out by a registered electrician (EWRB) and plumbing by a licensed tradesperson (PGDB).
You can find experienced local cabinet makers and kitchen joiners on tradedirectory.co.nz.
