The Ultimate Guide to Measuring for a Lazy Susan: A Step-by-Step Tutorial

Lazy Susans are incredibly versatile additions to any home, offering a practical and stylish solution for organizing and accessing items in cabinets, pantries, and even on countertops. However, before you rush out and purchase one, it’s crucial to get your measurements right. An improperly sized lazy susan can render it useless, either by not fitting at all or not spinning freely. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the entire process of accurately measuring for your lazy susan, ensuring a perfect fit and optimal functionality.

Why Accurate Measurements Matter

Before we dive into the specifics, let’s understand why precision is key. Lazy Susans require clearance to rotate smoothly. If the diameter is too large, it won’t spin, and you might not even be able to fit it into the space. If it’s too small, you’re wasting valuable space and not making the most of your storage solution. A well-measured lazy susan will:

• Fit perfectly within its designated space.
• Spin freely and smoothly, allowing for easy access to items.
• Maximize storage potential.
• Prevent frustration and the need for returns or replacements.

Tools You’ll Need

Before we get started, gather the following tools:

• Measuring Tape: A retractable metal tape measure is ideal for accurate measurements. Avoid using flexible cloth measuring tapes, as they can stretch and cause inaccuracies.
• Pencil and Paper: For noting your measurements and sketching out the space.
• A Level (Optional): Helpful for checking if the cabinet floor or shelf is level.
• Calculator: (Optional) May be helpful for more complex calculations.

Step-by-Step Guide to Measuring for a Lazy Susan

Now, let’s break down the measuring process into manageable steps. We will cover measuring for various installations, including cabinets, corners and open spaces.

Step 1: Determine the Type of Lazy Susan You Need

Before measuring, you should decide on the basic type of lazy susan you want. Here are some common options:

• Full-Circle Lazy Susan: These are circular and rotate 360 degrees. Ideal for corner cabinets or open shelves.
• D-Shaped Lazy Susan: Also known as kidney-shaped, this is designed for corner cabinets with angled doors. It provides easier access compared to a full circle in such scenarios.
• Half-Circle Lazy Susan: Typically used for straight cabinets, allowing access to items in the back without moving front items.
• Tiered Lazy Susan: These consist of multiple levels and are often used in pantries or refrigerators.
• Platform Lazy Susan: A simple, flat rotating platform that can be used in any space, not confined to cabinets.

Your chosen type will impact how you measure. For instance, a D-shaped one requires different considerations than a full-circle one.

Step 2: Measure the Interior Space (Cabinet, Shelf, or Open Area)

This step is crucial, regardless of the lazy susan type. We need to determine the maximum dimensions available.

For Cabinets

1. Measure the Interior Width: Open your cabinet doors completely and measure from the inside of one side wall to the inside of the opposite wall. Take this measurement at the front, middle, and back of the cabinet to account for any variations. Note the smallest measurement. This is your usable width.
2. Measure the Interior Depth: Measure from the back of the cabinet to the inside of the cabinet door or frame when the door is closed. Again, measure at the top, middle, and bottom and use the smallest measurement. Pay special attention to any obstructions like hinges.
3. Measure the Interior Height: Measure from the floor of the cabinet to the bottom of the shelf above, if any, or to the top of the cabinet if it’s a standalone space. For tiered lazy susans, consider the height of each tier, ensuring clearance. If you are not adding shelves, measure to the top of the space.

For Open Shelves or Counters

1. Measure the Width: Measure the left-to-right width of the shelf or counter where the lazy susan will sit.
2. Measure the Depth: Measure the front-to-back depth of the shelf or counter.
3. Measure the Height: If the lazy susan is to fit under a shelf or other overhead element, measure the height clearance.

Important Note: When measuring within a cabinet, always account for any obstructions like hinges, door frames, and center support panels. These may reduce your usable space. Measure around them to determine the largest diameter you can fit.

Step 3: Determine the Ideal Diameter of Your Lazy Susan

Once you have the interior measurements, you’ll need to calculate the maximum diameter or widest point of your lazy susan.

For Full-Circle Lazy Susans

1. Usable Diameter Calculation: The diameter of a full-circle lazy susan should be slightly smaller than the smallest of your usable width and depth measurements. A good rule of thumb is to subtract 1 to 2 inches (2.5 to 5 cm) from the smaller of your interior width and depth. This ensures the lazy susan will rotate freely without hitting the cabinet walls or frame. For example, if your width is 20 inches and your depth is 19 inches, then you should choose a lazy susan no more than 17 inches in diameter.
2. Example: If your cabinet’s smallest interior width/depth is 20 inches, you should choose a lazy susan no larger than 18 inches in diameter.

For D-Shaped (Kidney) Lazy Susans

1. Measure the Maximum Depth: Measure from the back corner of the cabinet to the point on the inside of the door where the lazy susan will be closest when the door is closed.
2. Measure the Width across the D shape: Measure the space from the left to right side at the point where the flat line of the D shape will be.
3. Calculate the Diameter: The largest diameter you can use is smaller than the interior measurements, consider a 1-2 inch clearance. Remember the D shape must avoid hitting the door or frame while rotating.

For Half-Circle Lazy Susans

1. Depth Measurement: The depth of the half-circle lazy susan should be smaller than the depth of the cabinet, with some clearance for rotation.
2. Width Measurement: The width should be smaller than the interior width of your cabinet. The flat side should be aligned with the door, with some clearance to rotate.

For Tiered Lazy Susans

For tiered lazy susans, the calculations are the same for the base tier. Ensure each tier has adequate height clearance under the shelf above it. Also, consider that the diameter of higher tiers may be slightly smaller than the base tier. Make sure to check the product specifications carefully to know all tier measurements.

For Platform Lazy Susans

Platform lazy susans do not require the same tight clearance requirements. Ensure it fits comfortably on the chosen shelf or counter top. It is recommended to leave at least 1-2 inch clearance all around.

Step 4: Consider the Lip and Edge

Some lazy susans have a lip or edge around their perimeter. This can affect the usable diameter. Make sure to take this into account when considering your measurements. A raised edge may also impact the height clearance if you are placing the lazy susan under a shelf.

Step 5: Check for Unevenness

Use your level to check the cabinet floor or shelf where the lazy susan will be placed. If the surface is not level, you’ll need to factor this into your measurement. If the floor or shelf is uneven, consider using shims to level the lazy susan. It may also change the amount of clearance between the bottom of the shelf above and the top of the lazy susan.

Step 6: Note and Recheck Measurements

Write down all your measurements, including the interior width, depth, height, and the calculated diameter or size of the lazy susan. Double-check your measurements to ensure accuracy. A small error can cause major problems. It’s better to be over-cautious and re-measure several times.

Step 7: Select Your Lazy Susan

When purchasing your lazy susan, use your measurements to compare with the product specifications. Pay close attention to:

• Diameter: Ensure the selected diameter is smaller than your calculated maximum.
• Height: Confirm the height fits within your available space.
• Material: Choose a material that is easy to clean and suits your needs, such as plastic, wood, or metal.
• Lip/Edge: Double check the size of the lip or edge.
• Weight Capacity: Ensure that your lazy susan can handle the weight of the items you plan to store.
• Tiered or Single: Choose whether you need a single level or tiered to maximize storage space.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Ignoring Obstructions: Not accounting for hinges, door frames, or other obstructions within the cabinet.
• Inaccurate Measurements: Rushing through the measurement process or using the wrong tools.
• Forgetting Clearance: Not leaving enough room for the lazy susan to rotate freely.
• Not Checking for Levelness: Failing to ensure the surface is level, leading to instability.
• Assuming Square Spaces: Cabinets aren’t always perfectly square. Taking measurements in multiple locations and using the smallest measure will help you avoid this error.

Tips for a Smooth Installation

• Read the Installation Instructions: Most lazy susans come with specific instructions. Make sure to follow them closely.
• Use a Level: Ensure the lazy susan sits level to prevent items from sliding off.
• Adjust as Needed: Some models have adjustable feet. Use them to level the lazy susan as needed.
• Test the Rotation: Before loading the lazy susan with items, spin it to ensure it rotates smoothly without any interference.
• Distribute Weight Evenly: When loading items on the lazy susan, try to distribute the weight evenly to prevent tipping or unbalanced rotation.

Conclusion

Measuring for a lazy susan might seem daunting at first, but by following these steps, you can ensure that you choose the perfect size for your needs. Accurate measurements are key to a successful installation, which will ultimately improve your storage and make your life a little easier. With the right measurements, you’ll be able to enjoy the convenience and organization a lazy susan offers. Take your time, double-check your work, and happy organizing!