The 30 minute DIY that can make your kitchen countertops cord-free.
What is a charging drawer?
A charging drawer is a drawer with an outlet or socket in it. The power strip used can have many outlets on it and even USB ports.
It's a solution to keep your counters cord and devices free!
How to install an outlet in a drawer?
This is an easy DIY that takes a few minutes and only needs a couple of tools to be done.
The shopping list
Drill
Hole saw bit 1 1/2 inch (better than a spade bit, since it will produce much wood dust)
Cable ties
Surge protector / Power strip 6 ft
What's the difference between a surge protector and a power strip? "The difference is that a power strip adds extra outlet space while a surge protector defends against possible voltage spikes that could damage your electronics, appliances, or equipment," WebstaurantStore says. "While some power strips have a built-in surge protector, not all of them do, leaving your electronics vulnerable to a surge in electrical power."
When charging, some electronics produce heat. Try to avoid using those on a closed drawer. I bought a surge protector, to try to add an extra security measure to this DIY.
Step by step
I decided not to drill my kitchen drawers, but a dresser I have nearby, in my entryway. This dresser is a great help organizing art supplies, school stuff, and now most of the electronic devices.
Using the hole saw bit, make a hole in the back of the drawer. My outlet plug was smaller than 1 1/2 inch. If your is bigger, your hole saw bit should be bigger. Also, do you see the woodblock that the saw bit made? If I would have used a spade bit, all that wood would be wood dust all over. The hole saw keep it cleaner!
Pass the plug through the hole, leaving the strip with the outlet inside the drawer.
Using the same hole saw bit, drill a hole on the back of the dresser in order to be able to plug the strip into the wall. I bought a 6 ft surge protector, measuring the distance that I needed for my dresser ( depth of the drawer open + height of the dresser + distance from the bottom of the dresser to the wall plug)
You can also attach the strip to the back of the drawer with screws. And that's all!
There is also a more expensive option called "Docking Drawer" where you can buy the cabinet insert power socket and it helps the cord behind the drawer to fold nicely on the back. (I will add a link below if you're interested!)
Also, you can do this wherever you use electric items- it can be a good solution for a build-in electrical outlet in a bathroom, to store and use the hairdryer or straightener.
Hoping this DIY encourages you and can help to fix that countertop situation,
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