DIY Network

Compact Kitchen Pantry This custom cupboard offers storage in two separate rooms. From "Wasted Spaces" episode DWSP-311

Sturdy framing makes this pantry rock solid.

Host Karl Champley has a unique way of creating more space in Marcus and Keyetta's tiny kitchen: He's stealing space from the adjacent garage. But he's not moving a wall, just building a deep pantry cupboard that will extend out into the garage and even provide some storage for laundry supplies.

They've already framed a sturdy opening for the new pantry cupboard; now they just need to build it. Once the main unit is in place, they'll maximize other space in the kitchen and garage with more custom shelving and even a classy wood trash can holder.

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Compact Kitchen Pantry

Tools: drop cloth measuring tape level pencil screw gun nail gun circular saw step ladder work table safety glasses work gloves construction adhesive paint brush, roller, pan spring punch or nail set straight edge Forstner bit hack saw

Materials: 3/4" birch plywood 3/4" trim shelf track and clips sliding door track primer and paint wood glue 2x4s screws nails

• Check the plan. Double-check the dimensions of the framed-out hole in the wall and adjust the project plan as necessary. The finished pantry will sit flush with the kitchen wall and cantilever out into the garage, over the washer and dryer. The kitchen side will include sliding doors, adjustable shelves and a handy space for the microwave; the garage side will have shallow shelves for laundry supplies. For this project, the pantry box measured 3' x 45".
  

  Figure A

• Build the box. Wearing safety glasses, cut the pieces from 3/4" birch plywood and assemble using wood glue and nails (figure A). To make the most of this unit, Karl designed the pantry box as a two-sided cupboard: The back of the pantry compartment is inset slightly to leave room for shelves on the laundry side of the pantry.

• Add shelves and dividers. With the basic shell built, install shelves on the garage side of the pantry. On the kitchen side, install a vertical divider in the middle of the cupboard, supporting a shelf that will hold the microwave oven.

  Tips:
  

  • Use adjustable shelves for more flexibility, especially if storing lightweight items.
    
  • Measure the items for the static shelves to get the best shelf height.
    
  • The best height for a microwave oven is 2' to 4' from the floor. Removing hot items from higher ovens can be hazardous.

• Finish and paint. Install 3/4" trim on all of the raw edges on both sides of the pantry, then prime and paint as desired.
  

  	Figure B
  	Figure C
  	Figure D
  	Figure E

• Install hardware. Use a hacksaw to cut the adjustable shelving tracks to size and install in the pantry using the small screws that come with the tracks. Make sure to line up the tracks so the clip openings are even, or the shelves will be crooked. Also install the tracks for the sliding cupboard doors (figure B). These tracks attach with construction adhesive and small nails; use a nail set or spring punch to drive the tiny nails if space is tight. For this project, Karl also installed an adjustable vertical divider in the microwave compartment, in case the family upgrades to a larger model.

• Install the pantry. Slide the pantry into the opening, with a person supporting the pantry on each side of the wall (figure C). Use shims as necessary to adjust the pantry until it is level, plumb and flush with the kitchen wall. Use a nail gun to tack the pantry in place (figure D), then attach it to the frame with screws. Make sure to drive screws or nails through the shims to hold them in place.

  Tip: Cut one or two 2x4s to use as temporary supports on the garage side of the wall during installation.

• Trim the opening. Use a nail gun to install wood trim around the pantry on both sides of the wall to cover any gaps between the drywall and the pantry. Miter the trim corners using a chop saw or miter saw.

• Make pantry doors. Cut two pieces of 1/2" plywood to size for the sliding pantry doors. Use a router to cut rabbets (squared-off recesses) along the top and bottom of the doors so they will fit in the door tracks. Use a drill with a Forstner bit to cut finger-size holes for sliding the doors (figure E).

• Install accessories. Fit shelf clips into the tracks and install the adjustable shelves. Install the microwave oven, adjustable vertical partition and sliding doors.