DIY Network

Compact Pantry Opening This zero-footprint pantry steals space from another room. From "Wasted Spaces" episode DWSP-311

	This super storage unit...
	does double duty in the next room.

Marcus and Keyetta's tiny kitchen is short on counter space and even shorter on storage. They've even started storing canned goods and other food in the nearby garage.

Host Karl Champley gives this storage-starved couple a solution to their problem that still uses some garage space: a compact pantry cupboard that sits flush with the kitchen wall but extends out into the garage on the other side. Shelves on the garage side of the cupboard provide valuable storage there as well.

After getting the pantry squared away, Karl makes the most of the couple's vertical storage options with additional shelves in the garage and kitchen, plus a classy wooden trash can holder. Scroll down to see how Karl created the opening and framed out space for the new pantry.

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Compact Pantry Opening

Tools and Materials:

flashlight drop cloth measuring tape level pencil hammer drywall saw reciprocating saw drill long drill bit

step ladder safety glasses work gloves dust mask nail gun utility knife straight edge nails 2x4s

Figure A

• Look inside the wall. Before committing to a plan, cut a few exploratory holes in the wall (figure A). Any plumbing or electrical lines in the wall need to be moved by a qualified professional. For this project, Karl did move one electrical outlet to better accommodate the microwave.

• Plan out the project. Karl's plan calls for the pantry cupboard to extend into the garage, which is set at a lower level than the rest of the house. To get the right dimensions and location for the pantry, use a long level and measuring tape to determine point on the kitchen wall that corresponds to the garage ceiling; the pantry needs to fit under this space. In this home, there's enough room for a 3' x 45" box pantry to sit flush with the kitchen wall and extend into the garage space.

  Tip: Clear out the kitchen and spread a large drop cloth in the kitchen and in the garage before getting started for easy cleanup.

• Cut the kitchen wall. Use a hammer to knock an exploratory hole in the kitchen wall. Re-check the measurements from the plan and use a straight edge to outline the desired hole on the wall. Use a utility knife – again guided by a straight edge – to score the drywall. Cut along the score line with a drywall saw or reciprocating saw and carefully remove the drywall.
  

  	Figure B
  	Figure C
  	Figure D

  Safety Alert: Always wear safety glasses and use caution when working with a reciprocating saw or any other power tools. Remember that reciprocating saws can have a powerful "kick." If you're not confident you can handle it safely, get assistance or use another tool.

• Remove the garage-side wall. Position a drill with a long bit against one of the corners of the hole in the kitchen wall and drill through the entire wall. Repeat for all four corners to transfer the corner points to the garage wall. On the garage side of the wall, use a straight edge and utility knife to connect the dots, then carefully cut (figure B) and remove (figure C) the drywall from the garage side. Also remove any insulation in the wall.

  Safety Alert: Always wear a dust mask when working with insulation (figure D). Remember, brightly colored insulation can be irresistible to curious kids and pets.

• Cut the studs. Use a jigsaw or reciprocating saw to remove the wall studs flush with the hole in the drywall.

• Frame the opening. The pantry needs a sturdy frame for support – especially since it's cantilevered over the washer and dryer in the next room. To frame, cut blocks from 2x4s to fit between the nearest studs to the wall opening. Position one block at the bottom of the opening with the ends snugly against the full studs still inside the wall. Nail the block to these studs, and to the cut studs in between. Repeat at the top of the opening. To frame the sides, cut blocks from 2x4s and attach them to the nearest full studs. Build up layers of these blocks until they are flush with the sides of the opening. This will give sturdy attachment points on all four sides of the pantry.

With the pantry opening cut and framed out, it's time to actually build the new kitchen pantry.