DIY Network

Valet Cabinet From "Wasted Spaces" episode DWSP-109

The aim of this project is to create a better use for an existing alcove; something that is specific to one person's needs.

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	The alcove is a small space in the hallway between the kitchen and a side entry.
	This valet cabinet is sure to organize things! There are no more Wasted Spaces!

Breaking Down the Project

Including the hallway, the entire space measures 6-1/2' deep x 47" wide x 9' tall ceilings; however, due to an existing doorway and switches on one wall of the hall, the team only built within the rear 27" of depth in the alcove.

To achieve similar results, you will need to take some things into consideration before planning your project, such as:

• What niches or alcove in your home might this work? Consider the flow of traffic in your home and make this a very convenient access point while keeping it out of the way.

• Exactly what sorts of things might need to go into this space? Your decisions about the design will be determined using measurements of just these sorts of items.

• Remove all items from the area where you will be building your pantry.

Materials:

plywood
wood trim
nails
screws
staples
paint
painter's cloth
spray contact cement
PVC strips
hammer
nail gun
screwdriver
staple gun
pry bar
table saw

Removing crown molding can be a painstaking process. You don't want to damage the ceiling or the walls, and you want to preserve the molding so it can be reused.

Crown Molding Removal

1. Using a utility blade, gently score around the top of the crown molding where it connects to the ceiling. Lightly dig the blade back between the ceiling and the piece of molding.

2. Score along the caulking. The caulking is the safest material on which to cut because it is the protective barrier between the molding and the ceiling. You need a clear separation from the drywall and the molding. Be very delicate to protect the molding.

Tips:

• The more delicate you are now, the less work you will have to do later.

• When removing the molding, it is good to have something on hand like a paint stirrer, or a small wood shim to place between the chisel and the molding to minimize the negative effects of using metal on wood. Score the top, score the bottom then wedge the chisel, using your shim to continue to chisel and pry off the molding.

Measure your space and determine what size pantry to build. The size and number of the items you want to store will help determine the design.

Predesigning Pantry

1. If you want to incorporate special areas to consolidate electrical charge items (such as cell phones), you might want to consider rerouting electrical plugs. This is essentially lengthening the wire of the original outlet and threading it around/up through the wall to a new opening you create. Make sure to cut off the flow of electricity to that outlet before making any changes to the wiring. If you don't feel comfortable doing this, find a professional.

2. When building with plywood, keep in mind using any measurement of 4' (or a multiple thereof) comes in quite handy because a standard sheet of plywood is 4' wide. Being able to create something using a standard measurement minimizes the amount of cuts you have to make, which lessens the amount of wasted wood.

3. Once you know the size of your unit, measure out and mark your cuts on the plywood and use a table saw to cut out the pieces. The pantry in this project measures approximately 24" deep x 45" wide x 9' tall. At this point, decide whether or not you're going to want external cabinet doors; if so, you will need to plan for them and cut them.

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