Whether you want to build a pantry for your home or you just want to create a temporary one for a party, you’ll need to get a few things right. You need to know how to measure your space, and you need to decide what type of shelves you want.
Assess Your Closet And Pantry Space
Whether you’ve recently moved into a new home or you’re looking to organize your existing one, there are several things to consider when assessing your closet and pantry space. A well-organized closet and pantry can be an asset to your home, as they help to maximize storage space and make everyday items easier to find.
The best way to assess your closet and pantry space is, to begin with a clean slate. Get rid of old food, expired products, and unnecessary items. You’ll also want to take the time to label your items, so you can easily locate them when you need them.
The most obvious way to measure your closet and pantry space is by measuring the height of the ceiling to floor, as well as the width of the walls. You’ll also want to account for doors, electrical outlets, and any molding or other decorative details that may have been installed in the walls.
The old adage that lighting is important for a closet or pantry has never been more true. Bright task lighting is a must if you want to maximize your storage space, and it’s not as expensive as you might think.
It’s a good idea to install a light with a battery-operated LED, which you can easily install in just a few minutes. You can also use battery-operated puck lights for a more stylish effect.
Determine Shelf Spacing For Pantry Units
Choosing the correct depth of pantry shelves is a very important aspect of organizing a functional pantry. The depth should be based on the size and type of items that you will be storing.
Deeper shelves are recommended for heavy items, such as canned goods and large objects. They also make it easier for you to find things in the pantry.
Shallower shelves are better for lighter objects, such as cereal boxes and spices. They’re also great for preventing items from getting forgotten.
You should also consider the height of your shelves. While the optimal height is determined by your needs, the industry recommends an average of ten inches between shelves. You can get away with less if you need more room for taller items.
You should also use wooden brackets and metal L-brackets to support your shelves. You can buy these at your local home improvement store. Be sure to secure them carefully.
A stud finder can help you determine the best places to install your shelving. You’ll want to place the wood strips on the studs and then attach them with three-inch screws. Alternatively, you can make your own wooden braces. These can be created from leftover 1-by-2 lumber.
A typical standard pantry shelf has a depth of about 16-18 inches. The bottommost shelf is usually 20-24 inches from the floor. You may need to make some small adjustments depending on your pantry’s shape.
Attach Shelf Boards To The Cabinet
Whether you are building a pantry cabinet or a closet, it’s essential to understand how to attach shelf boards. For example, do you want to add shelving on the front or back of the cabinet? Or do you want to use a side mount? The video below gives you tips on how to install shelves and shelf pins on a pantry cabinet.
First, you’ll need to measure the dimensions of the cabinet. The width of the shelf board will need to be adjusted according to the depth of the space.
You’ll also need to determine the proper setback. This is usually about 1/2″ to 3/4″ from the back of the face frame of the cabinet. In the case of a cabinet with a large back gap, you’ll need to use screws to secure the shelf in place. The rear gap will cause the shelf to bump when you add weight.
Next, you’ll need to make the sides of the cabinet sturdy. You can either attach a wood strip to the studs or you can use a metal L-bracket. If you choose to use a metal L-bracket, you’ll need to attach it where the shelf meets the wall. You’ll need to drill a counterbore hole in each cleat to fit a drywall screw. You can use a half-inch spade bit to drill the holes.
Once you’ve determined where to attach the cleats, you’ll need to connect them to the side. For this, you’ll need to find parallel rows of holes. This can be a fairly quick task, but you will need to match the holes. Then you’ll need to chamfer the end of the brass tube to make inserting the pin easier. You can use a butt joint or yellow glue for this.
Hang A Pantry Unit On A Door
Using a pantry unit on a door is a great way to maximize the storage space in your kitchen. While the basic idea of hanging a pantry unit on a door sounds pretty simple, there are a few things you should consider before installing one.
Firstly, it’s important to ensure that your pantry is designed well. This will ensure that you’ll get the most storage possible. You should also think about the design of your kitchen. If your pantry is very small, you’ll need to find ways to make the space more aesthetically pleasing.
You can also add some decorative elements to your interior pantry door. For example, you could paint the door a different color or apply stickers or decals. This will create a nice visual element that will help you organize your kitchen.
Attach A Similar Board Along The Bottom
Adding extra shelves to a pantry can make a big difference. You can add a variety of shelving options from wire to open shelving. You can also go all out and add a modular rack to your pantry. You can find plenty of shelving solutions at The Container Store.
The most efficient way to store items in a pantry is by placing your containers in stackable containers. These containers have leak-proof lids. You can use these for things like rice, grains and nuts. This is a good idea because it will keep your pantry neat and tidy.
A small cabinet or cabinet is also a great option to store small appliances. You can purchase see-through shelf liners to help organize your pantry. The Container Store also sells a small appliance storage solution.
If you don’t have room for extra shelves, you can simply install a stacked pegboard on the side of your pantry. This is a great way to show off your collections. You could even incorporate a rechargeable puck light to spruce up your space.
