How to Build a Pantry

A pantry is often one of the most essential places in a kitchen. With more small appliances on the market than ever before, shelf space in a kitchen is at a premium. Combine this with the fact that nobody wants to display their kitchen appliances, and extra cabinets become necessary. Pantries can be used to store food or small kitchen appliances, and in certain cases they can also hold kitchen cleaning tools such as brooms, or rarely used dishes. And not only are they handy, but they add to your home's value. Here are the steps to follow when you decide to build a pantry.

First, you need to decide how you want your pantry to function. Are you building a separate "room" for the pantry? Or perhaps you are converting a closet or cabinet. These will affect the way you build your pantry, because you will need to plan the space accordingly. If you are converting a small closet, you probably will not have space for a broom, but if you are planning to frame a walk-in pantry, you will have copious space to store things. Draw a rough sketch of how you want the pantry to look, and what type of shelving you want to include. Make sure to look at it realistically to see whether this can all fit.

If you are building a walk-in pantry, you will need to know how to frame a room. There are many helpful books you can consult on this matter, but most importantly, check your local building code to see whether you need a permit, and if you must hire a professional. Apart from the layout, framing, and hanging the drywall, the pantry is assembled in the same way as a smaller one.

If you are planning on converting a closet, your first step is to remove everything. Clean out the closet, remove the hardware that holds the clothes bar, and any shelving that is currently inside the closet. After it is all clean, you should carefully measure the items you want to store to make sure they will fit on the dimensions of the shelving. If does no good to make a shelf for your mixer if it will not fit on the shelf. Next, cut your shelving and place it according to the diagram you made. Certain shelving can be purchased pre-manufactured from the store. For other types of shelving, you can use a melamine shelf which is available in many lengths and widths from home improvement stores. You can also use wire shelves, which are good because they are sturdy, but allow liquids and crumbs to fall to the floor where they can be cleaned. Otherwise they may attract bugs or mice, or wetness may rot the shelves.

Finally, there are two small touches that really complete a pantry. Build a small nook on the floor where you can tuck a step stool. This lets you pull it out to reach higher items, and you can build your pantry shelving higher than you would otherwise be comfortable reaching. Also, don't neglect the door for storage. You can buy specialty racks that hold pot lids or spices, and these come in very handy for keeping things organized. Furthermore, they work well even in small spaces.

Using these tips, you will be able to maximize your storage space and have a handy place to store groceries and food items. By keeping these in one area, it keeps your kitchen looking neat and orderly, and makes everything easier to find.