How to Build DIY Pantry Shelves and Corner Shelves

How to Build DIY Pantry Horizontal Shelves

1. Measure and Mark Vertical Shelf Placement

   • Using your pantry items as your guide, mark your shelves' vertical placement using a level.
   • Mark the back wall as well as the side walls.
   • Remember to account for the shelf and shelf frame thickness, which is 2 inches total. So, if you're planning for 10 inches between each shelf, mark the walls at 12 inches.

2. Locate and Mark Studs

   • Use a stud finder to locate and mark the studs on each of your horizontal lines.
   • Finding multiple studs on the back wall should be no problem, but there's a chance you may not find more than one on the side wall. In this case, use heavy-duty drywall anchors.

3. Cut Frame Pieces

   Each shelf frame will resemble a ladder. A front and back board will span the full width of the wall, while multiple short "rungs" will tie the two pieces together and support the middle. All frame pieces will be cut from 2x2 lumber.

   • For each shelf, cut a front and backboard to the full width of the wall.
   • Cut the rungs to the full depth of the shelf minus 3 inches. So, if you're building a 12-inch-deep shelf, cut the rungs to 9 inches.
   • The number of rungs needed will depend on the width of your shelf, but plan for one every 12-16 inches with one flush on each end.

4. Partially Assemble Frames

   Partially assemble each shelf frame by screwing 3-1/2-inch wood screws through the back boards into the end of each rung, leaving the front piece unattached until later.

   Tip

   Screwing through soft pine is fairly easy without the need to drill pilot holes. Splitting will rarely occur, especially if you use self-tapping wood screws. However, splitting is more likely at the end of the board, but drilling pilot holes will prevent this.

5. Mount Frames

   • Place the backboard against the wall. After ensuring the board is aligned with the mark on the wall, screw through the board into each marked stud using 3-1/2-inch wood screws.
   • Adjust each side rung until it sits level and screw it into the marked studs.

6. Attach Front Frame Member

   • Lift the front frame member into place and fasten it to the mounting portion of the frame by screwing through the front piece into the end of each rung.
   • Start with the end rungs to ensure the piece sits level, then attach the rungs throughout the middle.

7. Cut Shelf Pieces

   • Cut each shelf piece out of finish-grade plywood. To determine the dimensions for each shelf, use the exact dimensions of the frames. If you don't have a table saw for making precise cuts on plywood sheets, mark perfectly straight lines using a chalk box, then use a circular saw.
   • To do this, mark the length of your cut on each side of the plywood, stretch the chalk box line across the plywood, and pop the line, linking the two marks with a perfectly straight line.
   • Turn the sheet 90 degrees and mark the depth of the shelf on each side, then repeat the process.
   • Cut along the chalk lines.

8. Mount Shelf Pieces

   • Apply a bead of wood glue on top of every frame member and set the shelf in place.
   • Use a hammer and brad nails or a pneumatic brad nailer to secure the shelf. Small brad nails are all that's necessary, as the glue will do the majority of the holding once it dries.

9. Cut Trim Piece

   To cover the edge grain of the plywood and the front frame piece, cut a 1x3 to the full length of the shelf. If you have access to a table saw, rip the 1x3 to two inches to perfectly match the thickness of the shelf and frame.

10. Attach Trim Piece

    • Apply a layer of wood glue to both the trim piece and the frame and shelf edge.
    • Align the top of the trim with the top of the shelf, then secure the trim using brad nails.

11. Mount Remaining Shelves

    Follow the steps above to mount additional shelves.

12. Fill Nail Holes

    Fill each brad nail hole with wood filler, sanding smooth once dry. If you plan to stain the shelves, choose a stainable wood filler. If you plan to paint, any wood filler will do.

13. Sand the Shelves

    • Sand the shelves and the front trim pieces until smooth. Use an orbital sander for an easier job.
    • Be sure to sand any excess wood filler.
    • Once finished, remove all dust.

14. Stain the Pantry Shelves (Optional)

    If you desire to stain the shelves to maintain the visible wood grain, follow this process:

    • Apply a pre-stain wood conditioner. This will prevent the stain from being blotchy.
    • Once dry, follow with your stain of choice, following the manufacturer's instructions for drying times.

    Warning

    Whenever staining or painting in a confined area, always wear a mask rated for fumes and allow the area to thoroughly air out before operating without a mask.

15. Paint the Pantry Shelves (Optional)

    If you prefer to paint the pantry shelves, follow this process:

    • Prime the raw wood.
    • Once dry, sand the primer if specified by the manufacturer's instructions.
    • Caulk the gaps around the shelves and the joint between the front trim piece and the shelf and let dry.
    • Paint the shelves.

How to Build DIY Pantry Corner Shelves

If your pantry already has horizontal shelving but features enough side wall space to utilize for storage, you may consider continuing the shelving around the corner. Or you can fit in corner shelves after you build your horizontal shelving above.

1. Build Framing and Supports

   • Attach additional 2x2 frames to the existing framework and the next wall.
   • Add at least one 2x2 middle support if the length spans more than 1 foot.
     

2. Cut and Attach Shelving

   • Cut each shelf piece out of finish-grade plywood to fit the space. Use a miter saw for corner angles.
   • Attach the shelf to the framing. Use a bead of wood glue on top of every frame member and set the shelf in place.
   • Use a hammer and brad nails or a pneumatic brad nailer to secure the shelf. Small brad nails are all that's necessary, as the glue will do the majority of the holding once it dries.

3. Trim Shelving

   Finish the corner shelf by adding a 1x3 trim piece on the front. Use the same glue and nailing method as in Step 2 above.

Additional Considerations

Consider Additional Lighting

When you add wood shelving to a small pantry space, things can get hard to see quickly. Unlike wire shelving, which allows light to pass through from shelf to shelf, a wood shelf will shadow the shelf below it. So, it may be worthwhile to consider alternative light sources such as low-voltage strip lighting beneath the shelf. Furthermore, dark colors, while undeniably beautiful, can make a pantry even more difficult to navigate.

Staining vs. Painting

Whether you stain or paint your pantry shelves is totally up to you, but there are a few things to keep in mind when making the decision: