How To Build a Storage Pantry

Having a storage pantry for food will provide you with the convenience of having all your ingredients in one central location. Although building a storage pantry is both a financial and time investment, the benefits will be plenty for years and years to come.

What You'll Need:

• Measuring tape


• Saw


• 3 inch wood nails


• Hammer


• Carpenter's square


• Carpenter's chalk


• Level


• Heavy-duty hinges


• Drywall screws


• Drill


• Joint compound


• Door jamb


• Door linoleum tile


• Adjustable wire shelving


• 2x4 inch lumber

1. Determine exactly where you would like to build your storage pantry. You'll need an area that has at least 36 square feet. The area should be clear of all wires, vents and pipes.


2.  Design the pantry so that it is easily accessible. You'll want your doorway to be at least 30 inches in width. This will ensure that you're able to easily carry your items in and out.


3. Use measuring tape to mark the exterior width and height you'll need your pantry to be. Mark these spots alongside the floor, wall and ceiling. With the carpenters chalk, create a template of the pantry framing. Use the carpenter square to mark each of the points evenly. Repeat this process on the floor.


4. Measure, mark and then cut the lengths of the wood needed for the frame of the pantry. Nail boards onto the ceiling joists leaving a space of about 4 inches between each nail. Repeat the process on the floor.


5. Set studs on an 18-inch center around the base and top of the frame. Next, level the walls to ensure that they are straight.


6. Next, begin constructing the four walls and then frame the doorway. Measure and mark the height of the doorway using two parallel boards. At each of the markings cut the board and frame the doorway using the measurements for the door.


7. Begin setting the drywall in place. You'll need to cut the pieces in order to fit the ends and the corners. With a putty knife, apply the spackle to the seams and over top the screw heads. Ensure that the spackle is even with the drywall.


8. Next, install the doorjamb and threshold according to the manufactures instructions. Hammer any nails in flush with all the wood. Place the hinges to open outward. This process will allow the door to be hung correctly. Place the door hinges on the door to match the hinges on the frame.


9. Hire an electrician to install any lighting for your pantry as well as any outlets for the outside and inside walls.


10. Place your flooring inside the pantry per the manufactures instructions.


11. Assemble any stand-alone shelves alongside the interior walls of your pantry as you desire.