Pantry shelves
Storage space is a must for every kitchen. Adding pantry shelves to a closet off the kitchen or to a nook of extra space can instantly maximize your capacity to store food and supplies. You'll need only a few measurements, tools and supplies to install the shelves. Does this Spark an idea?
The Measurements
Before gathering tools and supplies, take a few measurements and diagram the plan of your pantry. Measure the distance across the back of your closet and lengths of the two side walls, especially if they have a little space that is recessed away from the door, and record this number. You may be able to install side pantry shelves as well, if the depth of the side wall from the door is wide enough to accommodate the width of the shelves.
Measure the desired height of your pantry shelves, keeping in mind that you may rearrange your storage contents. Consider the tallest height of the items you stock, then add another inch or two.
Mark on the wall the distances between shelves so that you can assess how many will fit in your space. That will also allow you to make adjustments before beginning the installation.
Tools and Supplies
Have on hand a circular saw; a miter saw, if you have one; a hammer; nails or a nail gun; a drill and screws; wood glue; a tape measure; a level; a straightedge; and pencil and paper.
Working with solid wood will ensure a long life for your pantry shelves with minimal sagging. Measure the maximum shelf width your pantry can accommodate, including along its side walls. That will determine whether you buy 1-by-8, 1-by-10 or 1-by-12-inch wood boards. Note that lumber uses nominal dimensions, so an inch-thick board really measures only three-quarters of an inch and its width is a half-inch less than specified. Thus, a 1 by 8 really measures 3/4-inch by 7 1/2 inches, a 1 by 10 is 3/4 by 9 1/2. The measurements of your pantry space will also determine how many feet of the wood you will need to make all of the shelving.
Assembling the Shelves
The design of your pantry closet will determine whether you build a frame for the shelves---much like bookcase sides---or simply mount them to the wall. Even if you mount the shelves to the back wall, you may need to frame the side-wall shelving, where those shelves meet the back-wall shelves. This will give the entire shelving system extra support.
The shelves can attach directly to the wall using wall brackets. Alternatively, you can mount them onto a frame, sliding the shelves into dadoes or supporting them on wood strips.
Cut the shelves to size and dry fit into the space. Use a level to mark a straight line for each shelf. Attach the wall brackets or attach the shelves to the wood frame. Use screws and wood glue to build the frame and to attach the shelf supports to the frame. Insert the shelves and use wood glue and nails to secure in place.
Once the shelves are built, finish them with paint or stain and varnish. Once they are dry, your do-it-yourself pantry shelves will be ready to use.
Tags: your pantry, pantry shelves, wood glue, build frame, determine whether, from door, mount them
