Learn how to build pantry shelves in this DIY guide

If you need extra storage in your kitchen, a pantry is perfect for getting organised. To make it happen you’ll need to know how to build pantry shelves. This is a project that most DIYer’s should be able to tackle. Just make sure you get your measurements right and the rest will fall into place.

You can choose from building a frame and adding shelves, or you can up the ante a little and introduce floating shelves as part of your walk-in pantry ideas. Whatever you decide works best for you, we are here to help you with both options.

Chris Moorhouse

Chris oversees commercial Category Management, Sourcing, Range & propositional development and Trading for key categories. With over 25 years of experience in the industry, Chris brings a wealth of knowledge in Retail, supply chain management and product development.

How to build pantry shelves: What wood should I use?

Before you start building any pantry shelves you need to decide on what wood to use. There is more than one option, but plywood is a popular option as Chris Moorhouse is the Category Director of Building, Timber, Garden, Decor & Specialist at Wickes shares, “Plywood with an 18mm thickness is typically used for pantry shelves for its strength and affordability. This then creates a more stable surface for stacking crockery, cookbooks or decorative ornaments."

You can purchase large sheets of plywood (2440mm x 1220mm) for very reasonable prices like this Hardwood Plywood from B&Q. How much you will need will depend on how many shelves you intend to build. But one sheet of plywood should be enough to provide the necessary wood for the shelves needed.

But plywood is not the only choice as Thomas Oldham, Co-founder of UK Construction Blog shares, “MDF works well if you’re looking for a painted finish, as long as moisture isn’t an issue. It’s best for lighter items though, so keep that in mind.” Like plywood you can get MDF in different thicknesses including 18mm, which would be the recommended choice, and it is similarly priced. Check out our how to paint MDF guide to ensure a pro looking finish.

If you want something more attractive that will be on display, a solid wood is a good choice as Oldham shares, “Solid wood options like oak or maple offer a touch of elegance but come at a higher price and can warp over time, making them more suitable for aesthetic purposes if your budget allows.”

Thomas Oldham

Thomas Oldham has spent the past four years using his expertise of working in the engineering and construction industry for over a decade to develop the UK Construction Blog - a leading online platform dedicated to empowering individuals and businesses in the construction industry.

Get the gear to help build pantry shelves

The ideal depth and length for pantry shelves

Pantry shelves typically carry a lot of weight, so it makes sense to get a thicker wood. 18mm is the popular choice, but 15mm is acceptable if lighter items are going to be placed on a shelf. A thinner shelf is more likely to sag, especially if a long shelf, making it less secure and unattractive.

Moorhouse says, "The standard depth for pantry shelving is 12 inches or 300mm, with a 10 inch (250mm) gap between each shelf.” However, this can vary depending on what your needs are and what is to be placed on the shelves. But try to keep the gaps consistent.

To stop sagging and ensure a safe and secure shelf Moorhouse adds, “Added support should be put in place at 450mm spacing if shelving is more than six feet wide and loaded with heavy items such as canned goods.”

How to build pantry shelves

There are a couple of options when building pantry shelves. You can use standing floor frames or create a frame for floating shelves. If you intend to put a lot of weight on the shelves a standing floor frame is a good choice.

If less weighty items are the norm, floating shelves are an attractive choice. Oldham says, “A free-standing frame gives you the most flexibility, though it can take up more space.”

Here we look at building floor standing pantry shelves. You will need a combi drill or impact driver like this Bosch 12-Volt Max EC Brushless Impact Driver Kit from Amazon, and a saw. This can be a handsaw, mitre saw (like this DEWALT DWS774 Slide Mitre Saw from Amazon) or a jigsaw.

1. Measure up

The first step is to get the dimensions of the pantry as Moorhouse explains, “To build simple plywood pantry shelves, first measure the pantry carefully, accounting for any uneven walls.”

2. Build frame

Use 38mm x 63mm CLS batten to make the frame. You will need two uprights and a batten for top, bottom and each shelf. So if you are building a frame with four shelves you’ll need six battens.

Decide on the gap between each shelf, i.e 250mm and add all measurements together (battens and gaps) to work out the upright lengths. For example, 38mm x 6 (for a four shelf frame) + 250mm x 4 gaps.

Remember to double check or even triple check measurements before cutting. Sketch out for extra reassurance. The battens need to be the same width as the shelf.

You need a minimum of two frames, if shelves are longer than 800mm, you will need three frames. These should be evenly spaced.

3. Install frame

Mark the wall with a pencil where you are going to place each frame. Use a spirit level to create straight vertical lines. Screw the first frame into the wall. Use 70mm screws (if using 38mm timber) and place one approximately every 200-300mm. Repeat for each frame. Remember to space evenly if more than two frames.

4. Add shelves

To finish, cut the shelves to fit your frame. Moorhouse suggests, “Add 1 x 2 timber to the front for a finished look.” Alternatively, choose a decorative trim like this GoodHome Primed White MDF Torus Architrave from B&Q and glue/nail to the front of the shelf for a more attractive finish.

FAQ

How do I install floating pantry shelves?

Floating shelves offer a more seamless look to a pantry, but typically cannot take as much weight. The method for building floating pantry shelves is similar to building a free-standing frame.

You will need to measure up and build a frame. But instead of installing vertically they are installed horizontally. Make sure to attach to studs if you have a stud wall and consider the best plasterboard fixings for between the studs.

Use Rawl plugs if drilling into masonry. Place screws around every 200mm to get a secure fixing. To finish, cut and fit shelves, attach trim to the front, and to finish fill any gaps with wood filler like this White Wood Putty Filler Paintable from Amazon, sand and paint. Check out our Painting plywood guide for tips on painting.

If you're looking to build a pantry, but have a small kitchen check out our pantry in a small kitchen guide for some smart space saving ideas. If you have more room then try our pantry ideas guide. Plus, you’ll need a decent drill to put up pantry shelves so make sure you check our best cordless drills guide.