Building Pantry Shelves DIY
Every homeowner knows that there can never be enough storage space. That’s why pantries with a convenient shelving system are always in demand. If your pantry requires revamping to suit your family’s needs, you can turn it into a fun DIY project.
At Piscitello’s Home Center, we have the materials you need to start the home improvement project of your choice. Before you come to our location in Easton, PA, to get the materials you need, let’s take a closer look at how to build pantry shelves on your own.
Before You Begin
Before diving into the project, you have to take several steps to prepare. While building pantry shelves doesn’t require significant expertise, it’s not always a straightforward DIY task. Here is where you start:
Lay Out Your Pantry
Do you already have the pantry of your dreams in mind? Now is the time to make careful measurements to figure out where the shelves will go in reality.
Think about which items you plan to put on these shelves. You can even measure boxes, pots, and equipment for appropriate sizing and spacing.
Locate Studs
Anchoring your shelves to studs provides a secure base and prevents them from collapsing. Studs can also determine the location of the shelves.
To locate studs, you can use a stud finder, which is a handheld device that detects the presence of wooden studs behind the wall. If you know what to look for, you can tap the wall lightly and listen for a solid, hollow sound, indicating the presence of a stud. Once you find the studs, mark their positions.
Building Pantry Shelves
To build pantry shelves, you will need the following materials and tools:
- Plywood boards
- Brackets or shelf supports
- Screws
- Level
- Tape measure
- Drill
- Screwdriver
- Pencil
- Saw
Building Your Pantry Shelves
Step #1: Cut the Boards
Transfer previously made shelf measurements onto your prefinished shelving or plywood boards. Using a saw, cut the boards to the desired size.
Step #2: Attach Brackets
Position the brackets along the marked stud locations on the wall. Use a level to ensure they are straight. Mark the screw locations with a pencil and pre-drill holes into the studs. Next, attach the brackets securely to the wall with screws.
Step #3: Install the Shelves
Place the shelves onto the brackets. Make sure they fit snugly, and use the screws to attach them to the brackets.
Step #4: Add Support
If you plan to store heavy items on your pantry shelves, you may want to give them additional support. You can do this by attaching L-shaped brackets underneath each shelf near the front and back edges. It’s always a good idea to give your shelves some extra support.
Step #5: Check for Levelness
Use a level to double-check that all the shelves are in the right place. Make any necessary adjustments by loosening or tightening the screws.
Step #6: Test the Stability
Before putting any items on the newly-built shelves, shake them gently. If you notice any wobbling or instability, reinforce the brackets, add more support and/or screws.
Once you finish installing the shelves, you can spice it up with a little color. Consider painting the shelves or staining them for some extra integrity.
Experience the Difference: Piscitello’s Home Center for Your Home Improvement Needs
The key to building pantry shelves is our one-stop home improvement store. At Piscitello’s Home Center, we know how important it is to find everything you need for your project in one place.
That’s why we invite you to our Easton, PA, store to get all the hardware and lumber you need to build the pantry of your dreams. Contact our experts today to find out how we can help you with your DIY home improvement plans.
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