Add-a-Pantry: Wall To Pantry Transformation

Materials and tools:

2x4s; 8-foot lengths (12)
plywood (2 sheets)
shelving brackets
20" pre-made door
door knob and hardware
paint
air compressor and hoses
electric miter saw
finish nailer
framing nailer
drill
hammer
caulking gun
drywall tools
measuring tape
gloves
safety glasses

Steps:

1. Carefully mark and remove the wall section that will form the door to the pantry (figure A), leaving the outer wall studs as a frame.

2. The wall that will accommodate the pantry door is small at only 30 inches in width, so a 20-inch door makes an ideal choice. Frame out the opening, check the levels, shim where necessary and secure the new door with screws.

4. Measure the interior space and cut the shelving to appropriate dimensions.

5. Inside the pantry, clear coat all interior surfaces to protect against humidity and wood rot.

6. In this location, there is baseboard electric heating unit that will remain located beneath the pantry. To facilitate venting and distribution of heat into the dining room and kitchen, we created a surround and sleeve in the pantry base and installed a vent cover to the outside (figure B).

7. Install shelves, adjusted to appropriate heights for the items you wish to store. Your pantry is now ready to fill.