Building your own DIY built-in cabinets is one of the most rewarding projects, especially when you see the transformation it brings to your kitchen pantry. I decided to take on this challenge because I wanted a more organized, functional, and visually appealing storage space.
With a little bit of planning, effort, and creativity, I transformed my ordinary pantry into a beautiful, custom cabinet system that’s both practical and stylish. This article guides you through my journey with all the steps, tips, and tricks on how to make your DIY built-in cabinets.
Planning the Perfect DIY Built-In Cabinets
The first step was planning. I carefully measured the dimensions of my pantry: 90 inches in height, 72 inches in width, and 24 inches in depth.
Knowing the design of my pantry was very important, as it is going to help me plan my cabinetry for an efficient fit. I roughed out a plan and decided how many shelves, drawers, and compartments I would require.
My objective was to store jars, baskets, and appliances in this pantry without difficulty and get the maximum space available in it.
To make sure I would really utilize all the space, I already pictured what each shelf would store: some open shelves for placing my baskets and closed cabinets where my less frequently used products lie.
This balanced arrangement ensured both functionality and added an aspect of style to the design of my pantry. I was inspired by such styles of kitchenssoftly elegant, like a sage green cabinet in this common picture, creating this type of serene and timeless aesthetic.
Gathering Tools and Materials
Next, I gathered all the tools and materials I’;d need for the project. Here’;s what I used:
- Plywood sheets for the cabinet frames and shelves (3/4-inch thickness for durability)
- Wood glue and screws for assembly
- A circular saw and a jigsaw for cutting
- A drill and screwdriver for assembly
- Measure tape and a level for precision
- Sandpaper for smoothing edges
- Paint, primer, and a paintbrush for finishing
- Cabinet handles and hinges for the doors
I made sure to buy the best plywood and paint available for durability and a nice finish. It took some time sourcing everything, but it was worth it to have all the materials ready before starting.
I even bought myself a brand-new measuring tape, which would be my faithful companion during the whole process.
Building the Frames of My DIY Built-In Cabinets
With the materials available, I began constructing the cabinet frames. With my circular saw, I cut the plywood to the dimensions I wanted, specifically 84 inches high and 36 inches in width on each frame and 24 inches deep.
So this demanded accuracy, which meant doing a double-check before proceeding with each cut. Next, after ensuring the piece was ready, I bonded the frames by placing some wood glue on the sides and fastened it on with screws.
I built the frames one by one, making them sturdy and putting them in place. I couldn’t afford for them to be wobbly, so I would use a level to ensure proper alignment.
I let all the frames sit overnight to fully set the glue. It was a real family event, as my dog sits by my side watching this whole process with great curiosity.
Adding the Shelves and Dividers
Once the frames were ready, I then proceeded to add shelves and dividers. I measured the spacing with great care so that it can fit all the different pantry items, such as baskets, jars, and small appliances.
The shelves were spaced 12 inches apart, providing ample room for jars and containers. I pre-drilled holes for the screws to avoid splitting the wood and attached the shelves very securely.
To attach the dividers, I used thinner plywood pieces (1/2-inch thickness) and glued them in place. These dividers created compartments that helped organize smaller items. At this point, the basic structure of my DIY built-in cabinets was complete.
Installation of DIY Built-In Cabinets in the Pantry
Once the cabinets were built, they needed to be installed in the pantry. I cleaned out the pantry and prepared the walls by wiping them down and filling holes.
Then, I carefully set the cabinets inside, where they fit snugly into the 72-inch width. The cabinets had to be fastened to the walls in order to stabilize them.
Brackets and screws were employed to fix the cabinets in place. I had to enlist some help from a family member as I drilled into the cabinet, trying to hold the cabinet in place.
When completed, the cabinets appear seamless, giving the pantry a built-in look like the magnificent example in the second shared image, where the clean lines and thoughtful design are enhanced by natural light.
Attaching the Cabinet Doors
I attached the doors to the cabinets next. I measured and marked hinge positions on both the cabinet frames and the doors. I wanted to ensure that the spaces were uniform, so I used a template.
For the hinges, I made pilot holes before screwing them in to avoid wood splitting. Attaching the hinges was the most tricky part but required great patience.
I started putting the hinges on the cabinet doors and placing them in coordination with frames. It was comparatively easier using a second pair of hands because holding up the door while screwing it at the place used to become really tough otherwise.
Once the doors were fitted, I ensured they properly opened and closed by testing for smooth movement. Hinges needed a slight adjustment where they sat slightly out of perfect fit.
Adding soft-close mechanisms was the final touch to ensure the doors closed without slamming. This brought the cabinets to life, giving them a polished and functional finish.
Customizing DIY Built-In Cabinets
Customization is what made these cabinets special. I added soft-close hinges to the doors, so they close silently and smoothly. For the handles, I chose brushed nickel hardware to complement the overall look of my kitchen.
These little details added a touch of elegance to the cabinets. I further incorporated a pull-out drawer, 15 inches wide, for spices and a vertical slot, 6 inches wide, for cutting boards.
The size of the cabinets was highly functional and met my needs, as these personalization details added to the uniqueness of the pantry while also making it practical.
Painting and Decoration of Cabinets
The enjoyable aspect of the project was painting. I chose a soft sage green hue to complement my kitchen’s design aesthetic. Before painting, I applied a coat of primer to ensure that the paint flows smoothly and evenly.
Using a high-quality paintbrush, I painted the cabinets using two coats of paint. Once it was dry, I used the patterned wallpaper for the lining at the back of the shelves.
It is these minute details that gave personality to the pantry. When the paint was dry, I installed the doors and the handles. The cabinets finished really well, with a quality finish that justified all the hard work.
Organizing the Pantry with My DIY Built-In Cabinets
Once the cabinets were ready, it was time to organize the pantry. I used woven baskets 12×12 inches in size for grouping similar items and labeled them for easy identification.
Jars with airtight lids went on the open shelves, and less frequently used items went into the closed cabinets.
I arranged small appliances like the toaster and kettle on the countertop area inside the cabinets, keeping the workspace clutter-free.
This organization system made my pantry not only beautiful but also incredibly functional.
Adding Finishing Touches
As the final touch of opulence, I fitted the LED strip lights at each shelf bottom. These made lighting inside the pantry easier and quicker in the event of searching for products.
I also fixed a chalkboard panel on one inner cabinet door to leave a grocery list and remind me of other things. This touched up the design a notch higher and added some degree of convenience to my pantry.
Lessons learned and final thoughts
Creating DIY built-in cabinets for my kitchen pantry was a challenging yet rewarding experience. It taught me the importance of planning, precision, and patience.
The transformation was worth every bit of effort, and I’;m proud of the result. If you have a similar project in mind, I would advise you to take it step by step.
Don’t rush the process, and don’t hesitate to ask for help when needed. With determination and creativity, you can turn your pantry into a stunning and functional space that you’ll love using every day.
Conclusion
Building my own DIY built-in cabinets for the pantry is honestly one of the best and most rewarding experiences for myself. Every stepthe planning stages, execution to the final toucheshad some learning and growth involved.
A transformed pantry into a usable functional space with a touch of great style has made everyday life such a breeze to do. This project saved me money, but it is also a sense of accomplishment to create something unique to my needs.
If you’re considering a similar project, I encourage you to dive in, plan carefully, and don’t be afraid to add your own personal touches. With a little patience and creativity, you too can create a space that’s both beautiful and practical, just like I did.
