A custom pantry adds storage and organization to a kitchen — pull-out drawers, deep shelves, baskets for produce, sliding bins for canned goods. Built-in pantries are 24-30 inches deep, full-height, with adjustable shelves and pull-out organizers. The build is similar to a built-in bookshelf but optimized for kitchen storage.

This guide covers a typical 30-36 inch wide, full-height (84-96 inch) pantry built into a kitchen wall — replacing or supplementing existing cabinetry.

Before you start

Three things to settle:

1. Plan storage zones. Pantry storage: top shelves for rarely-used; mid-height for daily; bottom for heavy items (drinks, bulk). Pull-outs for awkward items (canned goods, spices). Sketch layout before building. Adjustable shelves give flexibility.

2. Match cabinet style to kitchen. Door style, finish, hardware should match existing kitchen cabinets. If kitchen is being renovated: pantry coordinates with new cabinets. If adding to existing kitchen: match exactly.

3. Pull-outs need accurate slide rails. Drawer slides have specific load ratings and clearance requirements. Soft-close ball-bearing slides cost more but operate smoothly. Match slide depth to cabinet box depth.

What you'll need

Tools

Mitre saw or table saw
Drill with bits
Pocket-hole jig (Kreg)
Brad nailer
Level (4-foot)
Tape measure
Stud finder

Materials

3/4 inch plywood (for cabinet box)
1/4 inch plywood (for drawer bottoms)
Hardwood for face frame and doors
Drawer slides (full-extension ball-bearing, soft-close)
Cabinet doors (matching kitchen style)
Hinges (matching kitchen)
Pulls or knobs (matching kitchen)
Adjustable shelf pins
Wood screws and pocket screws
Wood glue, finish nails
Stain/paint and finish

Pull-out organizers maximize accessibility

Deep cabinets become hard to reach in the back. Pull-out shelves bring contents forward.

Standard pull-outs are available from organizing stores; custom-built units cost more but fit exactly.

Custom-built pull-outs: more work but match exactly.

Step-by-step instructions

Plan dimensions and layout

Measure available wall space — width, height, depth.

Standard pantry: 30-36 inches wide, 84-96 inches tall, 18-24 inches deep.

Sketch interior: shelf heights, pull-out drawer locations, storage zones.

Match layout to your storage needs.

Build cabinet box

3/4 inch plywood: sides, top, bottom, back.

Pocket-hole joinery on the inside.

Box should be square — diagonal measurements equal.

Pre-drill shelf pin holes in cabinet sides for adjustable shelves.

Install pull-out drawer boxes

Decide pull-out locations.

Drawer boxes: 5/8 inch plywood with 1/4 inch plywood bottom.

Joinery: pocket holes or rabbets.

Sized: width = (cabinet interior width) − (slide allowance, typically 1 inch).

Height: 4-8 inches typical for items.

Install drawer slides

Mount slide rail to cabinet side and to drawer side.

Full-extension ball-bearing slides (Blum, Hettich): smooth, durable.

Verify drawer pulls out fully (slide must extend completely).

Anchor pantry to wall

Lift cabinet into position.

Level and plumb (shim if needed).

Drive screws through cabinet back into wall studs (16 inch OC).

4-6 screws minimum into studs.

Install face frame

Hardwood face frame: 1×3 or 1×4 stiles and rails.

Pocket-hole joinery on the back.

Glue and pocket-screw together.

Attach to front of cabinet box with brad nails through face frame into cabinet edges.

Install doors

Cabinet doors per kitchen style: shaker, raised panel, slab.

Soft-close European hinges.

Hinge cup mortise required if using inset hinges.

Adjust hinges for door alignment.

Verify gaps between doors are even.

Install adjustable shelves

Insert shelf pins into pre-drilled holes.

3/4 inch plywood shelves with hardwood front edge banding.

Adjustable shelves give flexibility for changing storage needs.

Install hardware

Pulls or knobs on doors and pull-out drawer fronts.

Match kitchen hardware exactly.

Pre-drill for hardware fasteners.

Finish (paint or stain)

Pre-finish hardwood components when possible.

Match finish to kitchen cabinets exactly — same brand of stain or paint.

Final clear coat for protection.

Two coats minimum for paint; pre-mixed stain easier than custom.

Common mistakes that cost you

Drawer slides too small for drawer box. Slides bind under load. Match slide weight rating.
Cabinet not anchored to studs. Pantry tips forward when loaded. Always anchor.
Mismatched finish. Pantry stands out as 'added later.' Match exactly.
Inadequate face frame nailing. Face frame separates over time. Glue + brad nail.
No adjustable shelves. Storage needs change. Always adjustable, not fixed.

Frequently asked questions

Pull-outs vs fixed shelves?

Pull-outs: better access to deep storage, premium feel.

Fixed shelves: cheaper, more storage area for tall items.

Mix: pull-outs for low-use deep storage, fixed for tall items.

Can I integrate a pantry with existing kitchen cabinets?

Yes, especially for full-height cabinet next to existing.

Match door style, finish, and hardware exactly.

Filler strips bridge gaps between pantry and adjacent cabinet.

What drives the cost of a custom pantry?

Material selection drives cost: plywood grade, hardwood species, slide quality, and hardware finish.

Labour (DIY): 2-4 days for a typical 30-36 inch pantry.

Custom vs pre-fab: a built-in matches your kitchen exactly; a pre-fab cabinet trades that fit for speed.

For a built-in pantry as part of a larger renovation, we provide a detailed written breakdown before work begins.

When to call us instead

Custom pantries are part of premium kitchen renovations. Our team designs and builds custom storage to match your kitchen exactly.

Book a free 60-minute site visit →

Related Ottawa services

If you're renovating a kitchen, our kitchen renovation team handles custom storage. Book a free 60-minute consultation.