We can always use more storage and more counterspace right? How about building a dedicated kitchen pantry cabinet that doubles as more counter space? Today I’m sharing this DIY freestanding pantry cabinet with free plans.
A DIY tutorial to build a freestanding kitchen pantry cabinet with free plans. Make your kitchen functional with accessible storage and more counter space!
I’ve partnered with Build Something to bring you step by step plans so you can build this freestanding pantry cabinet. Build Something is full of project plans by space and type so you can find inspiration for nearly any room in your home. Before you head over there to check out the plans for this pantry cabinet be sure to read through my building tips below.
With the doors closed you would hardly suspect this cabinet is full of food storage! And it’s not meant for just the kitchen, you could use it in your office, craft room or work space too.
The doors are plenty deep at 7 1/4″ for multiple cans and boxes. I opted to not paint the interior because I think food always looks more enticing and easier to find against a neutral background. The exterior is painted in Benjamin Moore polo blue advance satin.
Build Plans:
Below are a few notes and tips from the building process I suggest you read through before beginning.
The bottom / base of this cabinet has notches cut out for the side panels. Follow the plans for dimensions and use a jig saw or 4″ hand held circular saw to make the cuts.
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Once the bottom is notched then add the pocket holes.
Above is the constructed pantry carcass. I choose to have one fixed shelf because it adds to the strength and stability of the cabinet. The second shelf is movable and I definitely recommend using the Kreg Shelf Jig to make the shelf pin holes:
Mark the cabinet sides equally then place the Shelf Pin drilling jig up against the side and set the collar depth on the bit. You should clamp the jig in place to ensure exact spacing and then drill the holes.
Perfectly lined up shelf pin holes with zero tear out, that’s winning in my book. Insert the shelf pins and then add your shelf.
Pantry Doors:
The doors are constructed using all pocket holes. Be sure to keep the pocket holes to the underside and interior of the shelf trim to keep them hidden.
Add the backing (which is actually the door fronts) and trim then apply putty to fill any holes. Sand smooth and paint.
For the hinges I recommend full wrap cabinet hinges. I used partial wrap hinges here because when I ordered the hinges I was thinking they might be placed on / near the shelf trim and that limits the full wrap. But I would use full wrap hinges for more support (I ordered them but they didn’t arrive in time for photos. )
Also you will need a magnetic latch at the top center and possibly at the bottom as well depending on how heavy your doors are once full.
I hope you enjoyed this project. Please leave any questions in the comments below and I will respond. The complete plans can be found here.
Thanks for joining me for this freestanding pantry project. Please leave any questions in the comments below and be sure to follow me on social media for sneak peeks, tools and project inspiration:
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Disclaimer: I partnered with Build Something to make this post possible. I received product and / or compensation however all thoughts and opinions are my own.
Anika Kumar says
I love the idea of this freestanding cabinet. There are so many ways to use it!! And I love your choice of leaving the inside unfinished. It looks awesome against the gorgeous blue.
Charlee Ostrander says
Seriously impressed. You should do a little video swinging it open and closed. It's so cute!
Aloha,
Charlee
Julie Spear says
Great project, especially for those of us in older homes that may not have as much cabinet and storage space… AWESOME, as always!!!
buckboy says
Thank you Jaime for a simple, straightforward, and beautiful plan. The project fits the bill exactly for my kitchen renovation. I would like to mobilize it with wheels or something akin to a lift system you would use for moving machinery such as a drill press or band saw. Secondly, I would like to build the top as a butcher block and wondered could this design handle a heavier top especially the portion that overhangs the door. Do you think these ideas are workable? Thanks again
April Edwards says
What was the total cost for the materials?
Stephen Testa says
Could you please tell us what you would sell this Pantry for (Price)
Jaime says
Hi Stephen, this pantry cabinet is not for sale. I shared the plans to build it yourself.
Tammy Morris says
I want to build this for a liquor cabinet. The shelves would need adjusting and probably one removed, but it would work.