Pantry Remodel – Adding In Wall Storage

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I saw a few inspo pics on Pinterest like this one and this one and knew I wanted to add some shelves in my pantry that go in between the studs. I first removed the wire racks that have been on this wall since we moved in. They work okay, but I wasn’t a fan of the look and how far they stuck out.

Here’s a quick video explaining this project.

Then I got my stud finder that detects electrical and made sure there was no wiring behind the wall I was wanting to cut in to. I also marked where my studs were and came up with a game plan.

There was a stud right in the center of that wall, so I went into the attic and made sure the wall wasn’t load bearing before I got started because I knew I’d have to remove part of the stud and reenforce it. You can watch this YouTube video that explains how to tell if a wall is load bearing or not, or the safer bet is to call a professional to come out and take a look for you. I first knocked a hole in the wall with the hammer for dramatic effect!

I used a short and long level to mark a straight line inside the next studs over on the left and right, then the top and bottom so I’d know where to cut.

Then I got to work cutting the drywall on the lines I marked with my oscillating tool, best to use a drywall blade, it makes cutting a straight line SUPER easy! My battery died when I only had the top left corner to go of course! So I got a new battery and then finished the work.

Once I removed the drywall, I started on removing the middle of that stud. I used a circular saw, but it didn’t go in far enough to cut all the way through. Then I tried my oscillating tool but I couldn’t get it to cut all the way through either, so I waited for Tyler to get home to remove it for me.

Once he removed the stud for me I reframed inside the drywall so that way the stud was once again sturdy and wouldn’t cause any sagging. I added 2 pieces of 2x4s to the top and bottom, making sure they were level, and then screwed them in to the remaining pieces of the stud I cut out. These were so snug I had to use a hammer to tap them in to place.

After that I added 2 vertical pieces, I used pocket holes and long pocket hole screws to secure them to the horizontal pieces I just installed.

Once that was all reframed, I got to work building the shelves for the inside. I cut down some scrap pieces from other projects that I had in my garage to make this an almost free part of the pantry remodel! For the outside of the shelves I used 1/2in sanded plywood and for the shelves themselves I used 3/4in sanded plywood since they would be holding canned goods. I didn’t expect them to sag but I wanted to be sure. I cut them down to size with my circular saw using clamps to hold down a straight piece of wood to use as a guide. I just have the plywood sitting on 2x4s to give my blade room to cut without hitting the ground. I measured from the back drywall to the outside of the front drywall and subtracted 1/4in (the thickness of the backing I was going to add).

I got the frame put together using wood glue and 1in brad nails and my cordless brad nailer, then did a test fit in the wall before installing the shelves to make sure it fit nice and snug.

When I installed the shelves I left them sticking out 3/4in because I was planning on framing it out once they were installed to cover the plywood edge and to make it look built-in, like it belongs. If I did this again, I would add the frame before installing the shelves in the wall. I started by measuring my tallest things I planned to put in these and added about an inch for some wiggle room for the bottom couple shelves. Then I spaced the top ones out a little less since they would be holding canned goods, so not all the shelves were spaces exactly the same. Again, I installed these with wood glue and shot brad nails in from the outside.

Once the shelves were put together, I added pole wrap to the back that I had left over from my master bathroom remodel. I just used wood glue and brad nails.

I then put the shelf in place and made sure the outer part was flush with the wall and I nailed it into the studs through the sides. you don’t want to shoot nails into the back because it will go through the other side of the drywall and be showing in the next room over, so only shoot nails sideways into the studs.

I used 1×3 primed pine to frame it out. I just butted up the edges, no need for 45 cuts on EVERYTHING! (I got a lot of snobby guys on TikTok and Instagram making comments on how I should have 45ed the corners, lol!) I planned on filling in where they meet anyways so you won’t even be able to tell if they are 45ed or not. But if you prefer 45s you can totally do that too.

I was going to only do the right side because there is a light switch on the left side, but I figured I could install one below the light switch since the wiring goes up into the attic, not down. I knew this because of my fancy stud finder that also finds electric, like I said before! It would be perfect for smaller spices. I built and installed this one the same way I did the right except I used 1/2in plywood for the shelves because thats all I had left for scraps and it would be holding lightweight spices, not canned goods. This side is obviously shorter, but I started it the same distance from the ground as the right side.

I couldn’t wait to see how the spices fit in here before installing the trim! lol!

I went to Lowe’s to find some trim to go on the outside of the shelving so the raw plywood edge wouldn’t show. I didn’t want to just use edge banding for this. I was looking for the same trim I used on my wall rack in my kitchen but couldn’t find it, so I ended up going with this.

I have had several people ask where I got these shelves and they get sad when I say I built them. I have seen some similar for sale but they are pretty pricy! But in case that’s something you are interested in, here’s a link.

Here’s a video of me being kind of sarcastic with the critics of this project!

I’m super happy with how these are coming together! I can’t wait to get them painted, but that part will have to wait!

Next up, a wall treatment, shelves and paint!!!