DIY pantry: build a traditionally styled cupboard with recycled materials

Pantry and cabinetry—supplies

Pantry—instructions:

Next to the corner pantry, cabinets were built to conceal the integrated freezer and recycling bins. The width of the freezer cabinet is 57.8 centimeters (about 23 inches).

1. Measure and cut six floor-to-ceiling vertical supports from your framing lumber. Then cut 12 horizontal supports measuring 46.2 centimeters.

2. Screw horizontal supports between the vertical supports at 60 centimeter intervals. Build two identical frames with the horizontal supports between the vertical pieces. Mark where the frames will go. Measure from the corner in both directions and draw lines at 90 centimeters and 96.6 centimeters. Set the frames between those lines at a 90-degree angle. With these measurements, the wall frame matches the depth of the adjacent freezer cabinet, so the freezer fits inside. Screw the elements to the wall and ceiling, and attach the parts to the floor with adhesive compound.

Only hinges were added to the old double doors of the recycling cabinet; nothing else was needed. When installing vertical beadboard paneling, place horizontal supports between the studs at least every 60 centimeters to prevent warping.

The pantry and freezer cabinet doors were custom-built from 2-centimeter thick fiberboard, with narrow wood strips attached using adhesive compound and small nails. A large door will need three hinges.

3. Build the frame for the doorway. You’ll need two vertical supports and two horizontal pieces at 49.4 centimeters. Fasten one horizontal piece near the top of the supports and another about 0.5 centimeters above the door’s height. Install the frame at a 45-degree angle between the two previously assembled wall frames. If you like, you can also panel the inside of the pantry.

4. Cover the pantry exterior with beadboard paneling and install the door. You can build your own door or use a ready-made one—these measurements fit a 48-centimeter wide door. To complete, you can also build the freezer cabinet and recycling cabinet, then paint everything to finish.

The doors of the upper cabinets were assembled from beadboard paneling. When closed, they blend right into the cabinetry.

Freezer cabinet and recycling cabinet—instructions:

5. Cut two floor-to-ceiling vertical supports from your framing lumber for the side of the cabinet. Cut six horizontal supports measuring 49.3 centimeters for the side frame. Measure and mark lines on the pantry wall at 154.4 centimeters and 161 centimeters. Assemble and install this side frame element between those lines.

6. Cut three more floor-to-ceiling vertical supports from your framing lumber, unless you want a toe kick for your cabinets—then make them about 15 centimeters shorter. Cut six horizontal pieces at 49.3 centimeters. Attach one vertical support against the pantry’s side where the freezer cabinet front goes, leaving enough clearance for the freezer door to open fully. Build a partition element from two vertical supports, the horizontal pieces, and plywood. Install this partition between the freezer cabinet and the recycling cabinet, ensuring there is enough space for the freezer. Use plywood or edge-glued board to create shelves inside the recycling cabinet.

7. Cover the cabinet frames with beadboard paneling and install the doors. Paint the entire unit with panel paint and a brush.

Behind the double doors, there’s plenty of room for recycling bins and bags. A narrow vertical support is placed between the doors. The recycling cabinet and freezer cabinet together measure 162 centimeters in width, and the entire cabinetry is about 262 centimeters wide.

8. If you wish, build upper cabinets on top. Use beadboard paneling or ready-made doors. The door opens with a push-to-open hinge.

A floor-to-ceiling built-in cabinet creates a unified look, with beadboard paneling continuing along the adjacent window wall. The traditionally styled pantry holds not only dry foods and dishes but also a microwave and stand mixer.