I had been dreaming of renovating our corner pantry for such a long time, and finally found the time to do it! I’m sharing the before and after of my DIY Custom Corner Pantry with a step-by-step tutorial in case you’re inspired to do the same. I’m so excited with how this project turned out and love the fresh and custom look of this space. For reference, our pantry is 4×4.
BEFORE the pantry renovation:
Step 1: Prep
First, I removed all the original wire shelving and filled all the holes in the wall (39 to be exact!). Then, I removed all the baseboards since I’ll be adding built-in cabinets and shelves on the bottom and want them flush with the wall. However, I do think baseboards should be removed before starting any big project like this!
Step 2: Paint the Walls
I painted all of the pantry walls BM Boothbay Gray because what other color would you expect from me?!
Step 3: Build the Cabinet Frames
I started with 2x4s at the bottom to act as a platform by cutting the wood pieces with my miter saw. Then, I skewed the platforms into the studs.
Next, I used 5mm plywood as cabinet backs and cut them with my table saw. On each side, I attached 1/2 inch plywood. After using MDF for the bottoms, I got the vertical pieces sturdy with tips from @newbuild_newlyweds who recently redid her pantry. The pieces near the top were nailed into studs with my favorite nailer.
Step 4: Paint & Add Shelves
To start, I primed and then I painted the inside BM Boothbay Gray.
Pro tip: I painted the bottom of each shelf so when I insert the shelf and caulk around the edge, I only have to roll the top and don’t have to worry about getting inside those cubbies to paint.
P.S. caulk is key for the shelves! You’re guaranteed to use caulk a ton in this project. The gun I use is HERE.
Step 5: Extra Supports
I added supports to the top with my kregjig which makes hidden holes for screws.
Step 6: Add Trim
Next, I nailed 1×2 trim which completely transformed it. For flush joints, sand flush, use wood filler, and sand again!
Step 7: Countertop
I cut this gorgeous faux marble into two pieces with my circular saw and table saw. My laser helped me match it up with the edges of the wall.
Then, I clamped the two pieces flush and screwed the countertop into the braces below. Caulk made the gap disappear! If you’re wondering how I was able to get perfect measurements where the two pieces meet – I used this laser!
If you’re wanting the same countertop I used, you can find it HERE.
Step 8: Backsplash
I used Musselbound adhesive instead of thin set which makes tiling so easy and doable. It’s just double-sided tape! Go over with a float to make sure it’s really stuck to the wall, and you just peel it back.
For the unusual tiles I put an x on the part I don’t need and cut them with a wet saw. Since wet tiles don’t stick to Musselbound, pop them in the oven for a couple of minutes and you’re good to go!
To try something different, I used white grout and caulked between the tile and countertop for clean lines.
Step 9: Upper Shelves
For the upper shelves, I wanted good wood I could stain. I went with 1×12 poplar.
For the brackets, be sure to mark, level, mark again, check level again, drill pilot hole for anchor, then screw in the bracket. The brackets even came with the GOOD anchors!
I sanded the shelves down with 120 grit and stained them with Minimax wood finish tinted to weathered oak.
The Final DIY Custom Corner Pantry
