DIY: How to Build Floating Pantry Shelves

Written By Ashlynne Eaton

When we moved into this house, our small pantry had the typical wire shelving commonly found in most builder-grade closets. While sturdy, it wasn't the most practical or visually appealing. And after three years, our pantry had become messy, disorganized and was desperately in need of a major overhaul.

So after months of procrastinating, we made that happen.

My goal: Build floating pantry shelves. And give the space an organizational overhaul. This tutorial from Sawdust Girl and this one from The Martin Nest was the most helpful resource I could find and I based my build on her instructions.

 
 
 

Start with a blank slate! I began with removing everything from the pantry, and (where necessary) giving everything a good wipe down.

Step 2: Disassemble the wire shelves

I thought this step would be easier than it actually was. Taking the support column and shelves off the wall wasn’t too bad, but removing the anchors that held the shelves in place was a real struggle.

It took quite a bit of effort, and we ended up using a large wrench to get most of the anchors out. That worked, but it did leave some larger holes in the wall. So afterward, I filled those holes with spackling to smooth things out before painting.

Step 3: Paint the pantry

I decided to paint this space for several reasons. First, we had just patched a bunch of holes in the wall, so I wanted to cover those up. Additionally, the closet hadn’t been painted when we first moved into the house. We’d had the entire main living area painted a beautiful soft white, but at the time we didn’t bother painting the closets, so it had been left a rather sad gray color.

And I wanted to change that.

I decided to paint the pantry the same color as the rest of the living space—Chantilly Lace by Benjamin Moore. I did consider doing a fun wallpaper or a bold color, but ultimately, I wanted the colors and textures of the food stored here to shine through. Plus, it meant that I didn’t need to buy any additional paint (saving money is always a bonus!)

After two coats of paint, the transformation was incredible—this space is now so much brighter!

 
 

Step 4: Build the shelves

Now is the time to plan out your new pantry shelves. Begin by determining the placement of them in the closet.

The one aspect we liked about the previous pantry was the general arrangement of the shelves, so we aimed to replicate that while giving our new shelves a more custom, built-in look.

We began by using 2x2s for the frame, cutting pieces for the cleating (which I’ll show you in the next step), support braces, and the shelf tops and bottoms. At this stage, we didn't join everything yet; we just laid them out.

Then once we were happy with the design, we joined together the support braces using wood glue and pocket holes (which allowed us to conceal where the screws went in).

Step 5: Install shelf cleats

With everything cut and the support pieces finished, it was time to start assembling everything. We began by drilling and securing the cleats to the studs. These cleats essentially serve as the support pieces that will hold up the plywood we’ll be placing on top. This is where the strength of the shelves really comes into play, allowing them to hold a considerable amount of weight without needing additional support columns like we had previously.

Step 6: Install the framing (and add plywood)

Here’s where we had to pivot a bit. Our original plan was to install all the support pieces first and THEN add the upper and lower plywood sections afterward. However, while putting in the top support piece, we realized that we needed to install the plywood as we went. Due to the way the pantry was constructed, we wouldn't be able to fit them in later.

So, we decided to pause on the support pieces and put in the upper and lower plywood pieces first. Then once all the plywood was in place, we went back and drilled in the braces to complete the structure.

Step 7: Secure everything

The final step in assembling the framework of the shelves was to secure the two pieces of plywood that would form the top and bottom of each shelf. To do this, we used Liquid Nails and a brad nailer to secure each board in place.

And we just did the same thing for the top and bottom of each shelf, using clamps to making doing the shelf bottoms easier.

Step 8: Add trim piece

At this point, the structural part of the shelves was complete. However, since we wanted them to have a polished and finished look, we added 1x3 boards to the front, which helped conceal all the layers involved in assembling the shelves. Once again, we used a brad nailer to secure them in place.

Step 9: Finishing touches

Over the next few days, I added all the finishing touches, preparing everything to paint. I applied wood filler wherever we had used brad nails or there were gaps in the wood, filled in the seams with caulk where the shelves met the wall, then primed and painted everything. I started with one coat of primer, followed by two coats of paint, using the same Chantilly Lace color we used on the walls.

Note: Be sure to allow the paint to dry and cure for the appropriate amount of time before restocking your shelves.

Step 10: Time to organize

With the shelves done, it was time to organize. Using a combination of bins I’d collected over the years, as well as a handful of new ones I got to work organizing and this is when the project really started to come together and I got to see all my hard work paying off.

LOVE the result. Our pantry is now not only so much more functional (you know, now that there isn’t a column in the middle of the pantry), but it’s also beautiful. And I can’t wait to start baking, cooking, and putting it to good use! It really just goes to show you the power of showing love to neglected spaces in your home.

Ashlynne Eaton
Next

14 Things I Only Own One Of