How to Build a Pull-Out Pantry

A pull-out pantry is a great way to utilize the wasted space next to your refrigerator, but you may not be able to find one online that fits your kitchen. It’s easy, however, to make one yourself. Learn how to build a pull-out pantry in this EngineerYourSpace video:

The pull-out cabinet featured in this video was designed for a 6-inch space and was built from pre-cut 1″ x 6′ pine boards that were 5-1/2 inches wide. Shelf positions were marked on the boards; a speed square was used to trace the line across both boards. The top board was recessed to act as a shelf, and the bottom board was recessed to hide the wheels (recycled casters) from the front. The wheels were positioned to allow them to move freely in all directions; the shelf was placed so the wheels extend past the bottom of the boards by about 1/4 inch.

After adding the rest of the shelves (using the speed square to align them properly), the brackets for the railings were attached. The railings were made from screen molding, which is easy to cut with a hand saw. Since the railings were to be attached to the brackets with bolts, the holes were countersunk to ensure the bolts didn’t stick out.

Next, the cabinet was prepped for painting by covering up the screw holes with wood filler and sealing the knots with shellac to prevent them from bleeding through the paint. Only the front of the cabinet was painted, but the rest of the wood was sealed to protect it against spills.

Due to an overlooked quarter round molding at the bottom of the wall (preventing the pantry from going in all the way), part of the back board had to be sawed off and the back wheels re-positioned to allow the cabinet to fit properly.

A hook was added as a stopper to prevent the cabinet from coming out all the way. The cabinet can be pulled out by grabbing the top of the front board, but a handle can be added if desired.