Pantry In-wall Plate and Spice Rack

The perfect space saver: in-wall shelving! Do you have a walk in pantry with a pesky unusable wall blocked by an open door? Or do you have a blank wall in your kitchen that you would like to utilize? This between-the-stud shelf is so easy and practical! Stash a ton of pantry items, or create a beautiful display, it's entirely up to you! Tailor the size to fit your space: 1 shelf unit or 10, you can design it as big or small as desired.

The materials cost will depend on how many shelving units you want to make. All you need are 1x4s, 1x2s, 1/4" backing (plywood, beadboard, tongue and groove or whatever you'd like), and some dowel rods or another material to prevent your items from falling out.

Materials:

- 1x4x8 (number depends on size of shelf)

- 1x2x8 (number depends on size of shelf)

- 1/4" plywood or other material (size depends on shelf)

- 2" Self-tapping Wood Screws

- 1 1/4" Brad Nails

- 2" Brad Nails

- Wood Glue

- Wood Filler

- Sand Paper

- Pain or Stain

- Paintable Caulking

Tools:

- Measuring Tape

- Pencil

- Square

- Miter Saw or Table Saw

- Drill

- Brad Nailer

- Utility Knife or Multi-tool with cutting blade

- Stud Finder

- Level

- Safety Equipment

The first step is to open up the wall you want to use by locating the two outer studs, outlining the space you want for your shelf, and using a utility knife or multi-tool to cut away the drywall (leave the drywall on top of the two outer studs as this will ensure a seamless install with the shelf trim). Make sure the space you are using isn't an outside wall and doesn't have electrical wires, pipes, or any other in wall obstruction. Sometimes it's hard to tell, use your best investigative techniques before cutting the drywall!

Once you have your space open you can take exact measurements of the between the stud space. If you will be building more than one shelf, take measurements of each stud space. Often studs are unevenly placed. Also take top, middle, and bottom measurements (studs are often not straight) and use the smallest measurement for your shelf.

Build the carcass of your shelves. I've given you an idea of shelf size based on 9' ceilings with 16" on center wall studs. Your space may vary and each shelf may need to be built differing sizes, measure twice!

The carcass can be attached using 2" self tapping wood screws (I like the Spax brand). Make sure you screw in from the outside so no screws will show in your final build. Sand well!

Next add the back to your shelf with wood glue and 1 1/4" or shorter brad nails or staples.

The back can be any material you like, it's just meant to cover up the drywall behind it. Paint your shelves before you install them! You will thank me later!

At this point you can install the dowel rods or wait until the end. I installed mine by drilling 1/4" deep holes slightly larger than the diameter of the rods and cutting the rods 1/2 inch longer than my shelves. The rods bend easily enough to install them.

The shelves are placed between the studs and brad nailed through the sides into the studs with 2" brad nails. Make sure your shelf is level! The front edge of the shelf should be flush with the drywall left on the wall. The trim will cover the raw edges.

Measure and cut to fit the trim you will be using. I found 1x4s work nicely between shelves, and I used 1x2s to surround the outside edge. You can use whatever trim you would like, just make sure it covers the edges.

I installed mine with 1 1/4" brad nails.

Caulk all the gaps for a professional finish, fill the nail holes, then sand and touch up the paint. That's it! Now you have a beautiful custom storage unit in your home, fill it to your heart's desire!