Mike Montgomery from Modern Builds shared the woodworking project featured in this video.
This kitchen upgrade solves a common problem—dead space next to a refrigerator—by turning it into a tall pantry cabinet with a clean, built-in look.
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Design That Fits the Real-World Space
The core idea is simple: measure the niche by the fridge first, then size the cabinet so it looks intentional rather than like an afterthought. The build also accounts for the way cabinet components stack and overlap so the finished face stays aligned.
To make the unit useful instead of just “pretty,” adjustable storage gets placed where kitchen routines actually happen. That means shelving heights are planned for food storage and for taller items, while door reveals keep the look crisp.
Lumber Prep: Clean Cuts and Stable Panels
Because the cabinet uses plywood for the box, the project leans on careful layout and clean ripping to keep everything square. Using a straightedge guide helps make edges straight enough that the assembly reads as straight lines in the final product.
Even when the material isn’t perfectly cooperative, the strategy is to assemble true rather than chasing perfection in individual parts. That includes checking squareness as the build progresses and correcting before permanent fastening where possible.
Joinery Strategy: Pocket Screws, Dowels, and a Solid-Looking Face
The cabinet structure is assembled with pocket hole joinery, which speeds up a sturdy frame without complicated workholding. Pocket holes are pre-drilled, glue is added on key joints, and the box comes together quickly with the help of right-angle clamping.
To give the cabinet a more premium appearance, recessed fasteners on visible areas get treated so the exterior reads like joinery. The approach uses dowel-style plugs after fastening so the top face looks refined instead of hardware-distracting.
Back Panel Fit: Rabbeting for an Inset, Finished Look
A back panel makes the cabinet feel like a real piece of furniture, but the details matter. Instead of simply nailing a back on the surface, the project uses an inset groove so the panel sits cleanly.
The result is a more professional fit, and it also helps the cabinet maintain its intended shape during handling and installation. That inset method is a great option whenever a plywood back needs to disappear visually.
Edge Banding: Making Plywood Look Like It Came from Solid Stock
To eliminate visible plies and create a “solid” visual effect, edge banding covers the exposed plywood edges. This is one of the most important steps for achieving a built-in, high-end appearance on a plywood project.
Clamping and trimming techniques keep seams straight and corners crisp. When the banding seam aligns at the right joint locations, the entire cabinet reads cleaner—especially from standing height in a kitchen.
Adjustable Shelving: Built for Flexible Pantry Life
Inside, the cabinet uses adjustable shelf pins so storage can change over time. That flexibility is what keeps the pantry useful as shopping habits and storage needs evolve.
Rather than drilling uniform rows of holes everywhere, the project positions pin locations where shelves are most likely to live. It keeps the interior looking intentional while still allowing adjustability.
Inset Doors and Concealed Hinges
The lower compartment doors are built with inset reveals so the doors sit neatly within the cabinet opening. This is where good measuring really pays off, because reveal spacing controls both the visual symmetry and the ease of closing.
Concealed hinges are installed using a drilling guide and a careful center-point layout. After mounting, small adjustments fine-tune alignment so the doors close evenly without rubbing.
Handles and Comfort: Finger Holes for Easy Opening
To solve an ergonomic problem—doors that need a comfortable grip—the project adds simple finger pulls. This avoids cluttering the face with external hardware while keeping the front clean.
Using controlled drilling reduces tear-out, especially on the show face. The takeaway is that “hardware-free” doesn’t have to mean “hard to use.”
Finishing: Sanding, Polyurethane, and Grain Pop
The final look comes from sanding for a smooth, uniform surface and finishing in a way that highlights the wood grain. Water-based polyurethane is used to seal and protect while keeping the color natural.
Applying thin, even coats helps the finish build without looking heavy. The end result is a pantry cabinet that looks like it belongs in the kitchen, not like it was added as an extra storage hack.
Overall Takeaways: Why This Pantry Build Works
This cabinet approach balances speed, strength, and appearance by combining practical joinery with thoughtful surface finishing. The “make plywood look intentional” theme—edge banding, clean reveals, and inset details—is what elevates the final result.
Most importantly, the storage design is adaptable: adjustable shelves and a door layout turn a dead space next to the fridge into a functional system. That same planning logic can be applied to many wall niches for consistent, built-in-looking storage.
Watch for More Ideas
For more woodworking inspiration and practical techniques, Modern Builds is a great place to keep learning.
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Matt’s Take
These are my personal thoughts and tips based on my own experience in the shop. This section is not written, reviewed, or endorsed by the original creator of this project.
This pantry cabinet really shows how much difference good planning makes on a built-in project. When you’re working in a kitchen niche like this, getting those initial measurements right is everything — you don’t get a second chance once the cabinet is built. I love that Mike focused on making the cabinet look intentional rather than just filling the space.
The edge banding approach here is spot-on for achieving that built-in look with plywood. It’s one of those details that separates a quick storage hack from something that actually looks like it belongs. Taking time to get those seams tight and corners clean makes all the difference in the final appearance. The finger pulls are a smart solution too — keeps the face clean while still being functional to actually open.
Pocket holes are perfect for this type of cabinet construction. They’re fast, strong, and when you’re dealing with the inside of a pantry, you don’t need to worry about visible fasteners. The dowel plugs on the face frame are a nice touch for keeping things looking refined where it counts.
The adjustable shelving setup is really practical for pantry use. Food storage needs change over time, and having that flexibility built in from the start means the cabinet stays useful. This whole approach — measuring the space first, building for the actual use, and finishing it to look intentional — is solid planning for any built-in project.