Looking for a project that combines functionality and style? This pantry larder cabinet was built and designed by Shara from Woodshop Diaries. It’s a perfect addition to any kitchen or pantry space, offering ample storage for food and kitchen essentials.
Materials and Tools
Before you start, gather the following materials and tools:
Materials:
- (3) 4’x8′ sheets of ¾” plywood
- (1) 4’x8′ sheet of ½” plywood
- (1) 4’x8′ sheet of ¼” plywood
- (1) 1x4x4′ board
- (4) 1x2x8′ boards
- (6) 1x3x8′ boards
- (3) ⅜” diameter x 36″ dowel rods
- (3) pairs of 20″ ball bearing drawer slides
- (3-4) pairs of 1 ¼” overlay face frame concealed hinges
- Wood glue
- Edge banding (optional)
- Shelf pins
Tools:
- Drill/Driver
- Circular Saw
- Miter Saw
- Pocket Hole Jig
- Brad Nailer
- Clamps
- Forstener Bit
Step 1: Cutting the Plywood
Start by cutting down your plywood sheets. You’ll need two side panels, a top panel, a bottom panel, and a middle shelf to assemble the main body of the cabinet. The front edge of the top and middle panels will be exposed, so apply iron-on edge banding to these edges for a clean finish.
Step 2: Assembling the Cabinet Body
Assemble the cabinet using pocket holes and screws. Additionally, cut two support strips and a toe kick piece. The toe kick will go under the bottom panel just a few inches from the front edge.
Step 3: Adding the Back Panel
Cut a back panel from a piece of ½” plywood to fit inside the top opening. Use a micro pocket hole jig to drill pocket holes along all four sides of this piece. If you don’t have the micro jig, a standard size jig will work just fine.
Step 4: Creating the Drawer Section
The bottom section of the cabinet is where the drawers will go. Assemble a simple frame from 1x2s and 1x3s to fit into the bottom opening. This frame not only adds support but also ensures that the drawers don’t interfere with the hinges later on.
Step 5: Installing Drawer Slides
Install two plywood strips at the back into the bottom section and cut and install six plywood strips between these pieces and the front frame. Space these strips out where you want your drawers to go, as this is where you’ll mount the drawer slides.
Step 6: Adding Shelving
Now, move to the top section to add shelving. Cut a piece of ¾” plywood to span the full width of the cabinet and another piece to serve as a divider.
Step 7: Building the Face Frame
For the face frame, use pre-primed pine. Trim down some existing 1x6s to create a 1×2 for one side, a 1×3 for the opposite side, and a thicker 1×4 for the top. Assemble the face frame using pocket holes and screws, then attach it to the front of the cabinet.
Step 8: Constructing the Doors
Building the doors can be the most challenging part. Use a tongue and groove method for assembly. Cut a tongue on your door rails using a router and create grooves that will accommodate the panels. Assemble the doors using wood glue and clamp them to set aside to dry.
Step 9: Assembling the Drawer Boxes
Cut ¾” plywood strips for the sides of the drawer boxes and the remaining plywood sheet for the drawer bottoms. Assemble the sides using pocket holes and screws, ensuring they’re sturdy enough for heavy items.
Step 10: Painting the Cabinet
Once assembled, prime and paint the cabinet and doors. Drill hinge cup holes into the doors before painting to avoid damaging the finish. Use Sherwin Williams Colonnade Gray for a polished look.
Step 11: Installing the Doors
Install the hinges onto the cabinet doors and hang them on the cabinet. Adjust as necessary for even spacing.
Step 12: Adding Door Shelves
Finally, add shelves on the inside of the doors for extra storage. Use dowels to secure the shelves in place, ensuring they don’t hold heavy items.
Conclusion
This pantry larder cabinet packs a lot of storage and is a great way to organize your kitchen essentials. With these detailed steps, you can create your own custom pantry cabinet that fits your style and needs. You can get the plans here.