Ideas for Pantry Shelves
Datetime:2014-01-08 Hits:
Ideas for Pantry Shelves
Pantries are an essential part of any family's home. Pantries can become easily overloaded and disorganized, however proper shelving systems can help maximize the space and maintain order and neatness. Pantry shelves can be wall-secured or freestanding. Supplementary hanging shelves can also work to add extra storage space.
Wall-Secured Shelves
The most sturdy and permanent way to create pantry shelving is to screw shelf supports to the wall for setting in shelves. To build wall-secured shelving, measure and mark the shelf placements on the side walls and back walls. Use a stud finder to locate the studs for drilling into. Create shelf supports by securing 1-by-2 boards to the wall at the previously marked points. Use a level to make sure they are even. Custom cut laminated shelf planks to fit snugly on top of the shelf supports. Laminated shelf planks can be purchased at home improvement stores and have a glossy finish for easy cleaning.
Freestanding Shelves
Home and building suppliers sell a wide range of plastic and metal shelving units that come in segmented parts. With freestanding shelves, the number of tiers and space between shelves can be adjusted to suit your spatial needs. Advantages of plastic shelves are that they are lightweight and will not rust. The downfall is that plastic shelves, because of their lack of weight, can be wobbly and are not as stable as wall-secured or metal shelves. Metal shelves can be made of wire or can be made up of a metal frame where wooden shelves are inserted. Metal shelves are durable and long-lasting, but are heavier, harder to move, and can be susceptible to corrosion.
Hanging Shelves
In addition to your main pantry shelves, a hanging shelf can be secured to the inside of your pantry door to add extra storage. Hanging shelves for doors are widely available at stores that sell home supplies and come with hooks designed specifically to hang on to the top edge of a door. Hanging shelves are typically made of stainless steel or aluminum and come in several different widths and lengths. Some hanging shelves even have hooks at the bottom for your aprons.
