How to Build Adjustable Pantry Shelves

Co-authored by Ryaan Tuttle

Last Updated: September 23, 2022 References

Storing things in your pantry can be tricky because all your cans, jars, pots, and glasses might be different heights. That’s why adjustable shelves are so handy! You can move them around if you have to and accommodate just about anything in your pantry. Even better, installing your own adjustable shelves is pretty easy. Using either wall plugs or a standard and bracket set, you’ll have your shelves in place in no time.

Method 1

Method 1 of 2:

Wall Plugs

1
Choose wall plugs for smaller shelves that won't hold much weight. The wall plug method uses pins or plugs that attach to the wall and support the shelves. You can move these plugs around to adjust the shelves. This method only works if the shelves will reach completely from one end of the pantry to the other, since the plugs rest on each side of the pantry. This makes it a perfect option for cabinets or smaller closets. The plugs are also pretty sturdy, but they might not be able to support very heavy items. For lighter storage in smaller spaces, this is the best option.^{[1]
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- The exact weight the shelf can support depends on the plugs you use. Check the packaging for a listed weight limit, and buy a set that lines up with what you'll be storing on the shelves.
- If this isn't the case for your pantry, then the standards and bracket method is better for you.
2
Measure the length and depth of your pantry. Use a tape measure and stretch it across the pantry. Make sure the tape measure is straight, or you’ll get an inaccurate measurement. Then measure the pantry from front to back as well to get its depth measurement. Write both measurements down so you don’t forget.^{[2]
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3
Cut plywood shelves to fit into that space. Measure the correct length and width on plywood boards to match the measurements of your pantry. Use a straightedge and mark the cutting lines with a pencil. Then use a table saw or circular saw to cut straight along those lines. Repeat this for as many shelves as you need for your pantry.^{[3]
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- If your pantry is 24 in (61 cm) across and 8 in (20 cm) deep, then those are the dimensions you’ll have to cut the plywood to.
- Always wear gloves and goggles while you’re using a saw. Keep your hands far away from the blade while it’s spinning.
- If you want to paint or stain the wood, do it now. It’s a lot easier to do before you install the shelves.
4
Measure and mark 1 in (2.5 cm) in from the pantry edges. Since the shelves are usually flush with the front and back of the pantry edges, this is easy. Just measure in 1 in (2.5 cm) from the front and back of the pantry on each side, at any height. Make a mark there to note where the plugs will go.^{[4]
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- If your shelves are 8 in (20 cm) wide and flush with the edges of the pantry, then simply make a mark 1 in (2.5 cm) in from each side of the pantry.
5
Make a mark every 1 in (2.5 cm) up each side of the pantry. Hold a straightedge or yardstick straight up the side of the pantry along the mark that you made. Place a dot with a pencil every 1 in (2.5 cm) to mark the locations for the holes. Repeat this for the back side of the pantry, then on the other side.^{[5]
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- There are also attachments you can use that have pre-drilled holes in them at equal distances. You’d just have to hold the attachment against the pantry and poke through the holes without measuring the distance by hand.
- Be careful and make certain that the holes on all sides are even with each other. If not, your shelves will be crooked.
6
Drill into each mark to make plug holes. Put on goggles to protect your eyes, then use a power drill and make a hole into each mark. You can also use a Dremel tool to drill the holes.^{[6]
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Expert Source

Ryaan Tuttle
Home Improvement Specialist
Expert Interview. 13 January 2021.} Only go about halfway into the wood so the drill bit doesn’t come out the other side. Work your way up each side of the pantry to hit all the marks.^{[7]
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- Check the wall plugs that you’re using to see if the set recommends a drill bit size. If the holes are too big or too small, the plugs won’t fit correctly.
7
Place wall plugs in the spots that you want your shelves to sit. Decide where you want the shelves in your pantry to sit. When you pick a spot, place 4 wall plugs into the holes at the same height on each side of the pantry. Repeat this for each shelf you’re installing.^{[8]
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- Press the plugs into the holes so you know they’re secure. It might help to tap them with a hammer a few times.
- Double check and make sure the plugs are all at the same height. If not, your shelf will be crooked and could fall.
8
Rest the shelves on top of the plugs. Slide the shelf into the pantry and set in on the plugs. Make sure the shelf is straight end level. Repeat this for each shelf to complete your pantry.^{[9]
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- If the shelves are too wide for the pantry, then just shave the edges very slightly with a saw until they fit correctly.
9
Move the plugs to a different height to adjust the shelves. If you don’t like where the shelves are sitting, then just move them around until you find a spot you like. That’s the beauty of adjustable shelves! Just slide the shelf out, remove the plugs, and stick them in holes at a different height. Then just put the shelf back in.^{[10]
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Method 2

Method 2 of 2:

Wall Standards and Brackets

1
Use the standard and bracket method for larger pantries and shelves. If you have a walk-in pantry or need to support a lot of weight on the shelves, then this is a better choice than wall plugs. It's especially useful if the space is too big for the shelves to reach completely from one side to the other.^{[11]
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- Wall standards and matching brackets are easy to find at any hardware store. You'll need 2 brackets for each shelf, and you can put multiple brackets and shelves on each pair of standards.
- Most brackets will fit in a wall standard. It's more important to make sure the brackets are long enough for the shelves you're using to rest on.
2
Find and mark 2 studs on the wall. Use a stud finder or tap on the wall to find the stud on the left side of your pantry. Make a mark there with a pencil. Then move to the right to find and mark the next stud.^{[12]
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- Studs are typically 16–24 in (41–61 cm) apart. If your shelves are longer than that, then you may need to find and make the third stud instead of the second.^{[13]
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3
Hold the left standard against the left stud and straighten it. Decide on the height that you want your shelves to sit, then press the standard against the stud at that height. Hold a level against the side of the standard and adjust it until it’s sitting plumb, or perfectly vertical.^{[14]
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- Make sure you don’t slide the standard off the stud while you’re adjusting it. Only make tiny adjustments until the standard is straight.
- You can get standards from any hardware store. They come in different sizes and colors, so shop around to find a pair that matches your pantry.
4
Screw the first standard to the wall. Start at the standard’s top hole and drive a 2.5 in (6.4 cm) screw into the wall. Hold the standard straight and drive another screw into the bottom hole.^{[15]
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Expert Source

Ryaan Tuttle
Home Improvement Specialist
Expert Interview. 13 January 2021.} Then put screws into the remaining holes to finish attaching the standard.^{[16]
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- Double check to make sure the standard is vertical before driving in the bottom screw. This way, you can make any last-minute adjustments easily.
5
Hold the second standard against the next stud, level with the first. Go to the second stud that you located and press the standard against it. The easiest way to get the standards level is resting a long level on top of them both, then sliding the second one up and down until it’s perfectly level with the first. Once you find the right height for the second standard, hold it in place.^{[17]
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- Making sure the standards are level is very important. Otherwise, your shelves won’t be level and things could fall off.
6
Screw the second standard down. Hold the standard against the wall and drive a screw into the top hole. Adjust the standard with a level to make sure it’s perfectly vertical, then drive a screw into the bottom hole. Finish up by driving screws into the remaining holes.^{[18]
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- If you have to take the standard away from the wall before screwing it, use a pencil and put dots in all the screw holes so you can hang it back up at the right height.
7
Tuck the shelf brackets into the slots on the standards. Find the height that you want your shelf to sit. Then rest a bracket on each standard at the same height. Tap the bracket down a few times with a hammer to lock it in place.^{[19]
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Rest the shelf on the bracket. Now just slide the shelf into the pantry so it rests on the brackets. Make sure it’s straight and level. Repeat this for any other shelves you’re installing.^{[20]
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- If you don’t like the height of the shelf, just take it off, pop the brackets out, and reinstall them in a different spot.
- Some brackets have screw holes through the bottom so you can drive screws into the shelf for a stronger hold.^{[21]
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Expert Q&A

Question

How do you drill holes in a wall?

Ryaan Tuttle
Home Improvement Specialist
Ryaan Tuttle is a Home Improvement Specialist and the CEO of Best Handyman, Inc. in Boston, Massachusetts. With over 17 years of experience, he specializes in building home service businesses, focusing on creating scalable and efficient brands. With the help of his global team, the companies have achieved over 10+ million in sales and received recognition through magazine features, and enjoy partnerships with wikiHow and Jobber field service software. Boston Magazine and LocalBest.com have named Best Handyman Boston the Best Handyman in Boston. Ryaan holds Construction Supervisor and Home Improvement Contractor Licenses.

Ryaan Tuttle

Home Improvement Specialist

Expert Answer

A Dremel tool is suitable for drilling holes in a wall because you can use a variety of bits and make holes of different sizes according to your need. You can even use a variety of blades for cutting small pieces of metal or making notches.
Question

How do you fix a shelf if there are no wall studs?

Ryaan Tuttle
Home Improvement Specialist
Ryaan Tuttle is a Home Improvement Specialist and the CEO of Best Handyman, Inc. in Boston, Massachusetts. With over 17 years of experience, he specializes in building home service businesses, focusing on creating scalable and efficient brands. With the help of his global team, the companies have achieved over 10+ million in sales and received recognition through magazine features, and enjoy partnerships with wikiHow and Jobber field service software. Boston Magazine and LocalBest.com have named Best Handyman Boston the Best Handyman in Boston. Ryaan holds Construction Supervisor and Home Improvement Contractor Licenses.

Ryaan Tuttle

Home Improvement Specialist

Expert Answer

You can use wall anchors if you cannot find the wall studs. Fix the wall anchors and then screw the shelves into them.
Question

Should I use nails or screws to fix a shelf?

Ryaan Tuttle
Home Improvement Specialist
Ryaan Tuttle is a Home Improvement Specialist and the CEO of Best Handyman, Inc. in Boston, Massachusetts. With over 17 years of experience, he specializes in building home service businesses, focusing on creating scalable and efficient brands. With the help of his global team, the companies have achieved over 10+ million in sales and received recognition through magazine features, and enjoy partnerships with wikiHow and Jobber field service software. Boston Magazine and LocalBest.com have named Best Handyman Boston the Best Handyman in Boston. Ryaan holds Construction Supervisor and Home Improvement Contractor Licenses.

Ryaan Tuttle

Home Improvement Specialist

Expert Answer

Do not use nails to fix shelves. It is best to screw them onto the wall studs.