Free-Standing DIY Pantry Armoire Plans

An Easy to Build Piece for Storage

I love using an armoire or pantry in the kitchen. I repurposed a large one that used to house my TV to put in my kitchen. I think it adds a nice balance to the refrigerator… Anyhoo, these DIY pantry/armoire plans feature eight drawers (with notches in the fronts), three shelves and glass doors so there is plenty of room for storage!

Materials:

• 1-1/4″ pocket hole screws
• 1-1/4″ brad nails
• 2″ screws
• Edge banding, optional
• 8 – 14″ Drawer slides
• 2 sets of non-mortise hinges
• Cabinet pulls for the doors
• Wood glue
• Sandpaper (100, 150, 220 grits)
• Finishing supplies (primer & paint, or stain, sealer)

Lumber:

• 7 – 1×2 at 8′
• 6 – 1×3 at 8′
• 3 sheets of 3/4″ plywood (PureBond would be an excellent choice!)
• Glass or Plexiglas cut to fit door frame openings

Cut List:

• 2 – 3/4″ plywood at 16-1/2″ x 81-3/4″ – Sides
• 2 – 1×2 at 15″ – Bottom Side Frame
• 8 – 1×2 at 45″ – Bottom Stretchers & Shelf Frames
• 1 – 3/4″ plywood at 16-1/2″ x 45″ – Bottom
• 1 – 3/4″ plywood at 45″ x 77″ – Back
• 1 – 1×3 at 45″ – Upper Front Stretcher
• 1 – 3/4″ plywood at 15″ x 32-3/4″ – Lower Divider
• 6 – 1×2 at 22-1/8″ – Lower Stretchers
• 6 – 1×2 at 13-1/2″ – Shelf Frames
• 3 – 3/4″ plywood at 15″ x 45″ – Shelves
• 1 – 3/4″ plywood at 17-1/2″ x 48-1/2″ – Top
• 2 – 1×2 at 16-1/2″ – Top Trim
• 1 – 1×2 at 48″ – Top Trim
• 2 – 3/4″ plywood at 4″ x 16-1/2″ – Lower Trim
• 1 – 3/4″ plywood at 4″ x 48″ – Lower Trim
• 8 – 3/4″ plywood at 13-1/4″ x 19-5/8″ – Drawer Bottoms
• 16 – 3/4″ plywood at 7″ x 13-1/4″ – Drawer Sides
• 8 – 3/4″ plywood at 7″ x 21-1/8″ – Drawer Backs
• 8 – 3/4″ plywood at 7″ x 21-7/8″ – Drawer Fronts
• 6 – 1×3 at 17-1/4″ – Door Frame Rails
• 4 – 1×3 at 74-1/4″ – Door Frame Stiles

Notes About the Project:

If using edge banding, it will be applied to the exposed edges of the plywood before assembly. Strips of plywood at 1-1/2″ and 2-1/2″ can be cut from the plywood as an alternative to using 1×2 and 1×3 lumber. This will keep the entire wood species of the project cohesive.

Step One

Cut the pieces for the sides and the bottom frame sides. With the pocket hole jig set for 3/4″ material, drill pocket holes in the top edge of each side piece. Position the framing piece as shown then secure using glue and 1-1/4″ brad nails.

Step Two

Cut the pieces for the bottom frame stretchers. Secure to the side framing pieces using glue and countersunk 2″ screws.

Step Three

Cut the piece for the bottom. Secure to the bottom frame using glue and 1-1/4″ brad nails.

Step Four

Cut the piece for the back and drill pocket holes in all four edges. Position the back as shown, then secure using glue and 1-1/4″ pocket hole screws.

Step Five

Cut the piece for the upper stretcher and drill pocket holes in each end.  Position as shown, then secure using glue and 1-1/4″ pocket hole screws.

Step Six

Cut the piece for the divider. Cut the notches using a jigsaw, and drill pocket holes in the top and bottom edges. Position as shown, then secure using glue and 1-1/4″ pocket hole screws. Drive a few 1-1/4″ brad nails through the back into the divider for extra security.

Step Seven

Cut the pieces for the lower front stretchers and drill pocket holes at each end. Position as shown, then secure using glue and 1-1/4″ pocket hole screws.

Step Eight

Cut the pieces for the shelf framing. Begin by attaching the back piece to the back of the cabinet using glue and 1-1/4″ brad nails. Secure the sides, flush and level with the back framing pieces using glue and 1-1/4″ brad nails. Attach the front frame pieces using glue and 1-1/4″ brad nails.

Step Nine

Cut the pieces for the shelves. Secure to the framing using glue and 1-1/4″ brad nails. Insert a few 1-1/4″ pocket hole screws through the top of the divider into the lowest shelf.

Step Ten

Cut the piece for the top. The front and sides will over hang by 1″. Secure in place using glue and 1-1/4″ pocket hole screws.

Step Eleven

Cut the pieces for the upper and lower trim. Draw curves on the lower trim pieces and cut with a jigsaw, if desired. Secure the side pieces of the trim first using glue and 1-1/4″ brad nails, then secure the front pieces.

Step Twelve

Cut the pieces for the drawers. Drill pocket holes in all four edges of the bottom as well as each end of the sides. Cut the notches in the front pieces using a jigsaw or a band saw. The fronts will overlap the drawer boxes by 3/8″ on each side. Assemble the drawer box as shown using glue and 1-1/4” pocket hole screws. Install the drawer slides according to the manufacturer’s installation instructions, locating them ¾” back from the front edge of the sides. For an easy tutorial, click here. Make any necessary adjustments.

Step Thirteen

Cut the pieces for the door frames. Drill pocket holes in each end of the rail pieces, then assemble as shown using glue and 1-1/4″ pocket hole screws. Use a router and a 3/8″ rabbeting bit to cut a 1/4″ deep x 3/8″ wide rabbet in each frame opening. Chisel the corners square then secure the glass or Plexiglas in the openings using a bit of silicone. Install the hinges on the doors, then install the doors in the cabinet.

These DIY pantry/armoire plans will have you building a gorgeous piece of furniture in no time! Have questions? Leave a comment below!

Originally posted 2013-11-18 08:00:35.