Custom Pantry Cost Breakdown
On February 16, 2025 By newsroom Topic: Home Services
1. Average Cost
- Typical Range: $1,100–$2,900
- Average Cost: $2,000
- Low End: $250 (small pantry)
- High End: $5,000+ (luxury pantry with custom features)
2. Pantry Types and Costs
| Type | Average Cost | Description |
|-----------------------|-----------------------|-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| Reach-In | $250–$1,500 | Compact design, typically 5 ft wide by 2 ft deep, great for small kitchens. |
| Small Walk-In | $750–$2,000 | ~5 ft x 5 ft; combines shelving, cabinets, and custom storage solutions. |
| Large Walk-In | $2,000–$3,500 | Spacious (100 sq. ft); may include cabinets, countertops, sinks, or wine fridges. |
3. Factors Affecting Pantry Costs
- Walls
- Cost to Remove Non-Load-Bearing Walls: $300–$1,000.
-
Extending walls or making structural changes can add $5,000 or more.
-
Shelving
- Wooden Shelves: $400–$750 for plywood; similar costs for wire shelving.
-
Custom Options: Additions like door-mounted racks or adjustable shelves can increase cost.
-
Permits
-
Cost: $400–$2,200 for structural changes or load-bearing wall removal.
-
Size and Square Footage
-
Cost per Sq. Ft.: $20–$40 (basic pantry); $50–$450 per linear foot (custom high-end pantries).
-
Materials
-
Shelving Costs:
- Pine Shelving: $300–$400 for 50 linear feet.
- Support Brackets and Screws: $90–$150.
- Paint and Finishes: $400–$750 for ~250 sq. ft.
-
Labor
- General Contractor: $20–$40 per sq. ft. or $1,000–$2,000 for 50 sq. ft. pantry.
-
Electrician for Wiring: $6–$8 per sq. ft.
-
Additional Features
- Custom cabinets: $100–$300 per linear foot.
- Wine fridge, sinks, countertops: $300–$5,000+ depending on materials and design.
4. Cost Comparisons: Building vs. Remodeling
| Feature | Remodel Cost | New Construction Cost |
|-----------------------|-----------------------|-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| Shelving | $400–$750 | Included in new construction costs. |
| Cabinets | $100–$300/ft | Higher due to additional carpentry and material costs. |
| Countertops | $1,850–$4,350 | Similar cost range unless extending walls. |
| Backsplash | $15–$40/sq. ft. | Included if part of new construction design. |
5. DIY vs. Hiring a Pro
- DIY:
- Suitable for simple reach-in pantries or shelving updates.
- Costs limited to materials (~$860–$1,310 for basic shelving setup).
- Professional Installation:
- Essential for structural changes, electrical work, or complex layouts.
- Labor adds $35–$100/hour, plus design consultations ($65–$250/hour).
6. Money-Saving Tips
- Use Cost-Effective Materials
-
Opt for painted plywood or wire shelving instead of solid wood.
-
Repurpose Existing Spaces
-
Convert an unused closet or corner rather than adding square footage.
-
Avoid Wiring Changes
-
Choose locations with existing electrical outlets to reduce costs.
-
Skip High-End Features
- Fancy add-ons like wine racks or custom cabinetry can be added later.
Pro Tip
“Install adjustable shelving to maximize pantry storage. For tight spaces, consider a sliding barn door instead of a traditional door for added accessibility and style.” — Bob Tschudi, Angi Expert
With thoughtful planning, you can design a pantry that fits your budget and raises your kitchen organization!
