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!


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