DIY Pantry Makeover (Faux Butler Pantry)

If you want to give your pantry a custom look on a budget, this simple DIY pantry upgrade is the perfect project! Here’s how I did it step by step.

From this…

To this…

Shop the room here: You can find the materials I used on my Lowe’s storefront and the pantry organization finds are here. (Please note that these are affiliate links, and I earn a small commission when you make a purchase through them. Your support is greatly appreciated!)

Videos of the process is on my IG here.

Materials You’ll Need:

Cabinets
2x4s
1×4 (to cover base and at the back of the countertop)
1×3 (used to wire racks)
1×12 for counter top
1/4 Birchwood to cover wire racks
Sherwin-Williams – tinted as Pure White High Gloss
Wood filler: For filling holes and imperfections.
Paintable caulk
Painters Tape
Brad nails
Painters Tape
220 Sand Paper
320 Sand Paper
Screen Trim
Square Moulding (for corner)
Backsplash
Baseboard

Tools You’ll Need:

Nail gun: Makes assembly faster.
Miter Saw
Tape Measure: This one locks.
Nail Punch
Caulk Gun
Safety Glasses
Multi-purpose Oscillating Tool
Sander
Hammer
Level
Paint roller
Kreg-Jig

Step 1: Demo Time

First, I removed the existing baseboard throughout the entire pantry. Next, I took down ONLY the wire racks that were no longer needed, leaving the two higher ones in place. These will later be covered with wood for a cleaner look. Link to video here.

Step 2: Build the Cabinet Base & Secure Cabinets

I began by using my miter saw to cut the 2x4s to the required lengths. After locating the studs in the wall, I securely attached the horizontal 2×4 to the studs. Then, I used my Kreg Jig to fasten the vertical and horizontal 2x4s together for a strong, precise connection. Mark the studs and then place the cabinets on top of the frame and screw the back of the cabinets into the stud. I also added a 2×2 and 1/4 birchwood to the corner as well and then filled the holes from the previous wire racks.

Step 3: Attach all the wood

I used a 1×4 for both the back of the countertop and the bottom of the base to cover the 2x4s. Then, I attached a 1×12 to the top of the cabinet for a finished look. Next, I added Birchwood to the bottom corner, square molding to the corners, and screen pine to the edge of the countertops.

Step 5: Attach Backsplash

Score the backsplash and then fold over to cut to the appropriate sizes. Amazon sells a kit too. I just used my utility knife to do this.

Step 6: Build the Wire Rack Covers

Measure the wire racks’ width and add about 1″ to that measurement. I had Lowe’s strip the Birchwood for me, then used a miter saw to cut the 1×3 boards to the desired length. Next, place the plywood over the 1×3 and secure the top of the plywood to the board. In hindsight, I should have sanded and painted everything before attaching it, but I was too eager to see how it would look.

Step 7: Fill, Sand, Caulk & Paint

Once everything was securely attached, I filled in the nail holes, sanded the surfaces smooth, and caulked any gaps to ensure a seamless finish. I then removed the cabinet doors to sand and paint them separately, especially since I needed to caulk the square molding behind the doors.

Step 8: Style and Organize

Now for the fun part! I gathered a variety of organizers to pull everything together: can organizers for the cabinets, cereal dispensers, oil pourers, food storage dispensers for rice and pasta, wicker baskets, a wrap organizer with a cutter, and labels for plastic wrap, aluminum foil, and wax paper, along with bamboo dispensers and hooks for the kids’ lunch boxes. To finish it off, I added champagne gold hardware to the cabinet doors for a touch of elegance.