Pantry Shelf Material

[offthemark]

As part of our extensive kitchen remodel I have constructed a new pantry. It's aout 36" wide and about 24" deep. The shelves will be some form of wood/plywood/MDF/etc. They will be supported by 1x2s on the back and both sides. They can either be painted or just varnished depending on the material.

What material should be used for the shelves? My wife has requested a U shape be made so she can reach the back. That prevents me from adding a stiffener on the front that also would cover plywood edges. I can probably talk her out of the U if needed.

Would a piece of 3/4" MDF have enough stiffness without any extra support on the front edge?

[dlminehart]

You might consider using drawers (or shelves that pull out) rather than fixed shelves. Maximizes storage, while allowing for access. At least to the shelves at or below eye level.

I'd suggest using the melamine (particleboard covered with white plastic). Its commonly used for shelving. Saves you from having to cover the top and edges.

[scmhogg]

Mark,

I couldn't agree more with David. I am currently adding a slide out tray to all my 24" deep cabinets. I am afraid 36" MDF would sag without additional support. My "came with the house" 36" MDF shelves have a additional rail in the middle to support the front of the shelf. With a 'U' shape it seems you will lose a lot of shelf space and make a cool hole for things to fall into.

Rockler has a runner that fits in the middle of the pullout tray. As only one slider is necessary they are quite reasonable. They allow a 3/4 extension.

http://www.rockler.com/product.cfm?page=1493

Rockler also has some pull out pantry hardware. It is pricey, but it allows you to slide the whole pantry out and reach either side.

Without the sliding trays, my 24" cabinets are half useless. The backs are repositories for long forgotten QVC cooking tools that we had to have.

Steve

[mschrank]

I'll add another vote for some type of pullout shelves. My current pantry is about the same dimensions as yours, and I find that I am constantly reorganizing it because everything in the back gets buried. If I don't keep on top of it, I don't know whats back there and end up buying another can of chicken stock or rice.

We're remodeling the kitchen soon, and I can't wait to put in sliding shelves.

But if you insist on fixed shelves, you might check out the Sagulator

[steve-norrell]

Yet another vote for pull-out shelf slides.

We just got finished with a kitchen remodel and, when designing the pantry, decided not to get the shelves on sliders when installed by the contractor.

It took about a day to find out that it was a mistake. I have since installed sliders. I prefer the ones that attach to the sides of the shelf (or drawer) that can be screwed directly to the inner structure of the cabinet, allowing for a slightly wider shelf. See: http://www.rockler.com/product.cfm?page=1500

Regards.