How Much Does a Custom Pantry Cost to Build? [2026 Data]

In 2026, the national average cost to build a custom pantry is $2,000. Most homeowners spend between $1,100 and $2,900, with pantry type, size, and any structural work, such as wall removal or electrical wiring, driving the spread. A small reach-in pantry keeps costs on the lower end, while a walk-in with premium finishes and extras will push the total higher.

Custom Pantry Cost by Type: How Much Each Option Costs

Custom pantries come in three main types, and costs vary significantly depending on which you choose.

Reach-In

A custom reach-in pantry costs $250 to $1,500, making it the most budget-friendly pantry option. These pantries are typically 5 feet wide by 2 feet deep, though you can build them shallower to fit a tighter space. A reach-in design is a practical choice for small kitchens where a walk-in simply isn't feasible.

Small Walk-In

Small walk-in pantries cost $750 to $2,000 and measure around 5 by 5 feet. Many combine shelving and cabinets to maximize storage, and some are designed as a seamless extension of the kitchen with matching floors, cabinets, lighting, and hardware.

Large Walk-In

A large walk-in pantry, around 100 square feet, costs $2,000 to $3,500 on average. These spaces often include high-end amenities such as a sink, countertops, backsplash, bar, wine fridge, or cellar, as well as extensive custom storage.

Custom Pantry Cost by Size: What Square Footage Means

On average, a new pantry will cost between $20 and $40 per square foot. If you don’t need to install new wiring or knock down any walls, then the cost would be on the low end of this range. However, if you’re planning on building a high-end pantry, the potential range is between $50 and $450 per linear foot.

The size of the pantry makes a big difference because it determines how much surface area you need to paint and how many linear feet of shelving you’ll need. For example, in a room measuring 50 square feet (10 feet long by 5 feet wide), you would need 50 linear feet of shelving for two layers on all three walls (the two side walls and the back wall).

The table below breaks down average custom pantry costs based on size:

General Contractor Costs: What Pros Charge for a Custom Pantry

Hiring a local general contractor or handyperson for a custom pantry build runs about $20 per square foot in labor, which works out to roughly $1,000 for a 50-square-foot room and up to $2,000 at the high end. If your pantry requires electrical work, expect to pay an electrician near you an additional $6 to $8 per square foot to wire the space.

Additional Custom Pantry Cost Factors

Several cost factors shape your total custom pantry budget, including the type of pantry, wall removal, shelf installation, electrical work, permits, pantry size and dimensions, materials, labor, and additional features. Here is a breakdown of what each factor typically costs.

Walls

The cost to remove a non-load-bearing wall ranges from $300to $1,000, which is the baseline for creating a reach-in pantry. Extending the pantry beyond existing walls adds at least another $5,000 to the project, and you should also set aside a few hundred dollars for drywall repairs.

Shelves

Plywood shelving typically costs $400 to $750, making it your largest size-dependent expense after wall work. Wire shelving is a comparable alternative that runs about the same price.

Cabinets

Adding cabinets to your pantry, whether in place of or alongside shelving, will increase your total cost. Premade stock cabinets are a practical choice because they prioritize function over aesthetics. With professional installation, these cabinets cost $100 to $300 per linear foot.

Lighting

Good lighting is especially valuable in a walk-in pantry, and installing a light fixture costs $160 to $1,000 depending on the style you choose.

Permits

Building permits are required for load-bearing wall work in many areas and can range from $400 to $2,200, so check local requirements before finalizing your project plan.

Why You Should Hire a Custom Pantry Pro

Part of the appeal of having a custom pantry is that it looks perfect in your space. That’s why we recommend leaving this job to a pro, as their carpentry skills will ensure the new pantry looks polished and professional. Expect to pay $35 to $100 per hour when hiring a cabinet maker near you, plus $65 to $250 per hour to get a design consultation from a professional kitchen designer.

Here’s why it’s ideal to hire a custom pantry pro

There are a few key reasons to consider hiring an expert for this job, including:

• Ensuring a quick build and installation

• Getting a better-looking pantry

• Help hooking up lighting or plumbing, if needed

• Work guarantees and warranties

• Help designing custom solutions for irregularly shaped rooms

If you want to DIY a custom pantry

While we don’t advise tackling this job completely on your own, there are a few things you can do to help the process along:

• Come up with some inspiration for your custom pantries to help guide the design process

• Remove old cabinets yourself, if you’re able

• Give some thought to how much storage you’ll need to ensure your custom pantry works for your home

Cost to Remodel a Pantry vs. Building a New Pantry

Remodeling an existing pantry costs less than building a new one because you avoid construction and structural expenses, and the final price depends on the materials you choose and the scope of upgrades. Common remodel projects include shelving, cabinets, countertops, backsplash, flooring, painting, and lighting, and costs vary by component as shown below.

• Shelving cost: $400–$750

• Cabinet cost: $100–$300 per linear foot

• Countertops cost: $1,850–$4,350

• Backsplash cost: $15–$40 per square foot

• Flooring cost: $12.50 per square foot

• Painting cost: $2.75 per square foot

• Lighting cost: $500–$2,000 +

Tips to Reduce the Cost of Building a Pantry

If you’re working with a relatively tight budget, knowing where you can cut costs will help you make your dream pantry a reality. Here are a few tips for where to save.

• Use less expensive wood: You may have a more elegant wood type in mind for your pantry shelves, but painted plywood will work just fine.

• Repurpose an existing room: You can save on demolition and construction costs.

• Avoid wiring: Choose a space that’s already wired for electricity so you don’t have to hire an electrician.

• Skip the extras: You probably have lots of ideas for fancy extras like a top-of-the-line wine rack, but if you're worried about budget, it may be best to add it later.

Does a Custom Pantry Add Value to a Home?

A custom pantry offers a great return on investment (ROI) of 50% to 75%, which can slightly increase the value of your home. Most buyers are looking for the additional storage space that comes with any kind of pantry. In fact, the National Association of Home Builders reported that 83% of home buyers wanted a walk-in pantry—so adding one gives you a leg up on the competition in the housing market.

How Angi Gets Its Cost Data

Home is the most important place on earth, which is why Angi has helped more than 150 million homeowners transform their houses into homes they adore. To help homeowners with their next project, Angi provides readers with the most accurate cost data and upholds strict editorial standards. We extensively research project costs to develop the pricing data you see, so you can make the best decisions for you and your home. We rely on reputable sources, including the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, academic journals, market studies, and interviews with industry experts—all to ensure our prices reflect real-world projects. 

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