How-To Install a Return Pantry

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Return pantries are a great way to maximise storage space.

Return pantries are supplied flat packed. This is becuase once assembled, they are often too large to fit through a standard door opening

Return pantries are made up of 15 items:

  • 1x back panel
  • 2x side panels
  • 1x internal return
  • 1x external return (may be ordered separately)
  • 1x top panel
  • 1x door
  • 1x fixed shelf – this has visible pre drilled holes
  • 5x loose shelves
  • 1x bag of cabinet construction hardware
  • 1x bag of hinges

How-To Install a Return Pantry

To note before you start:

  • Panels are labelled as left and right on the stickers
  • The top of the panels have pre-drilled holes, for attaching the top panel
1

Start by joining the back panel and the right side panel

Screw through the side panel into the end of the back panel. Do the top first, then the botttom to secure, then through the middle. The holes are pre-drilled.
2

Join the left side panel to the back panel

Screw through the side panel into the end of the back panel. Do the top first, then the botttom to secure, then through the middle. The holes are pre-drilled.
3

Add the top panel

Secure the top panel to all three upright panels, through the visible pre drilled holes. Start with the ends, then the back.
4

Secure the fixed shelf, through the visible pre drilled holes

This is for added stability, as the base of the cabinet is open to the floor.

Ensure you install the shelf the right way – the open area will be at the front, on the same side as the door.

5

Install the return panel

a) The return panel will sit inside the frame made by the side and top panels
b) Screw through the side panel into the return panel. Do the top first, then the bottom to secure, then through the middle.

c) The panel is also secured by screws through the top panel, and from the return panel into the fixed shelf

6

Move the cabinet into position

7

Level the cabinet

a) Check the vertical level on one side, and add wedges as needed
b) Check the internal and external

c) Then check the vertical level on the other side, and add wedges as needed

Wedges can either be snapped of and stay in place, or be removed once the cabinet is fixed to the wall.

8

Add the shelves

a) Start with the top 4 adjustable shelves. Put all 4 in the cabinet first, resting on the fixed shelf. Then one by one, lift each shelf up to the desired position, starting from the top, and add shelf pins to hold.
Tip – put 2 pins on one side panel, then lift the shelf, and add the remaining 4 pins.

b) Secondly, add the bottom adjustable shelf

Adding the shelves adds struture to the shape, and prevents any bowing during securing the cabinet to the wall, or adding end panels.

9

Install the end panel

The end panels will overhang the cabinet by 20mm, to allow for the door
a) Hold or clamp the end panel in place. Secure starting at the top, then bottom, then middle, both at the front and back.

b) Use a 3mm drill bit to drill pilot holes through the side of the cabinet. Use 28mm screws to screw from the inside of the cabinet through to the end panel to secure in place. Ensure you use 28mm screws. A longer screw may pierce the visible side of the end panel.

10

Install the return panel

The return panel has the hinge plates already installed
a) Put the return panel in place. Measure the distance between the return panel and the end panel at the base, to ensure it is in the correct position. Secure the return panel from inside the cabinet at the bottom front.
b) Use a 3mm drill bit to drill pilot holes through the side of the cabinet. Use 28mm screws to screw from the inside of the cabinet through to the end panel to secure in place. Ensure you use 28mm screws. A longer screw may pierce the visible side of the end panel.
c) Repeat the same at the top – measure the distance between the return and the end panel at the top, to ensure it is in the correct position. Secure the return panel from inside the cabinet at the top front.
d) Double check your measurements. Continue securing the return panel at the back and front, top, bottom, and in the middle.
11

Add hinges to the door

The door will come pre-drilled with hinge holes. Push the hinge into the hole, and simply clip closed.
12

Hang the pantry door

See our How-To Attach a Cabinet Door video for guidance if needed.

The door will hang approximatelty 20mm higher than the end panels, to allow for swing and uneven floors.

You may need to adjust the hinges once the door is on.

See our How-To Adjust Door Hinges for guidance if needed.

VIEW OUR U-INSTALL-IT HOW-TO GUIDES

Tools Required

  • Ladder
  • Drill
  • Safety Glasses
  • Ear Protection
  • 28mm Screws
  • Spirit Level
  • Tape Measure
  • Wedges
  • Two People

Key Tips

  • Grab a friend to help you – building a pantry is a two person job!
  • We recommend building the pantry standing. If it is constructed on the floor, you may have trouble standing it up if your ceiling is low or standard height.
  • Make sure the cabinet is level once in position, so that other cabinets added are also level.
  • We recommend adding your other cabinets and securing them to each other and the pantry, before securing them all to the wall. How the cabinet is attached to the wall depends on the wall type. See our Cabinet to Wall Fixing Guide for more information.

Additional Information

CABINET TO WALL FIXING GUIDEHARDWARE USAGE GUIDE