If you’re like me, you know the frustration of digging through a messy stack of baking pans every time you need one. For years, my pans were either crammed into a cabinet or piled in the drawer under my ovens, making it a hassle to find what I needed.
That’s why I decided to take matters into my own hands and create a simple, functional solution: DIY Vertical Pan Storage.
I wanted to utilize the unused space in the cabinet above my ovens—prime real estate for a better storage solution. With a little creativity and some scrap plywood, I transformed that space into vertical storage, maximizing my cabinets and creating a more functional kitchen. Let me show you how I did it!
Why Vertical Pan Storage?
The decision to create vertical pan storage was all about solving two major frustrations: the constant struggle of finding the right pan in a chaotic stack and the wasted potential of unused cabinet space.
Stacking pans horizontally not only made them hard to access but also led to scratches and dents over time. I wanted a solution that would protect my pans, make them easy to grab, and make better use of the space I already had.
Vertical storage checked all those boxes and turned my kitchen into a more organized and efficient space.
Materials You’ll Need
Before starting this project, I took a look at what I already had on hand. I decided to use scrap plywood because it’s sturdy, easy to work with, and, most importantly, it was leftover from a previous project—making this a budget-friendly solution.
If you don’t have scrap plywood, you can easily purchase the required materials for cheap.
Here’s what you’ll need to get started:
- Scrap plywood (cut to size) – I used scrap 3/4 plywood for my spacers and scrap 1/4 inch plywood for the dividers.
- Measuring tape – Accurate measurements are key to making the dividers fit perfectly.
- Circular saw or table saw – A table saw will save time, but a circular saw works just as well.
- Sandpaper – Smooth out the plywood to prevent splinters and give the dividers a clean finish.
- Paint or wood finish (optional) – If you want the dividers to match your cabinet interior, consider adding a coat of paint or stain. I didn’t do this because I like to look of them unfinished.
Step-by-Step Guide
Transforming the cabinet above my ovens into vertical pan storage was easier than I expected and only took me about 2 hours!
Measure Your Cabinet Space
Start by measuring the interior dimensions of your cabinet. Be sure to account for any hinges or obstructions that might affect the fit of your dividers. I measured twice to make sure everything would fit perfectly—this step is key to avoiding frustration later!
Cut the Plywood
Using the measurements, I cut my scrap plywood into panels and spacers. I cut the 3/4 inch plywood into 3 inch strips for the spacers between and cut the 1/4 inch plywood into 20″ x 24″ (the measurement of the inside of my cabinet) panels.
If you don’t have access to a saw, many hardware stores will cut the wood for you.
After cutting, I sanded all the surfaces to make them smooth and splinter-free.
Assemble the Dividers
Arrange the plywood pieces to create spacers and vertical dividers within the cabinet to create slots for your pans. I nailed mine in place with my nail gun but you can use screws if that’s all you have on hand.
Make sure the spacing between dividers is wide enough to accommodate your largest baking pan.
Optional: Add a Finish
If you want your dividers to blend seamlessly with your cabinet, now’s the time to paint or stain them. I decided to leave mine unfinished since the natural wood look worked well with my kitchen.
Organize Your Pans
Finally, I slid my baking pans into their new vertical slots. It was so satisfying to see everything neatly organized and easy to access. No more digging through stacks of pans!
Tips for Success
Here are a few things I learned along the way that can help make your DIY Vertical Pan Storage project a breeze:
Double-Check Your Measurements: Accurate measurements are everything! Take your time to measure the cabinet space and the pans you plan to store. It’s better to measure twice than to end up with dividers that don’t fit.
Use a Level for Precision: Keeping the dividers straight and level is key to a polished look. A small level will save you from uneven slots and wobbly pans.
Repurpose Materials: Don’t feel like you need to buy new materials. Scrap plywood, old shelves, or even leftover wood from other projects can work perfectly. This not only saves money but also gives your project a sustainable edge.
Customize for Your Needs: Think about the pans you use most often and design the spacing accordingly.
Take Your Time: Rushing through the project can lead to mistakes. Set aside a few hours to work on this at your own pace—it’s worth it for a result you’ll love.
The Result: A Kitchen You’ll Love
With just a little effort and some creativity, I turned an underutilized cabinet into a functional and stylish storage solution. Now, all my baking pans are neatly organized, easy to grab, and protected from scratches and dents. No more digging through messy stacks or struggling to find the right pan—it’s all right there, perfectly arranged.
This DIY Vertical Pan Storage project not only made my kitchen more efficient but also gave me a sense of accomplishment. It’s amazing how a small change can make such a big difference in your daily routine. If you’ve been looking for a way to maximize your kitchen space, I can’t recommend this project enough. Trust me, you’ll love the results!
