How to Close a Hallway to Make a Pantry

Determine how much of the hall you want to block off for your pantry. You can put shelves along both walls, as well as at the back of the hall, depending on how deep the shelves are.

Measure the space between the walls. Find and mark the studs in your closet space. The most effective method to find studs is by using a stud finder, but you can tap on the walls and listen for the different sounds you will hear when you hit the stud. The area between studs sounds hollow, the actual sound when you hit a stud sounds dull. You will need to attach the wall frame to the studs. Marking where the studs are will help you when you install the shelving system as well.

Cut the 2-by-4s for the frame. The 2-by-4s need to be the height of the ceiling minus 4 inches, so that you can create the frame. The top and bottom of the frame will be the width of your closet. Create a frame by nailing the length of the studs flush with the top and bottom frame piece. The studs need to be 18 inches apart, except where you will put the door. Create a top door piece that is the length of the framed door and then measure pieces down from the height of the ceiling to the top of the door frame and nail those together to create the frame for the door. A pantry at the end of a hallway will likely be a walk-in pantry and a traditional door should work.

Install the frame by nailing it into the floor, ceiling, and studs on the walls. Use 3 inch nails for installation and nail it into the floor and the ceiling on either side of each stud. Nail the sides of the frame every 18 inches. With a hand saw, cut out the bottom portion of the frame, so you can hang the door in a later step.

Hang the drywall on the front and back of the wall frame. Use drywall screws instead of nails to hang the drywall. The amount of the drywall you need will depend on how large your hallway is and the height of the wall.Tape the drywall and use the compound to cover the screws. After the compound dries, sand the compound smooth with medium-grit sandpaper and seal and paint the wall.

Put in the shelving system. Install the shelves by screwing the shelf holders into the studs on the walls. If you screw into just drywall it will not support the weight of the shelves. Anchor any freestanding shelves to the walls.

Place the door in the frame and nail it into place. Nail the frame in each corner and 18 inches apart from the floor to the top of the doorway. Clean the pantry area carefully, and allow it to air out before you put any food in it. This should only take a day or two for the new paint smell to disappear.