What pantry designs work best for NB families?

A well-designed pantry is one of the most requested features in New Brunswick kitchen renovations, and the best design depends on your available space, family size, and cooking habits. For most NB homes, a combination of pull-out drawers and adjustable shelving inside a dedicated pantry cabinet delivers the most practical everyday storage.

Pantry Styles for NB Homes

The tall pantry cabinet (84" or 96" height) is the most popular option in NB kitchen renovations, typically running $1,200-$3,500 depending on whether you choose stock, semi-custom, or custom cabinetry. These floor-to-ceiling units maximize vertical space, which matters in many NB homes where kitchen square footage is modest. The best configurations use pull-out shelves or roll-out trays on full-extension drawer slides so you can see and reach everything without digging. A 24"-deep, 36"-wide tall pantry with five or six pull-out shelves holds an impressive amount of groceries.

If your layout allows it, a walk-in pantry is the gold standard. Even a small closet-sized space (4' x 4') with U-shaped shelving gives you more accessible storage than any cabinet. In older NB homes, you can sometimes convert an adjacent hallway closet or underused mudroom space into a walk-in pantry during a renovation. This typically adds $2,000-$5,000 depending on whether you need to frame new walls, add lighting, and install custom shelving.

For smaller NB kitchens where a full pantry cabinet won't fit, a pull-out pantry (also called a chef's pantry or tall pull-out) is an excellent solution. These narrow units, often just 9"-15" wide, slide out to reveal storage on both sides. They fit into tight spaces beside refrigerators or ranges and cost $800-$2,000 installed.

One NB-specific consideration is moisture control. Maritime humidity in summer can affect dry goods stored in pantries, especially if the pantry shares an exterior wall. Make sure your pantry area has adequate air circulation, and consider a small dehumidifier rod or moisture absorbers in walk-in pantries. In winter, the dry heated air is less of a concern for stored food, but solid wood pantry shelving can shrink slightly, so adjustable shelf pins are always preferable to fixed shelves.

For families in Moncton, Fredericton, and Saint John, where busy schedules demand efficient meal prep, adding a countertop section inside your pantry gives you a landing zone for small appliances like stand mixers, bread machines, and Instant Pots. Include an electrical outlet inside the pantry so these appliances can stay plugged in and ready to use without cluttering your main countertops.

When planning your pantry, measure your typical grocery haul and think about what you actually store. Families with kids in activities tend to stock more grab-and-go snacks, while those who cook from scratch need space for bulk dry goods, oils, and spices. A good kitchen designer or renovator can customize shelf heights and configurations to match your habits. Getting three quotes from local contractors will help you find the right balance between your dream pantry and your renovation budget.

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Looking for experienced contractors? The New Brunswick Construction Network connects homeowners with qualified professionals:

• Gionetterenovations
• Thirty Four Renovations