Introduction
Building simple DIY storage shelves is a great way to add extra storage to your home without breaking the bank. You can build shelves to store just about anything, from books and knick-knacks to clothing and linens. And the best part is that you can tailor the shelves to fit your specific needs and space constraints.
There are a few things to consider before you get started, such as what type of wood to use and what kind of finish you want. But once you have those details worked out, building DIY storage shelves is a relatively easy process. Follow the steps below to get started.
Materials Needed
- One 8-foot long 2×4
- Two 8-foot long 1x3s
- One 4-foot long 1×2
- One box of 1-1/4 inch wood screws
- One can of wood glue
- One tube of caulk
Tools Needed:
drill, saw
Step One – Cut the Wood
1.Start by cutting the wood to size. You will need two pieces for each shelf, so make sure to factor that in when you are making your cuts.
2.Once the wood is cut, use a drill to create pilot holes for the screws. This will make it easier to attach the shelves to the wall later on.
3.Next, use a saw to cut some angling pieces that will be used as supports for the shelves. These can be as long or as short as you want, but they should be at least a few inches shorter than the shelves themselves.
4.After that, it’s time to start assembly! Begin by attaching the support pieces to the wall using screws or nails. Make sure that they are evenly spaced and level before moving on.
5.Now, take the shelf boards and attach them to the supports using screws or nails. Again, make sure everything is level and even before moving on to the next step.
6.Finally, give all of the wood a good sanding so that everything is smooth and splinter-free. Once that’s done, you can finish off your shelves with paint or stain, or leave them natural for a more rustic look!
Step Two – Assemble the Frame
Now that the cuts are all made, it’s time to start assembling the frame. Take two of the long pieces and two of the short pieces and create a rectangle. Make sure the corners are square and use wood glue and your brad nailer to secure the boards together. Repeat this step until you have four rectangles.
Step Three – Add the Shelves
Now it’s time to add the shelves! I used 2x4s for the shelf supports and cut them to size using my miter saw. You could also use 2x2s, but I think the 2x4s give a sturdier shelf. If you don’t have a miter saw, you could have the lumber yard cut the boards for you.
I placed the shelves about 1′ apart which gave me plenty of room for storage, but you could adjust this to fit your needs. Once I had the supports in place, I added the actual shelves. I used 3/4″ plywood and had it cut to size at Lowe’s. You can see in the picture below that I didn’t get fancy with my cuts…a straight cut with my circular saw was just fine.
If you want your shelves to be removable, you can always just screw the plywood directly to the supports. But if you want them to be a little more permanent (and easier to put up), you can use construction adhesive like I did. Just put a bead of adhesive on each support and then set the plywood shelf in place. Wipe away any excess adhesive and let it dry overnight.
Step Four – Paint or Stain
Now that your shelves are complete, you can paint or stain them to match your decor. If you plan to use them in a damp area, like a bathroom, it’s a good idea to seal them first with a polyurethane sealer. You can find these at most hardware stores.
Conclusion
Now that you know the basics of how to build simple DIY storage shelves, you can put your new skills to use and create beautiful, functional storage for your home. Whether you need more space in your kitchen for pantry items, or you want to add a home office nook in your living room, simple shelves are a great solution. With a little planning and some elbow grease, you can have stylish shelves that will help keep your home organized and tidy.