Shelves are one of the most useful pieces of furniture in a home or office. Shelves can store books, decorations, tools, photos, crafts and much more. They help you organize, group, clean and tidy things up. There are many ways to make shelves, some easier than others, and some of the possibilities are presented here.
Step
Part 1 of 5: Starting Your Shelf
Step 1. Choose your shelving board
Choose shelving according to personal preference, budget and the way it complements your décor. There is a wide variety of boards that can potentially be used.
- Softwood planks: These are easy to cut into desired sizes and can hold many items, including heavy books.
- Plywood board: It consists of layered flat boards. Surfaces are often made to mimic the touch of a wood finish or can be laminated.
- Particle shelving or chipboard: Made of wood chips glued together under pressure, this is a common shelving that is lightweight, affordable and easy to find. It is best to have it professionally cut, as the arrangement in the boards can dull the cutting tool.
- Blockboard shelves: These are sturdier than chipboard and are suitable for heavy items, such as tools stored in the garage.
- Ready-made and scalable shelving: These are traditionally part of a kitset and are often made for adjustable shelves. Instructions for compiling them should always be included; otherwise, contact the retailer or manufacturer.
Step 2. Choose the rack supports according to the rack style
In some cases the supports are hidden but the rack will always need some kind of support.
- Slabs of wood: Simple but effective, slabs or blocks of wood can be used to hold the shelves in place. A strip of wood used on either end of the shelf is known as a support cleat. This can be further spruced up by nailing a piece of wood to the front shelf to hide the side cleats.
- Metal slabs: Available from hardware stores, these can be used as shelf supports. They're not pretty, so they might be better for heavy equipment storage in the garage or closet.
- Brackets: Usually L-shaped, these can be fancy or plain patterned. They are easy to use and usually fit a variety of shelves. Some brackets are so fancy that they can enhance your décor, but they will usually cost more than a plainer version.
Part 2 of 5: A Very Simple Brick and Wood Floor Shelf
This is a simple shelving arrangement that anyone can do. This is useful for people on low income. Because of its unstable nature (nothing sticks the parts together), then its position must be kept very low, in case it collapses. It is not recommended to build this structure if you have children or pets.
Step 1. Find some bricks and shelving
All shelving must be the same length; otherwise, cut to the same length.
You can also use cinder blocks, in which case you only need one on each side instead of two bricks
Step 2. Choose a suitable place for the shelf
Since the shelf has little support, it needs to be flush with the wall, or have some kind of similar flat support.
Step 3. Lay two bricks together in the selected floor space
Place the two bricks together on opposite sides to form the base of the shelf. The distance between the bricks should be determined by the length of the boards, with a small portion of the plank hanging off each side (about 5 cm).
There should be two bricks on each side of the shelf to support it
Step 4. Make the arrangement of the shelves
You will place the first shelving board into the base brick. Then place the two bricks side by side on the shelf in the same position as the base brick.
- This time, add two more sets of bricks on top to make the pillars.
- Do the same for the other side.
Step 5. Add the next shelf
The shelf has been created. It's simple but enough to neatly store things like books, DVDs and CDs.
If you want to strengthen this structure, add a cross brace to the back of the shelving unit, screwing it into the shelving board
Part 3 of 5: Wall Shelf
If you don't mind drilling into the wall, this standard shelving style can be placed in most areas of the home and provides useful storage or display area.
Step 1. Select a pair of brackets
Choose plain or luxurious as needed.
Step 2. Select the shelving
Cut to the required length if not already done.
Step 3. Hold the wall bracket where you want the shelf seat to be
Mark the position with a pencil. Use a tape measure to mark the position of the bracket on the other end.
Step 4. Drill the first bracket hole(or holes) into the wall above the mark you made
Always check power lines or water lines before drilling. It is also wise to place the base on the floor to make it easier to collect drill bits.
- Use a drill bit for rocks.
- Drill to the depth required for the screws to penetrate the wall sufficiently.
- Insert dowels.
Step 5. Hold the bracket tightly
Install the screw (or screws) by screwing it in as deep as possible.
Step 6. Place the shelf boards on the brackets
Position the board with one hand. Then, using an alcohol-filled spirit level, hold the board on its back until the other mark you made earlier to check that the board will sit evenly. If the mark appears accurate, then it is ready, if not, then make the necessary adjustments.
Step 7. Drill the hole (or holes) of the second bracket
Follow the instructions given for the first bracket.
Step 8. Mount the shelf board on the bracket
Place the board on the bracket and screw it in from the bottom. Be sure to use screws that will not penetrate to the other side of the board; they must remain completely in the shelving board.
Step 9. Take the base and remove the drilling chips
Gently press the shelf to check that it is firmly attached to the wall.
Step 10. Add your own ornaments, books or other display items to this new shelf
Make sure that your shelf can support heavier objects and don't put anything of value on your custom made shelf until you know it's safe.
Part 4 of 5: Freestanding Shelves
This shelving arrangement, as the name implies, is freestanding. Such units can be packed and moved to other rooms or areas easily. This method can also be used to assemble shelves within an existing structure, such as a cupboard––the side panels are the walls of the cabinet and do not need a top.
Step 1. Select the required shelf items
you need:
- Shelf. Shelf boards must be at least 2 cm thick.
- Support for shelving. Cleats are easy and ideal for this unit.
- Two vertical support panels. This forms the sides of the shelving unit.
- Top part. It should be slightly wider than the shelving, so it can be hammered or glued on top of the unit.
- A piece of hardboard for the back of the shelving unit. (Ask the wood merchant to cut to size if you can't do this yourself.)
Step 2. Measure the desired height and width of the shelving unit
- When you've decided this, cut the shelving boards this wide, if they aren't already the right width.
- Cut the vertical support panels to the proper height, if not already.
Step 3. Nail or glue the first vertical support cleat at the base of the base
The cleats should be placed on the side of the support that you want to point inward.
- Repeat for the second vertical section.
- This forms the support for the first shelf.
Step 4. Place the vertical support panels on the floor, evenly aligned but spaced as far apart as the shelving
- Decide where you want the rest of the shelving to be placed until the first support.
- For each tier, use a shelving board to help you measure the exact position of the cleats extending to the opposite vertical support panel (this helps to ensure they are level), then mark.
- Repeat measurements and markings for each level of added shelf.
Step 5. Nail or glue the next cleat into place on the first vertical support panel
Check that the opposite side is even by placing the shelving on the cleats that are already attached to the mark opposite the vertical support panel. Use a spirit level to check for evenness, then nail or glue the cleats on the opposite side.
If nailing or screwing them into position, be sure to use nails or glue that do not penetrate the vertical support panels––they must remain fully embedded in the panels
Step 6. Repeat for each level
Step 7. Add the top shelf
This level does not require a cleat. Instead, it needs to be slightly wider than the shelving, so that it can be nailed, screwed or glued to the top of the two vertical support panels.
If you need to allow the shelf to disassemble, do not glue the top. Instead, use screws that can be easily removed and re-installed after each disassembly and rearrangement
Step 8. Add the hardboard back
Racks run the risk of falling or tilting if these are not included. Nail or glue to the back of the shelving unit.
Another solution is to use a cross-brace instead of one piece of the board. Use whatever best suits your needs
Step 9. Place books and other items onto the shelving unit
This unit can be placed anywhere against a flat surface and can be disassembled for easy carrying and storage (cleats remain intact with vertical side panels).
Part 5 of 5: Creative Shelf
If you want a shelf that looks a little out of the ordinary or makes the most of an awkward point, here are some suggestions.
Step 1. Choose a corner shelf solution for a corner space
In some cases, the only space left may be the corner. It can still be used! See, for example, How to Make Corner Shelves for a garden shed.
Also see How to Install a Shower Corner Shelf if you're looking for a bathroom shelving solution
Step 2. Build the hanging shelf
This type of shelf has the appearance of emerging from the wall without supports. Of course, it's given a backing but there are some simple tricks to it.
Step 3. Build the invisible shelf
This shelf looks as if books are hanging in the air. It's a little more for tinkering than a really useful shelf.
Step 4. Turn the skateboard into a rack
This is a great way to salvage a beloved skateboard that's worn out but still carries a lot of memories.
Step 5. Build the hidden door bookshelf
Use shelves to hide your valuables! Or, if you prefer books to clothes, you can always turn your walk-in closet into a library shelf.
Step 6. Make a CD rack out of wood
These grid-like shelving principles can also be used to create grids of other shelves of various sizes, such as spice cabinets, ornamental display shelves and storage units.
Step 7. Build a shelf for your cat
This window sill shelf for cats will keep your cat entertained all day and out from under your feet!
Tips
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Adjustable shelves (perforated metal or plastic supports, brackets and sliding shelves) are branded products. They are available in different sizes, styles and weights. They are often used in cupboards, and kitchen drawers, because they are not so luxurious when mounted in place on a visible wall. Follow the manufacturer's instructions or contact the retailer for assistance.
See also How to Install Bidet Organizers and How to Hang Garage Storage Racks
- If you live in an earthquake-prone area, it's a good idea to use a poster tack or something similar to keep the glassware on the shelves, so they don't fall.
