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Overview:
This project will show you how to build simple shelves. Overrun with clutter? Need more storage for books, videos, shoes or whatever? These basic, freestanding shelves are a simple storage solution.
Materials:
1"x10" or 1"x12" pine board (planed, not the unfinished, knotty, rough-looking stuff) eight 1 1/2" long flathead wood screws, 16 x (number of shelves desired) 1/2" long woodscrews, 4 x (number of shelves desired) L-brackets, wood glue
Tools You'll Need:
power-lite cordless drill or 6-in-1 interchangeable screwdriver, 10ft. or 25ft. tape measure
Before You Begin:
If you want to skip the cutting and sanding steps, take your measurements to the lumberyard or home improvements store and have them cut the wood to your specifications. Save even more time – and have adjustable shelves by using board with pre-drilled holes for shelf supports. Before you take the wood home be 100% sure that the holes match up perfectly from side to side.
Barbara's Tips:
When cutting wood for any carpentry project, don''t forget this important saying: "Measure twice, cut once." Accuracy makes any project go quicker.
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Step 1: Some Simple Math
Take a look at what you need to store and where you plan to put the shelves to determine exact dimensions. Now you can calculate how much wood you'll need using this simple formula: The top and bottom sections should be the same length. The two sides should be the same length. Each shelf should be 1.5" shorter than the top and bottom pieces.
Step 2: Measure Twice, Cut Once
If you did not have the wood cut to order at the lumberyard, measure carefully so you end up with two pieces of equal length for top and bottom, two pieces of equal length for the sides and enough pieces for the number of shelves you've decided on (remember, the shelves should be 1.5" shorter than the top and bottom pieces). Mark the measurements with a pencil line. Using the c-clamps, attach your board to sawhorses or a sturdy table or workbench with the line just off the edge. Double-check your measurements. Saw carefully using smooth strokes. Sand the rough-cut edges.
Step 3: Assembly Required
Glue the tops of two side pieces to the inside edge of the bottom piece. Once the glue is dry, attach the top piece in the same way. Mark a dot in each corner of the top and bottom pieces of wood about 1.5" – 2" from the top and bottom edges and about 3/8" from the outside edges. Using a drill bit that's smaller in diameter than your flathead wood screws, drill holes at each of the marks. If you do this before you install the screws it should keep the wood from splitting. Put the screws in and tighten.
Step 4: A Place For Everything
If you've gone with the pre-drilled boards for the sides, you can just stick in the shelf supports, slide in the shelves and start storing. If you still have smooth wooden sides there are a few more steps, but you're almost there. Determine the placement of the shelves and, using the ruler, mark a line on each side of the unit. Screw in the L-brackets so that the top of the bracket is level to the line you just drew. Use two brackets per side. Now slide the shelves in so they rest on the brackets. You can attach the shelves to the brackets for more stability. If you have made a tall shelving unit, you should attach at least one of the middle shelves to the L-brackets for extra support. If the shelf is extra wide, consider using L-brackets on the top and bottom pieces for stability.
Step 5: Finishing Touches
It's all about the decorating now. Paint or stain your shelves. Add doors or tack fabric across the front. You can even add casters for versatile rolling storage. These simple shelves are just the solution to your storage needs – and you did it yourself!
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