what do i need to build a shelf

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Building shelves can seem like a daunting DIY project, but with some determination and the right tools, you lot can build a simple unit for storing and displaying items in your space. Since shelves are and so versatile and can be very basic and unproblematic or extremely ornate and decorative, you'll have to decide what fashion you're going for. You'll too demand to know the judge size your shelves will need to be and how much weight they're going to have to agree. Once you have this information and make some decisions, yous'll be well on your way to edifice and installing your shelves!

1. 1

   Cull your shelving board. Select a shelving board according to personal preference, your budget and the way in which the shelving complements your décor. There are a wide multifariousness of potential boards to utilize.

   • Softwood boards: These are easy to take cut to the desired length and tin can concur many items, including heavy books.
   • Plywood boards: This is made up of layered apartment boards. The surface is oftentimes made to imitate a wood end or it tin be laminated.
   • Particleboard or chipboard shelves: Fabricated from wood fries glued together nether pressure, these are common shelving boards that are lightweight, affordable and easy to find. It is best to get these cut professionally, equally the makeup of the boards tin blunt cutting tools.^[1]
   • Blockboard shelves: These are stronger than chipboard and are suitable for heavy duty items, like tools and appliances kept in the garage.
   • Pre-fabricated and pre-sized shelving boards: These are traditionally part of a kit and will often exist fabricated for adjustable shelves. The instructions for putting these together should ever be included; if not, call the retailer or manufacturer.

2. 2

   Select the shelf support co-ordinate to the way of shelf. In some cases supports are subconscious but a shelf will always require a support of some type.

   • Wood strips: Elementary merely effective, woods strips or blocks can be used to keep shelves in place. A strip of wood used at both ends of shelving is known as a cleat support. Information technology can be neatened by nailing a piece of forest across the forepart shelf to hibernate the side cleats.
   • Metallic strips: Available from hardware stores, these tin can exist used as shelf supports. They aren't that pretty, and then they may exist all-time for hardware storage in the garage or cupboards.
   • Brackets: Typically Fifty-shaped, these can be fancy or patently. They are simple to employ and are usually skillful for a variety of shelves. Some brackets are so fancy that they can enhance your décor but they will normally toll a lot more than plainer versions.^[2]

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This is a uncomplicated shelf arrangement that can exist put together by admittedly anybody. It's useful for people on a low income. Due to its unstable nature (nothing is belongings information technology together), it must remain very low, in case it topples. It is non advisable to build this structure if you have children or pets.

1. i

   Find some bricks and shelf boards. The shelf boards should all exist the aforementioned length; if non, cut them to the same length.^[3]

   • You can also employ cinder blocks, in which case yous'll simply demand ane on each side rather than the 2 bricks.

2. ii

   Choose a suitable identify for the shelf. Since the shelf has little support, it needs to be flush confronting a wall, or accept some sort of similar flat backing.

3. three

   Identify ii bricks together on the floor space selected. Place another ii bricks together on the contrary side to form the base of operations of the shelving. The distance between the bricks should exist determined by the plank length, with a small amount of plank overhanging at each side (about a 2 inches).

   • There should be 2 bricks on each side of the shelf to support it.

4. 4

   Create the shelving. Y'all'll identify the first shelf board onto the base of operations bricks. Then place two bricks side by side on the shelf in the same position as the base of operations bricks.

   • This fourth dimension, add two sets more bricks on superlative to make a pillar.
   • Do the same for the other side.

5. v

   Add the next shelf board. The shelf has been fabricated. It'southward elementary only it'southward adequate for keeping things like books, DVDs and CDs in order.

   • If you want to strengthen this structure, add a cross-caryatid to the dorsum of the shelf unit of measurement, screwing it into the shelf boards.

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If you don't mind drilling into the wall, this standard style of shelf tin can be placed in nigh areas of the business firm and provide a handy storage or display area.

1. ane

   Select a pair of brackets. Choose plain or fancy, equally required.

2. ii

   Cull a shelf lath. Cut it to the length required if it's non already washed.

3. three

   Concur a subclass against the wall where you want the shelf to sit down. Mark the position with a pencil. Use a tape measure to mark the position of the other bracket at the opposite side.

4. 4

   Drill the first bracket's pigsty (or holes) into the wall over the marks you've fabricated. E'er check for electric wiring or plumbing before drilling. Information technology's also wise to identify a drop canvass on the flooring to make it easier to collect the drill dust.

   • Use a masonry drill bit.
   • Drill to the depth that the screw requires to penetrate the wall sufficiently.
   • Insert a wall plug.

5. five

   Hold the bracket in place. Attach the spiral (or screws) past screwing them in as far as they will go.

6. 6

   Identify the shelf lath onto the brackets. Hold the board in place with 1 manus. And then, using a spirit level, agree the lath across to the other mark you made earlier to check that the board will exist sitting evenly. If the mark appears accurate, information technology'south ready, if not, brand adjustments equally required.

7. vii

   Drill the second bracket pigsty (or holes). Follow the directions given for the get-go subclass.

8. eight

   Attach the shelf board to the brackets. Lay the board across the brackets and spiral it to them from the underside. Be certain to use screws that will not penetrate through to the other side of the board; they must remain wholly inside the shelf board.

9. ix

   Choice up the drib sheet and discard the drilling grit. Gently press on the shelf to check that information technology is firmly attached to the wall.

10. ten

    Add your ornaments, books or other display objects to the new shelf. Make sure that your shelf can bear the weight of heavier objects and don't put something valuable on your domicile-made shelf until you know that it'south secure.

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This shelf arrangement is, as the title says, Freestanding. Such a unit of measurement can be packed up and moved to another room or surface area with ease. This method can also be used to gather shelves within a pre-existing structure, such every bit a closet––the side panels are the cupboard walls and at that place is no demand for a height.

1. ane

   Select the required shelf items. You'll need:

   • Shelf boards. The shelf boards should exist at least 2cm 3/iv" thick.
   • Supports for the shelf boards. Cleats (strips of wood) are easy and ideal for this unit.
   • 2 vertical support panels. These form the sides of the shelf unit.
   • A top piece. This needs to be slightly wider than the shelf boards, then that it can exist hammered or glued on top of the unit.
   • A piece of hardboard for the back of the shelf unit. (Ask the timber merchant to cutting to size if you can't practise this yourself.)

2. 2

   Measure the desired height and width of the shelving unit.

   • When you're decided on this, cutting the shelf boards to this width, if they're not already at the right width.
   • Cut the vertical support panels to the correct height, if they're non already washed.

3. 3

   Boom or gum a cleat to the first vertical support at the base of operations. The cleat should be placed on the side of the back up that yous want to confront inwards.

   • Repeat for the second vertical piece.
   • This forms the first shelf support.

4. 4

   Lay the vertical back up panels on the ground, aligned evenly merely a shelf board's width autonomously.

   • Decide where yous desire the rest of the shelf boards to be place all the style up the commencement support.
   • For each level, use a shelf board to help you lot mensurate the exact positioning of the cleat across to the contrary vertical support console (this helps to ensure it is level), and marker information technology.
   • Echo the measuring and marking for each shelf level being added.

5. 5

   Nail or gum the next cleat into place on the first vertical support panel. Check that the opposite side will be level by placing the shelf board on the now attached cleat and bringing over to the mark on the reverse vertical support panel. Use a spirit level to check for evenness, then boom or mucilage the opposite side's cleat in identify.^[4]

   • If nailing or screwing into position, be certain to use nails or glues that don't penetrate through the vertical support panels––they must remain wholly within the panels.

6. 6

   Repeat for each level.

7. 7

   Add together the peak shelf. This level doesn't require a cleat. Instead, it needs to be slightly wider than the shelf boards, so that information technology tin be nailed, screwed in or glued to the summit of the two vertical support panels.

   • If you demand to be able to dismantle the shelf, do not mucilage the elevation piece in place. Instead, use screws that can be easily undone and re-stock-still later each dismantling and reassembly.

8. eight

   Add the hardboard dorsum. The shelf risks falling over or leaning sideways if this is not added. Nail or glue to the back of the shelf unit.

   • Another solution is to apply a cross-brace instead of one piece of board. Apply whatever fits your needs all-time.

9. ix

   Add books and other bits and pieces to the shelf unit of measurement. The unit can exist placed anywhere against a flat surface and tin be dismantled for ease of carrying and storage (the cleats stay intact with the vertical side panels).

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If you lot're after shelves that look a little out of the ordinary or brand the well-nigh of awkward spots, here are a few suggestions.

1. 1

   Choose a corner shelf solution for corner spaces. ^[5] In some cases, the only infinite left might be a corner. It is all the same possible to use information technology! Come across, for case, How to create corner shelves for a garden shed.

   • See also How to install a shower corner shelf if y'all're looking for a bath shelf solution.

2. 2

   Build floating shelves . This blazon of shelf has the appearance of coming straight out of the wall without supports. Of course, information technology is supported but at that place are a few unproblematic tricks to it.

3. 3

   Build invisible shelves. This shelf looks as if the books are simply hanging in the air. It's a bit of fun rather than a really useful shelf.

4. iv

   Turn a skateboard into a shelf. This is a dandy way to salvage a dear skateboard that is past its prime number but that still carries many memories.

5. 5

   Build a hidden door bookshelf . Use shelves to hibernate your valuables! Or, if you're more than into books than dress, you could always turn your walk-in closet into library shelves.

6. half dozen

   Make a CD rack from wood. The principles of this grid-similar shelf arrangement tin exist used to brand other grid shelving in varying sizes likewise, such as spice cabinets, ornament display shelves and storage units.

7. 7

   Build a shelf for your cat! This windowsill true cat shelf volition keep your cat entertained all day long and out from under your feet!

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Add New Question

• Question

  How tin I hang shelves without nails?

  

  Ryaan Tuttle is a Home Improvement Specialist and the CEO of Best Handyman Boston. With over xv years of experience, Ryaan specializes in home comeback and property maintenance past leveraging engineering and craftsmanship. Ryaan holds his Construction Supervisor and Home Improvement Contractor Licenses. Dissimilar most handyman contractors, Best Handyman Boston is licensed and insured. Boston Mag and LocalBest.com have named Best Handyman Boston the Best Handyman in Boston.

  

  Home Comeback Specialist

  Expert Answer

  You lot never want to hang a shelf with nails. Nails are just for hanging pictures. Whatever shelf should be installed with a screw and a proper-sized wall anchor that is rated for the weight of the shelf. That'due south if y'all tin't find studs—if you tin can find wall studs, and then that shelf should be screwed straight into the wall stud with 3-inch screws.

• Question

  Why would I build a curved shelf?

  

  Curved shelves are corking for putting a Tv set or decorations in a corner.

• Question

  How do I slide this shelf? Tin can this shelf fall if someone bumps into information technology?

  

  Lavender_babylon

  Community Answer

  Information technology could autumn if information technology is unsecured, so it's probably all-time to spiral information technology to the wall. This means that yous tin can't slide information technology.

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Advertizing

• If you live in a quake-prone area, it is a expert idea to employ poster tack or like to proceed frail objects in place on shelves, to prevent them from falling off.

• Adjustable shelves (metallic or plastic holed vertical supports, slip-on brackets and shelves) are proprietary products. They come in different sizes, styles and weights. They are oft used within wardrobes, cupboards and pantries, as they're not very glamorous when stuck onto a visible wall space. Follow the instructions provided past the manufacturer or contact your retailer for help.

  • Meet as well How to install closet organizers and How to hang garage storage shelves.

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• Make sure you measure your boards and the space you're putting the shelf in before you make the shelf. it is extremely frustrating to make something and have it not fit!

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Things You'll Need

• Wood or shelving boards
• Cutting tools (or ask your timber merchant to cut forest to size)
• Nails, screws, etc.
• Wall plugs
• Spirit level or digital equivalent
• Backing wood (where relevant)
• Cross braces (where relevant)
• Bricks (where relevant)
• Bolts (where relevant)

About This Article

Article Summary X

To build a basic shelf, identify 2 bricks at each end of a softwood or plywood board on the floor. Then, identify the lath on top of the base bricks. If you'd rather attach your shelving to the wall, position a subclass on the wall where yous want the shelf to go, mark it with a pencil, and drill holes in the wall. Next, screw in the subclass at one stop, and then make sure the shelf will sit level by putting your lath on top of the bracket and belongings it in a directly line. Finally, adhere the second bracket to the wall at the other terminate earlier screwing your shelf onto both brackets. For tips on how to make freestanding shelves, keep reading!

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Source: https://www.wikihow.com/Build-Shelves

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