Building shelves can be easy and enjoyable with the proper tools and some dedication.
Install a batten to the wall where you would like your shelf. Use a spirit level to ensure its levelness before nailing or screwing in brackets.
Design
Shelves provide a place to store objects that reflect your personal style – whether that means curating an Instagram-worthy gallery or simply organizing the pantry – the design of your shelf can help make it a focal point in any room.
Selection of materials for shelves is a critical element in their construction. Your material choices will impact both its strength and look; for shelving units, oak is the ideal material, being easy to work with while offering smooth surfaces resistant to warping. Wood also provides long-term stability while particleboard or MDF are susceptible to denting over time, unlike its counterpart.
Once you’ve selected a wood for your shelving unit and chosen its desired placement in a room, take into account its aesthetic appeal and the room in which it will live. Consider its color and grain as key elements in creating your desired aesthetic; natural finishes add warmth while painted finishes can offer a clean contemporary aesthetic. Neutral color palettes tend to be popular choices but don’t hesitate to experiment with different hues until finding what best matches your desired aesthetic for each shelf unit.
If you’re building a fixed shelf, nail or glue a cleat to the wall at the base of your first vertical support panel at the top of the base bricks; this will become where your shelf boards will attach; use a level to mark their placement so they align perfectly as you add more shelf boards.
Shelf styling should follow the rule that less is more. Placing visually captivating items on a shelf will draw the eye and help create balance and harmony, and can even play up its visual impact by grouping similar height, width and shape items together on one shelf – although don’t be afraid to mix different objects of different types together on it!
Simple shelves tend to be uniform in height and spacing. But adding creative design touches can transform them into dynamic displays by stagger-ing or splitting sections, as well as adding texture such as chunky-weave burlap or jewel-tone velvet backs that instantly add depth and interest. Or consider pairing opposing textures such as pine cones with smooth balls of moss for even greater contrast!
Materials
Shelves are extremely flexible storage solutions and can be found everywhere from homes to retail stores and warehouses. Shelves save floor space while providing easy access to stored items. Unfortunately, shelves can be costly to purchase and install, as well as require some degree of carpentry expertise for installation. As an alternative solution many opt for building their own shelves instead; building basic built-in shelf projects is typically completed within several days even for someone new to furniture construction.
Step one in building a shelf involves gathering the necessary materials. A tape measure, screw driver and drill are essential. In addition, you should consider your preferred style of shelf design as well as weight limitations before beginning assembly of it.
Wood shelving is an enduring material choice and there are various species to select. Cherry is an elegant and long-wearing wood that makes stunning shelving. Other popular choices are red oak’s strength and versatility; other wood species like walnut may also work. Your choice will ultimately depend on your desired style of shelving as well as how much weight will need to be supported by it.
All timber-based shelf material can be stiffened to prevent it sagging between supports and increase load capacity. A batten attached to the underside of the shelf where its rear can rest can help achieve this result, or more advanced solutions such as slatted wooden shelves can also help achieve this purpose by having their slats secured to battens under it and secured to these slats with screws or staples.
Once a shelf is cut, its edges may need to be hidden by trimming with hardwood edging trim cut with mitre corners and attached with glue and pine needles. A similar trim may also serve to cover exposed edges of chipboard, plywood or blockboard instead of using a sanding machine – and will make the shelf appear more appealing.
Measurements
Shelf is an ubiquitous feature, but creating one with strength and beauty requires careful planning. A guide for the process addresses issues like selecting materials with adequate span dimensions; attaching supports for wall-mounted shelves; and setting fixed shelves within cabinets or pieces of furniture.
Start by inspecting the space where your shelf will go. It is ideal if brackets can be attached directly into a stud; heavy-duty anchors will still work though. Use a tape measure and level to mark level lines on the wall where you plan on hanging your shelving, this will give an indication of its appropriate height.
Noting the height of the tallest items you intend to store on your shelves will allow you to determine how high you would like the shelving unit to be. Bring this measurement with you when visiting home centers so they can help you purchase one with appropriate dimensions.
Look for headings on shelf sag tables that indicate optimal and allowable sag figures, taken from published references and based on the assumption that human eyes can detect only up to an amount equalling 1/32″ deflection per running foot.
Adjustable shelving requires you to adjust its brackets as necessary in order to achieve your desired shelf height, while fixed shelves that will stay put can usually be set at one height from installation onward.
Whenever installing fixed shelves inside cabinets, it is worthwhile to put forth extra effort by cutting dadoes in the cabinet sides that accept each end of your shelf – this provides far stronger support than simply nailing or screwing in place. As an alternative method, simple cleats may be attached at either end for quick installation. Although this approach might reduce overall strength of your shelf.
Assembly
Building shelves may seem intimidating at first, but with determination and the appropriate tools it can become an easy project. To start this endeavor, you need to first decide the style of shelf you desire as well as its purpose and weight capacity requirements before beginning the actual construction. Once this information is in hand, construction should commence immediately.
Building a shelf requires either purchasing pre-made plans, or designing it yourself from scratch. For guidance and inspiration, browse online examples. Additionally, determine what materials will be needed and the approximate costs involved before proceeding with construction.
If you’re building a freestanding shelf, add braces to the back of the frame for additional support if you plan on hanging heavy objects on it. Furthermore, using a brace across the middle can make your frame even stronger; once this base of your shelf has been completed, install its other parts.
Example: Use a 1x trim piece to add a recessed finish on the front of a shelf, using either nail gun nails or wood glue for security. Before nailing in place, be sure to use a level.
Attaching the shelf to the wall should be the next step, which you can accomplish by attaching four screws in each corner of it with either wrenches or screwdrivers or even hammers.
Tim recommends using a level and stud finder to ensure your shelf is straight and plumb before drilling into it, saving time by not trying to install the shelf without first finding its studs.
Once the screws are in place, you can assemble your second shelf. To do this, place a second standard against the wall and arrange its bracket so it aligns with that on the first standard already attached to the wall.
