Tips for Beginners on Building Storage Shelves

Regardless of the size of your home, the importance of storage shelves can never be overlooked. No house can have adequate storage capacity, as there is always room and a need for more. The best part about storage shelves is that a range of objects can be stored on them. Walk into any department store and you will be greeted with various ready-to-install storage shelves. Not only are these ready-to-install storage shelves costly, many are not user-friendly and chances are you will not get a customized piece. Besides, building storage shelves is a great DIY project.

Step-By-Step Guide to Build Storage Shelves

Step 1 - Take the Measurements

Use a measuring tape to measure the size of the shelves. Measure the shelf length and width. Ensure that the width is measured while keeping the objects to be placed on it in mind.

Step 2 - Get the Wood Plank

Get the plank for the shelves. The width of wood used must be as per the requirement. For example, if you are building a bookshelf you can opt for a wooden plank strip with ¾ inch width. If you want to store heavy objects on the shelf then it makes sense to opt for a one-inch thickness.

Step 3 - Cut the Wooden Planks

Use a vertical saw to cut the wooden plank strips into the desired size and shape. Use the measurement taken in step one and cut the wooden planks according to it. Ensure that the planks are cut at 90-degree angle to ensure they all look similar. Cut two wooden planks to a length of 24 inches. These two planks will act as support and side for the shelves. Once these two pieces are cut, cut four smaller pieces with a length of 10 inches. These four planks will act as the shelves.

Step 4 - Apply Glue

Place a 10-inch slab on your worktable and attack the two vertical 24-inch slabs on two ends at a 90-degree angle. Fix the planks in place using adhesive. Once the vertical planks are firmly placed, place the remaining three 10-inch planks at an interval of six inches in such a manner that the last plank is placed right at the top of the vertical planks.

Step 5 - Nail the Wooden Planks

Use nails to fix all the wooden planks to the desired place.

Step 6 - Sand the Surface to Smooth

Use a 120-grit sandpaper to work on the rough edges and smooth the surface.

Step 7 - Check the Work

Check the work to ensure that all the planks have been properly placed and all edges are smooth. Start with the edges and then slowly make your way to the rest of the plank.

Step 8 - Apply Varnish and/or Paint

Apply varnish on the wooden planks to ensure that the wood retains its colour. Alternately, you can apply paint to the wooden planks to enhance their look.

Step 9 - Place the Hook

Once the shelf is ready, place a hook in the middle portion at the top that will help you to hang it. If the shelving unit is larger and sits on the ground, be sure to secure it to a wall to avoid it toppling over if children try to climb it.