How to Build a Built-in-Shelf
When looking for a new house, one of the obvious perks is built in shelving. Shelving is always convenient, pleasing to any decor style, and useful. It can also help to increase the value of your house, especially if you are looking to put your house on the market in the near future. Here's how to get started!
Items Needed
- Pry bar
- Measuring Tape
- Hammer
- 6d Finishing Nails
- 12d Common Nails
- Drill
- Square
- Mitre Box and Back saw
- Shelving Lumber
- 1x10 or 1x12 lumber for side panels, top and base panels, and shelves
- 2x4s for the base frame
- Trim moulding for the top and bottom of the unit
- Dust Mask
- Decide where your shelf will be built and what its intent will be. Built in shelves are good in Living rooms, Dining rooms, Family Rooms, Laundry rooms, ect.
- Remove the baseboard where the shelf is to be built. Take extra care to get it off in one piece, as you will be using it later.
- Build a box out of 2x4 for the base of the unit. This is used to support the weight of the shelves and items on them, as well as to anchor the shelf to the wall and elevate the shelving system off of the floor
- Cut your choice of 1x10 or 1x12 (you can decide the width of your shelves) for the sides of your shelf. Cut them to the desired length (they can be ceiling height or lower, its your choice!). For adjustable shelves, use a depth guide and drill rows of peg holes.
- Make a support from 1x4 for the ceiling/walls, and tack the side panels in. A finished shelf conceals the top frame.
- Attach the side panels. Add wood glue and nails to secure the side panels to support the frames. To increase strength and stability, add several supports cleats along the sides.
- Nail the bottom shelf in place. Make the shelf flush with the support box so that you can nail on the baseboard trim.
- Add trim to the top of your new shelf. Then attach the baseboard back to the wall and the trim you have picked to the bottom of the shelf. With the pre-drilled holes in the shelves, cut dowels to approx 1.5 inches apiece and place them in the desired holes. Fill in any nail holes with stainable/paintable wood putty to create a seamless look.
- Paint or stain your bookshelf and shelves in your desired color. The choice is completely yours! You can stain or paint your bookshelf to match you woodwork, use a coordinating color, or go completely different. You are free to express your creativity in any way you choose!
