How to build storage shelves

This step by step diy article is about how to build storage shelves. If you want to add more storage space to you home, you should consider building wooden shelves out of regular lumber, that can be bought from any diy storage. Before starting the actual project, you should decide the size of the shelves, as to fit your needs. Therefore, you can make the structure wider, taller or you can increase the distance between the shelves.

Getting the job done by yourself could translate into significant savings and having the satisfaction of building something with your own hands. Nevertheless, there are a few things you should take into account, when making the shelves. First of all, buy quality lumber and check if the boards are straight and in good condition. In addition, work on a level surface and check the structure for squareness, after each step.

In order to build the shelves, you can use 1×4 slats or 3/4 plywood. Nevertheless, if you want to store heavier items on the shelves, we strongly recommend you to build the legs out of 4×4 lumber and the shelves out of 2×4 lumber. In this manner, the structure will be rigid enough to support heavier items, but the costs of the diy project will increase significantly. It is essential to plum the storage rack each time you attach a component. See all my Premium Plans in the Shop.

Made from this plan

In order to build food storage shelves, you needs the following:

Materials

8 pieces of 2×2 lumber – 86″ long LEGS
40 pieces of 1×3 lumber – 24″ long BRACKETS
18 pieces of 1×4 lumber – 8 ft SHELVES
1 piece of 3/4″ plywood – 21″x96″ long, 1 piece – 24″x96″ long SHELVES
1 1/2” and 2” wood screws – SCREWS
Wood glue

8 pieces of 2×2 lumber – 8 ft
10 pieces of 1×3 lumber – 8 ft
18 pieces of 1×4 lumber – 8 ft
1 piece of 3/4″ plywood – 4’x8′
2 1/2″ screws
1 1/4″ screws
glue, stain
wood filler

Tools

Safety gloves, glasses
Miter saw, jigsaw
Chalk line, tape measure, spirit level, carpentry pencil
Drill machinery and drill bits

Tips

Pre-drill holes in the wooden components, before driving in the screws
Smooth the exposed edges, by using a router with a 1/4” bit

Time

One weekend

Vegetable shelves plans

Building wooden storage shelves

Building storage shelves

Building 2×8 storage shelves is one of those projects that can be done by anyone who has basic woodworking skills. Nevertheless, you will better organize you home, as the in the new created space, you can store a large variety of items, starting with things you don’t use on a regular basis up to old toys or cloths.

Building the frame of the shelves

First, you have to build the ladders that will support the shelves. In order to get the job done like a pro, work on a level surface. Lay the 2×2 legs on the ground and make sure the diagonals of the panels are equal. Place the 1×3 brackets and secure them with 2” nails.

Add wood glue to enhance the bond of the joints. Make sure the corners of the brackets are right-angled, by using a carpentry square.

Assembling the frame

Plumb the frames and secure the ladders together with several 1×4 slats. Ask a friend to assist you while attaching the slats to the frame. As you can see in the plans, attach just a few slats to lock the components together.

Fitting the storage shelves

After each step, you need to check if the components are perfectly plumb and aligned at both ends. Work with great care and attention if you want to build durable wooden shelves for your basement.

Securing the slats with screws

Afterwards, you have to install the rest of the slats into place and to secure them with 1 1/2” screws. In order to avoid wood from splitting, we recommend you to pre-drill small holes, before inserting the screws.

How to build storage shelves

Last but not least you have to take care of the finishing touches. Fill the holes with wood filler and let it dry out for several hours. Next, sand the surface with 120-grit sandpaper, along the wood grain.

Thank you for reading our article about how to build storage shelves and we recommend you to check out the rest of our projects. If you find the article useful, don’t forget to share it with your friends, using the social media widgets.

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