Constructing a Built-In Shelving Unit

Want a more finished look for your new shelves? Then consider taking the time to plan and construct a built-in shelf system. Tucked between two windows or between a wall and a window or door, it will take on the look of custom furniture, because you can plan it to fit exactly into your available space.

WHAT YOU'LL NEED

SKILL SCALE
Easy

TIME REQUIRED
Building and installing the unit we show is an easy one-weekend project.

TOOLS
Tape measure
Stud finder
Circular saw
Drill and 1/4-inch bit with depth stop
Hammer
Nail set
Miter box and saw
Screw gun

MATERIALS
Finish nails
Common nails
Lumber
2x2 material
Scrap pegboard
Scrap wood block (optional)
Paint or wood stain and varnish
Trim molding
3-inch wallboard screws
Shelf pins

STEPS 1-3 of 6

Measure the height and width of the area where you'll install your shelving. For easy installation, build the basic unit 1inch shorter than the height of your ceiling. Remove the baseboards. You'll cut them to fit around the shelving unit and reinstall them when everything is nailed in place.

Mark and cut the two side panels 1 inch shorter than your floor-to-ceiling measurement. Cut the shelving-unit top, bottom, and shelves 1 1/2 inches shorter than the unit's overall width. Measure and cut four 2x2 frame supports that also are 1 1/2 inches shorter than the unit's width.

Using scrap pegboard as a guide, drill pairs of 1/4-inch holes along the inside of each side panel. Space pairs of holes about 9 inches apart horizontally and every 2 inches vertically. Drill the holes 3/8 inches deep, and use a depth-stop bit attachment or a scrap block of wood as a guide to make sure you don't drill all the way through.

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Carpentry & Woodworking

Constructing a Built-In Shelving Unit