Shelves are one of the most useful pieces of furniture that can be found in a home or office. They can carry books, decorations, tools, utensils and more and help tidy up, divide, clean and keep their items tidy. There are many ways to make a shelf, some easier and some more difficult: this article will present several possible methods.
Steps
Method 1 of 5: Start Building the Shelf
Step 1. Choose a table for the shelf
Select the table based on your personal preferences, your budget and the way it matches the environment. There are several boards that you can use.
- Softwood Planks: They are easy to cut to the desired length and can hold various objects, including heavy books.
- Plywood board: it is made of several layers of flat boards. The surface is worked to imitate the wood effect, or it can be laminated.
- Chipboard or Cardboard: Composed of wood chips glued together under pressure, these shelf boards are light, inexpensive and easy to find. It is best to have them cut by a professional, though, as their shape could tick off the cutting tools.
- Block boards: stronger than chipboard and suitable for heavy loads, such as tools and utensils stored in the garage. B.
- Pre-made boards: These are typically part of a kit and are often prepared to build adjustable shelves. Assembly instructions should be included; if not, contact your dealer.
Step 2. Select the shelf support according to the chosen shelf type
Even if in some cases they will remain hidden, there will always be a need for support of some kind.
- Wood Strips: Simple but effective, wood strips and blocks can be used to hold shelves in place. Placing a strip of wood at both ends of the shelf will create a support cleat, which can be finished by screwing a piece of wood along the front of the shelf to hide the side cleats.
- Metal Strips: Available at hardware stores, this type of strip can also be used as a shelf support. They are not very aesthetically pleasing, so they are preferable for garage containers or cabinets.
- Brackets: Typically L-shaped, they can be machined or simple. They are easy to use and are suitable for different types of shelves. Some brackets are so aesthetically beautiful that they can be considered a real decoration for the environment, but generally they will cost much more than a basic version.
Method 2 of 5: Simple Wood and Brick Shelf
It is a very simple shelf that can be assembled by almost anyone. It is an economical idea and also suitable for those on a tight budget. Due to its somewhat unstable nature, however, (since it won't be fixed by anything), it better be very low in case it falls. It is not recommended to build this type of structure in environments frequented by animals and children.
Step 1. Get some lego bricks and boards
The boards must all be of the same length; if not, cut them appropriately.
You can also use concrete blocks, in which case you will only need one on each side instead of two bricks
Step 2. Choose a suitable place to place the shelf
Since this type of structure will not have much support, it will have to be placed against a wall or other flat surface.
Step 3. Join two bricks on the floor of the selected space
Place two more bricks on the opposite side to form the base of the shelf. The distance between the bricks must correspond to the length of the wooden planks, calculating that the latter must protrude laterally by a few centimeters (about 5).
You will need to place two bricks on each side of the shelf to give it the necessary support
Step 4. Create the shelf
Place the first board on the brick base, then place two other bricks on the axis, one next to the top, in the same position as those below.
- This time, try stacking two pairs of bricks to make a small pillar.
- Repeat on the opposite side.
Step 5. Add the next board
This way you will complete your shelf. It will be a simple structure, but suitable for keeping objects such as books, DVDs and CDs in order.
If you want to reinforce the structure, add a crossbar to the back of the shelf, screwing it to the wooden planks
Method 3 of 5: Wall Shelf
If you don't mind having to drill through the wall, this standard shelf can be placed in most areas of the home and will be a practical storage or display area.
Step 1. Choose a pair of brackets
Choose a simple or textured pattern, depending on your preferences.
Step 2. Choose a wooden board
Cut it to the desired length, in case it isn't ready already.
Step 3. Place a bracket against the wall where you want to place the shelf
Mark the location with a pencil. Use a tape measure to mark the location of the bracket on the opposite side.
Step 4. Drill the first hole (or holes) for the bracket in the wall, at the level of the marks you have made
Always check for the presence of electrical cables or plumbing systems before drilling. It is also advisable to place a cloth on the floor, in order to collect the dust that will be produced by drilling the wall.
- Use a masonry drill bit.
- Drill holes the required depth for the screws to allow them to penetrate far enough into the wall.
- Plug in a wall outlet.
Step 5. Place the bracket
Attach the screw (or screws), screwing them in as deep as possible.
Step 6. Place the wooden board on the brackets
Hold it steady with one hand, and then approach it to the mark made on the opposite side, using a level, to check that it is straight. If the mark appears accurate, you will be ready to assemble everything; if not, make the necessary changes.
Step 7. Dig the second hole (or holes) for the bracket
Follow the instructions you used to assemble the first one.
Step 8. Attach the board to the brackets
Place it along the brackets and screw it from underneath. Make sure that the screws do not penetrate to the other side of the table, they must remain completely hidden inside.
Step 9. Collect the protective sheet and discard the dust
Press the shelf lightly to check that it is properly attached to the wall.
Step 10. Add decorations, books, or other display items to your new shelf
Make sure it can hold the weight of heavier items and don't place anything valuable on it until you're sure it's safe.
Method 4 of 5: Standalone Shelving
This type of shelf, as the title itself says, is an independent structure. This type of unit can be easily moved from room to room. The method in question can also be used to mount shelves within an existing structure, such as a cabinet: in this case the side panels will consist of the cabinet walls and there will be no need for a top cover.
Step 1. Get the necessary materials
You will need:
- Boards at least 2 cm thick.
- Support for the boards. The wooden cleats are easy to assemble and very suitable for this type of structure.
- Two vertical support panels. They will form the sides of the shelf.
- A cover. It will need to be slightly wider than the boards, so that it can be mounted with a hammer or glued to the top of the structure.
- A high-density fibreboard for the back of the shelf (ask an expert to cut it to the size you want if you can't do it yourself).
Step 2. Measure the desired height and width
- Once you have made up your mind, cut the boards to your chosen measurements, in case they are not already the right width.
- Cut the vertical panels to the right height, if they are not already ready.
Step 3. Screw or glue a cleat to the first vertical support at the base
The cleat will be positioned on the side of the support facing inwards.
- Repeat for the second vertical piece.
- You will have mounted the first shelf support.
Step 4. Place the vertical panels on the ground, arranging them parallel and maintaining a distance between them equal to the size of the boards
- Choose where you want to place the various boards along the height of the panels.
- For each level, use a board to measure the used position of the cleat on the opposite vertical panel (to make sure it is straight) and mark the point.
- Repeat the measurement and mark the spot for each shelf level.
Step 5. Screw or glue the next cleat onto the first vertical panel
Check that the other side is also straight by placing a board on the attached cleat, so that it reaches the mark on the opposite side. Use a spirit level to check that the board is straight, then glue or screw down the opposite cleat.
If you use screws, make sure they are not too long to prevent them from entering the opposite side. They must remain within the material
Step 6. Repeat for each level
Step 7. Add coverage
This level will not require a cleat, but it will have to be slightly wider than the planks of the various floors, so that it can be fixed with screws, or glued, on the top of the vertical panels.
If you want the shelf to be demountable, don't glue the cover. Instead, use screws that can be easily removed and reassembled
Step 8. Add the high density fibreboard to the back
The shelf will risk tipping or tilting to the side if this piece is missing. Glue it or fix it with screws to the structure.
You can also use stringers instead of a single plank. Choose the solution you prefer
Step 9. Add books and other items to the shelf
You can place it anywhere it can rest against a flat surface and can be easily disassembled for transport (the cleats will remain fixed to the vertical panels).
Method 5 of 5: Creative Shelf
If you are looking for a shelf that looks a little different than usual or that can allow you to make the most of the strangest points, here are some suggestions.
Step 1. Choose a corner shelf to save space
In some cases, you may only have one corner of a room available - it is still possible to take advantage of this confined space! For example, you can very well build a corner shelf for a garden shed.
You can also install a corner shelf in a shower, if you are looking for a practical bathroom idea
Step 2. Build a floating shelf
This type of shelf comes right out of the wall, with no need for supports. Obviously some kind of support is needed: get informed and discover all the tricks needed to build this type of structure.
Step 3. Create invisible shelves
This type of shelf gives the impression that the books are floating in mid-air. It is a fun structure, different from the usual shelf.
Step 4. Turn a skateboard into a shelf
It's a great way to repurpose a skateboard that has had its day, but one that carries many memories.
Step 5. Build a shelf hidden behind a door, for example a bookcase
Use it to hide precious items! If you're the type who prefers books to clothes, you can always turn your wardrobe into a bookcase.
Step 6. Build a wooden CD holder
You can also use the same principle as this grid shelf to build others of different sizes, such as a spice rack, decorative shelf, and small storage.
Step 7. Build a shelf for your cat
A windowsill shelf will keep your cat entertained all day and will keep him off your feet!
Advice
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Adjustable shelves (vertical supports made of metal or perforated plastic, interlocking brackets and planks) are mass produced and are sold in different sizes, styles and weights. They are often used in wardrobes, cabinets and pantries and are not very aesthetically pleasing when fixed to an exposed wall. Follow the instructions on the package or contact your retailer for advice.
You can also consider building a divider for wardrobes or a shelf to hang in the garage
- If you live in an earthquake-prone area, it is advisable to use tacks or other supports to secure fragile items on the shelves and prevent them from falling.
