Decorating DIY Decor How to Build a Shelf to Add Storage in Any Room Maximize your room's storage potential with this easy do-it-yourself shelf. By Hannah Bruneman Hannah Bruneman Hannah Bruneman is an editorial associate at BHG.com. Her contributions focus on home renovation and decor trends. Her work has been featured in Better Homes and Gardens, Ladies Home Journal, Southern Living and more. Learn about BHG's Editorial Process Updated on March 7, 2024 Project Overview Working Time: 1 hour Total Time: 1 day Skill Level: Beginner Estimated Cost: $25 to $40 Yield: One shelf Free up valuable space on your countertops by learning how to build a shelf to add storage to your kitchen, bathroom, or bedroom. These kinds of DIY wall-mount shelves are similar to open shelving, but the trim stretching across the front provides more security for display items. The shelves are simple to make and can be finished and installed in one day. Customize the length to fit your space and fill them with decor or daily-use items. How to Install DIY Built-In Bookshelves What You'll Need Equipment / Tools Pencil Measuring tape Straightedge or ruler Table saw Sandpaper Tack cloth Paintbrush Dry cloth Clamps Nail gun Level Drill Materials 1/2 x 24 x 48-inch plywood board 1/4 x 3/4 x 96-inch trim molding Paint or stain Wood glue Nails Screws Instructions How to Build a Shelf Make Cuts Cut your wood to the dimensions below. Cut Measurements Piece Dimensions Quantity Side Boards 1/2 x 5 x 5 inches 2 Back Board 1/2 x 4-1/2 x 24 inches 1 Bottom Board 1/2 x 5 x 24 inches 1 Trim Rail 1/2 x 3/4 x 25 1 Cut and Prep Wood Using a pencil, measuring tape, and straightedge or ruler, mark your measurements on the sheet of plywood. If your table saw has a built-in measuring tape, you can make measurements directly on the saw. You should have two 5x5-inch pieces, which form the sides; one 4-1/2x24-inch piece, which forms the back; and one 5x24-inch piece, which forms the bottom. Following the cut list, cut your sheet of plywood down to size with a table saw. Measure and mark 25 inches on your trim piece, and cut with the table saw. Sand any rough edges and use a tack cloth to clean up the dust. The 7 Best Table Saws of 2024 for Any Home Improvement Project Stain or Paint Here's where you can get creative when planning how to build a shelf. We chose to stain our shelf, but you could opt for a bold paint color or a trim piece that's an entirely different shade. Follow the manufacturer's instructions to stain the trim pieces and the plywood. Cover your workspace if you're concerned about a mess. Use a dry rag to wipe the extra stain off the wood. Allow to dry. Assemble Base and Back To form the bottom and back of the shelf, glue the two long pieces together at a right angle and use wood clamps to hold them into place while the glue dries. The 4-1/2x24-inch board should sit on top of the 5x24-inch piece. For reinforcement, drive nails into the joint with a nail gun. How to Build an A-Frame Ladder Shelf for Stylish DIY Storage Attach Sides Attach the first 5x5-inch board onto one side of the shelf using wood glue. Clamp and let dry. Repeat with the other side. Nail the sides into place with a nail gun. If you don't have a nail gun, call your local hardware store; they may have one for rent. Alternatively, you can use a hammer and nails. Finish and Hang Once both sides are assembled, place the trim piece on the open side of the shelf, about 1 1/2 inches from the top. Use a nail gun to secure it in place. To hang your shelf, first drill pilot holes into the back of the shelf, then attach it to the wall with screws. Use a level to ensure it is straight. If you plan to use the shelf for heavy items, consider hanging the shelf on wall studs. Get Creative With More DIY Storage Projects A DIY wall shelf is a simple project that would make things tidier in any room, not to mention a stylish addition to any home decor. Plus there are more DIY options to increase your storage capacity. Check our best ideas below for easy organizing projects you can tackle this weekend. 10 Genius DIY Garage Storage Ideas That Eliminate Clutter How to Build a Platform-Style DIY Bed Frame with Storage How to Give Your Nightstand a DIY Storage Upgrade How to Build an A-Frame Ladder Shelf for Stylish DIY Storage Build a DIY Pullout Trash Cabinet for Custom Storage on a Budget These DIY Wood Shelves Add Vertical Storage and Visual Interest How to Build DIY Drawer Dividers Related Articles How to Build DIY Drawer Dividers How to Install DIY Built-In Bookshelves How to Make a Shadow Box to Display Precious Possessions How to Build a Custom DIY Mailbox How to Build a Storage Bench for Your Mudroom Landing Zone How to Build an A-Frame Ladder Shelf for Stylish DIY Storage How to Build DIY Wooden Hexagon Shelves How to Build Floating Shelves Like a Pro Creative House Number Ideas for Every Style How to Build a Dry Bar How to Build a Porch Swing How to Build Laundry Room Shelves How to Give Your Nightstand a DIY Storage Upgrade How to Build Cornhole Boards for the Ultimate Outdoor Game 32 DIY Headboard Ideas for a Low-Cost Bedroom Refresh How to Build a Plywood Box for Modular DIY Storage Newsletter Sign Up By clicking “Accept All Cookies”, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts. Cookies Settings Accept All Cookies