How to Build Bookcases and Wall Shelving

You don’t need a professional to build shelves in the walls of your home. Most homes use drywall, so you just need to attach the shelves to the studs behind wood screws. You can buy shelving material and brackets from the local hardware store.

Supplies:

• Plywood for shelves


• Circular saw


• Sandpaper


• Drill with screwdriver bits and 1/16 drill bit


• Wood screws


• Stud finder


• Tape measure


• Pencil


• Shelf brackets

1. Use the stud finder along the wall to find the studs behind the drywall. Once you find them, mark them with a pencil.


2. Put a level against the wall where you want to put in the shelf brackets, and use a pencil to draw a guideline. Use a power drill to drill pilot holes into the wall studs. Put the shelf bracket against the wall and mark a pencil hole through the bracket to show where the screws are supposed to go.


3. Drill the wood screw through the hole in the shelf bracket and in the wood screw. Do this to the other shelf brackets, as well.


4. Use the circular saw to cut the plywood the proper length. Use some sandpaper to smooth the edges. Put the wood on top of the shelf and drill a wood screw through it into the hole on the top of the shelf bracket. Do this with the other shelf brackets until they are all joined to the brackets. At this point, you have completed building bookcases and wall shelving.