How to Build Storage Shelves for a Basement

Wood shelves can enhance the look of a basement and add additional storage space. They can be built quickly and you don’t have to be a professional to install them. Building the shelves yourself will save you a lot of money because carpenters can be very expensive.

Supplies:

• Measuring tape


• 120 feet of wood


• Table saw


• Standard router


• Power sander


• Power drill


• Wood screws


• Wood stain (optional)        

1. Pick the kind of wood you want for the project. If you want a cheaper style of wood, choose alder. If you want something nicer and more durable, choose cedar or pine. Buy at least 120 feet of wood with each plank a foot in width.


2. Cut eight of the planks ten-feet long, two planks-eight feet long, and seven planks one-foot long. Use a table saw to cut the planks. Go slow to make the cuts clean as possible.


3. Take a standard router and use it to cut slots for the shelving sections to fit. Cut a slot for every foot, as well as on the ends of the pieces eight-feet long. Cut a slot on the bottom and top ends, as well as in the middle of the ten-foot pieces.


4. Take a power sander and use it on the planks. Round the corners and make the surfaces as smooth as possible.


5. Join all of the pieces of the shelving together with a power drill and wood screws. Make the pieces as square as possible. Attach the eight and ten-feet pieces together to build the frame. Put in the one-foot pieces for the shelving separators.


6. Stain the shelves with some wood stain, if you desire.


7. Use mounting brackets and screws to mount the shelving to the wall.