How to Build Wall Shelving Units
Most everyone can use more shelves. They are handy to display collectibles, books, trophies and plants just to name a few uses. Shelving units add necessary storage space but they can also add style and dimension to any décor. Building your own wall shelving units can seem daunting but a little step by step planning can prevent this project from overwhelming the builder.
- Make a plan. Decide on a design, the number of shelves desired, and the placement of the shelves. It might help to draw out a plan on a sheet of graph paper. The plan should have enough shelves to meet your needs within the limitations of the available wall space.
- Measure, measure, measure. Measure the wall. Measure the height, length and (don’t forget to) measure the width needed. The width will depend on what you plan to put on the shelves. For example, will the shelves need to hold books of all sizes or small vases?
- Find the studs in the wall with a stud finder. Lightly mark the placement of the studs with a pencil. Place a leveler along the pencil marks to make sure the placement of the shelves will be level.
- Cut the wood for the shelves according to the measurements or use precut wood. Then sand the wood along the edges.
- Stain or paint wood shelves as desired to enhance your decor and allow to dry. Add another coat if needed and allow that coat to dry.
- Screw brackets to the wall on the studs at pencil marks using wood screws.
- Attach the shelves to the brackets using wood screws.
- Place your treasures on your new wall shelving unit and enjoy.