How to Build Wood Shelves for a Shed

Building a few wood shelves is a quick and simple way to add much needed storage space in a shed. Adding shelves to your shed only requires basic carpentry skills, a few tools and little bit of time, but it can help organize and optimize the usable storage space.

Things Needed:

• 3/4 inch plywood


• Metal shelf supports


• Power drill


• Wood screws


• Table saw or circular saw and saw horses


• Tape measure


• Pencil


• Paper


• Straight edge 

1. Plan the location of the shelves. Also, determine the number and size of the shelves needed. The easiest way to do this is to measure the dimensions of the shed including wall length and ceiling height and to draw a quick sketch.


2. Use a pencil and straight edge to mark the measurements of the shelves on the plywood.


3. Cut the shelves from the plywood by following the marks. Because plywood comes in large sheets, usually 4 feet by 8 feet, it will be easier to handle with help.


4. Use the drill and wood screws to attach the metal shelf supports to the exposed studs in the shed at the location of the first shelf. Use at least two metal shelf supports for every shelf. A longer shelf will require three to four supports, especially if you will be storing heavy items.


5. Place the shelf on top of the supports, and attach with wood screws. Drill from under the support up through the shelf. Make sure to use the proper length screws so that they do not go completely through the plywood shelf.


6. Repeat the process until all of the shelves have been installed.