Getting started can be the most challenging factor in building shelves. The materials needed are as follows ; 3/4″ plywood works really well for shelving material. Heavy duty shelving standards and brackets can be purchased at the local building supply and 2″ deck screws provide enough shear strength for fastening the standards to the walls.
To lay out the standards it is necessary to determine the size of shelves needed as well as the height of the shelves and find the studs on the wall. A strong magnet will reveal the nails or screws indicating a stud is there. Put a pencil mark at the center of the screw and every 4′ along the wall for as long as the shelving will extend.
In the process of fastening the standards, mark a line on the wall where the top of the standard will be and use a 4′ level to horizontally mark the location of all of the standards top ends. Shelf standards come in a variety of lengths depending on where the shelving will be placed.
Start on the left end where the shelving will end and place the standard on the wall where the stud is. Use a drill with a screw tip in it to fasten the standard to the wall. Only fasten the top hole for now.
Proceed to the next standard 4′ away from the first and fasten the top hole again. Repeat this process for as many standards as is needed. Start at the left standard and plumb it with your 4′ level then screw the bottom hole.
Repeat this process for the remainder of the standards. Install a screw in each hole for every standard. The shelving should not extend more than 6″ from the standard in order to provide ample support for the weight on the shelving.
Installation of the brackets is the next step.Decide how many shelves are needed and that is how may brackets needed X the amount of standards and install the brackets in the desired location lightly tapping them into place with a hammer. Continue installing the brackets on all the standards.
In order to cut the shelving you must lay the ¾” plywood on a pair of sawhorses and mark the desired width of the shelves. Chalk parallel lines onto the plywood and cut on the lines with a power saw. Repeat this step for the amount of shelves needed.
To fasten the shelves, lay them onto the brackets and screw through the bracket into the plywood on all of the brackets. Be sure to use the right length of screw so it doesn’t penetrate the shelves surface.
Applying edging gives the shelves strength, keeping them from sagging over time. Solid wood material ¾” x1-1/2″ is what is needed for this application.
Determine the entire length of the shelving and cut the edging accordingly. Drill holes through the shelving every foot 3/8″ from the front of the shelves and clamp the edging under the front of the shelf . Install screws into each hole fastening the edging to the shelving. This shelving can be sanded and painted to mach your liking.
