How To Make Simple Wooden Shelves
When I moved into my new apartment, I found that I needed some extra storage space. I decided to try making my own wooden shelves, and I was surprised at how easy it was. In this article, I will share with you my step-by-step guide on how to make simple wooden shelves, as well as some tips and ideas, pros and cons, and my personal review and suggestion.
Step-by-Step Guide
Materials:
- Wooden boards (1x12x8)
- Wood screws (2 inch)
- Drill
- Saw
- Measuring tape
- Sandpaper
- Stain or paint (optional)
Instructions:
- Measure and mark the length you want for your shelves on the wooden boards.
- Cut the boards to the desired length using a saw.
- Sand the edges and surface of the boards with sandpaper.
- Arrange the boards on a flat surface to form the shelves.
- Drill pilot holes at the corners where the boards meet.
- Screw the boards together using wood screws.
- If desired, stain or paint the shelves to match your decor.
- Mount the shelves on the wall using brackets or L-shaped supports.
Top 10 Tips and Ideas
- Choose the right type of wood for your shelves. Pine, oak, and maple are good options.
- Measure the space where you want to install the shelves before buying the wood.
- Use a level to ensure that your shelves are straight.
- Add decorative brackets or supports to enhance the look of your shelves.
- Experiment with different finishes, such as stain, paint, or varnish.
- Use wood glue in addition to screws for extra stability.
- Install shelves at different heights to create visual interest.
- Consider adding lighting underneath the shelves to showcase your items.
- Use reclaimed wood for an eco-friendly option.
- Arrange your items on the shelves in a visually appealing way.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Customizable to fit your space and needs
- Relatively easy and inexpensive to make
- Can be stained or painted to match your decor
- Provides extra storage space
Cons:
- Requires some woodworking skills and tools
- May not hold heavy items without additional support
- Can take up wall space
My Personal Review and Suggestion
Making my own wooden shelves was a fun and rewarding DIY project. The shelves look great in my apartment and provide the extra storage space I needed. I would recommend this project to anyone with some woodworking experience and a desire to customize their home decor. As a suggestion, consider adding decorative brackets or supports to enhance the look of your shelves and experiment with different finishes to match your decor.
Question & Answer
Q:
What type of wood is best for making wooden shelves?
A: Pine, oak, and maple are good options for making wooden shelves.
Q:
Can I make wooden shelves without using a saw?
A: It’s possible to have the boards cut to the desired length at the hardware store, but you will still need to sand and drill the boards yourself.
FAQs
Q:
How many shelves should I make?
A: The number of shelves you make will depend on the size of your space and the items you want to store. Consider making three or four shelves for a standard size room.
Q:
How do I mount the shelves on the wall?
A: You can use brackets or L-shaped supports to mount the shelves on the wall. Make sure to use wall anchors or studs for extra support.