May 10, 2002, Newsletter Issue #17: Built-in shelves

Tip of the Week

For your shelving project you will need:
* A plan
* Level
* Miter saw
* Hammer
* 8 penny finish nails
* 4 penny finish nails
* 1X2 or 1X3 lumber for cleats
* Plywood ripped to width or shelving material
* Stud locator
Start with the plan. Larger shelves should be at the bottom since big items are generally heavy. I usually make the bottom shelf 24 inches from the floor, and space the rest of the shelves at 18 inches.
Start at one corner. Measure up to the bottom of the first shelf. Mark a level line across the wall to the other corner. With the stud locator, mark each stud just above the level mark.
Cut a cleat to fit the length of the wall and nail it into each stud with the top of the cleat on the level mark. Use 8 penny finish nails.
Cut two more cleats to hold the ends of the shelf. They need to be long enough to reach the first stud on the wall perpendicular to the shelf. Be sure to level them from the first cleat.
From the bottom set of cleats, measure up 18 inches and repeat the process. Measure up from the second set of cleats for the third, and continue up to the desired height.
Cut the plywood or shelving material 1/4 inch shorter than the back wall. (This will keep from gouging the paint since the corner is probably not square.) Lay the shelf on the bottom set of cleats and nail down with 4 penny nails.
Continue the process until the top shelf is installed. Fill the nail holes, paint, and display your treasures.
A good lumber yard or DIY store will help you with your material list, and will rip the plywood for you.

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