Building recessed shelving between studs is a great way to add storage space to your home without taking up much floor space. To do this, you’ll need a few supplies and tools. First, you’ll need to locate the studs in the wall.
Then take accurate measurements in order to figure out the length, height, and depth of the shelves. Once you have the measurements, cut the shelving out of 3/4” plywood using your saw (a circular saw is best for this project) or have the pieces cut at a lumberyard.
Next, place the shelves in place behind the wall on top of the studs. Make sure they fit securely and attach them with screws. If you want the shelves to be secure, you can also use two wood braces on the sides of the shelves to connect them to the studs.
Attach the braces to the studs using nails or screws and then attach the shelves to the bracing.
Once the shelves are secure, you can add a finish. You can stain the shelves or paint them whatever color you desire. Finally, you can add shelves brackets or wall clips to the shelves in order to hang items from them.
This is a great project for a DIY-er and once completed, you will have added great additional storage to your home.
How deep can recessed shelves be?
Recessed shelves can range in depth depending on the size and purpose of the shelves. Generally, recessed shelves will be between 8-14 inches in depth, although some may be deeper, depending on the size and design of the space.
This allows for the standard sized books and items to fit comfortably inside of the shelving. For larger items, shelves may need to be deeper depending on the size of the item being stored. Deep shelves allow for storage of taller objects such as artwork and vases, and may be designed to hold bins, containers, and baskets, making them convenient for organizing items.
It is also possible to customize the depths of the shelves depending on the items being stored. Custom depths also allow for a more aesthetically pleasing appearance on the wall.
How do I make recessed shelves in my bathroom?
Making recessed shelves in your bathroom is a great way to increase storage without sacrificing space in your bathroom. The process is generally easy if you have some general home improvement skills and the right tools.
The first step is to decide where you want to install the shelves and mark their location on the wall. You’ll need to use a stud finder to find a stud in the wall, so make sure to include at least one stud in your measurements.
If your shelves will be placed in drywall, you’ll need to make sure you cut two rectangular access holes on either side of the shelf location in the drywall.
Once you have the studs and access holes mapped out, grab some basic construction materials such as wood beams for the base and sides of the shelves, wood screws, a jigsaw and a saw. Cut the wood in size to fit the recessed area that you are creating and make sure to leave some room at the top of your shelves for the lip which will be coming next.
With the wood cut to size, you will need to predrill some holes into the frame and mount it into the studs in the wall with the screws.
Next, you will need to fill in the lip of the shelf. Measure the height of the sides and cut the wood which will be used to make the lip. Make sure to leave a quarter inch gap between the wood and the wall.
Then predrill some holes and mount the wood to the studs with wood screws. Finally, use some wood putty to fill in any gaps and sand the entire shelf.
After your shelf is constructed and mounted, you can begin to decorate it and put items on the shelves. With a bit of effort, you can create beautiful recessed shelves in your bathroom that will add value and increase your storage.
How do you support shelves without brackets?
One popular approach is to use shelf standards and clips. Shelf standards are metal strips that come in various lengths and have slots located every few inches along their length. This allows you to mount clips, such as metal or plastic clips, to the shelf along with the standard.
These clips can then be used to support shelves and other items.
Another approach is to use a floating shelf system. This is when you attach a shelf support bracket to the wall, and the shelf attaches to the bracket. This approach is great for larger shelves, as the support is more secure and the shelf will not sag.
Additionally, these systems can be hidden for a more discreet look.
A third option is to use blind shelf supports. These are usually constructed from wood and are inserted into the shelving material, like a board. The supports are secured to the wall and do not require additional brackets or clips.
Finally, many experts recommend mounting L brackets to the wall and placing the shelf on top of them. The L brackets provide more support and stability than the other methods discussed. This approach is best for heavier shelves, such as bookshelves.
Ultimately, it is important to use the right method when supporting shelves, as it is important to have shelf that is secure and properly supported.
How do you fit floating shelves in alcove?
Floating shelves are an ideal choice for fitting into an alcove as they don’t require fastening to the wall and can help open up space to make the most of the alcove. The first step is to measure the alcove so you can find the right size and shape of shelf.
When you have the shelf, mark the wall with a pencil at each end of the alcove and a line up the back of the shelf with the pencil marks at a level that you’re happy with.
Next, carefully secure the shelf to the walls using appropriate fixings. If you need to cut the shelf to size in order to fit the alcove, it’s best to do this before secure it for a better fit. If needed, use a spirit level to make sure it’s level before you begin.
If the shelf being fitted is particularly heavy, it may be beneficial to strengthen the backing of the alcove with a stud wall before you start.
Finally, decorate the alcove as desired so that it blends with the rest of the room. To make the shelf fit in with your décor, you could consider painting it or adding baskets, decorative items or even plants.
What material is used for alcove shelves?
Alcove shelves are usually made of wood, such as oak, pine, or poplar. If you’re looking for something more contemporary, materials like glass or metal, like stainless steel, can also be used. It’s important to consider the weight of the items that will be placed on the shelves, as this can affect the type and thickness of the material used.
For example, glass shelves would be more suitable for lighter items, while metal shelves can hold heavier, bulkier items. Visually, the material you choose should depend on the design and aesthetic of the room.
How far apart should alcove shelves be?
The exact distance between alcove shelves will depend on the shape, size and design of the alcove. Generally, the shelves should be at least 8-12 inches apart. This allows adequate spacing between shelves and allows items to be put on both shelves without crowding.
The height of each shelf should also be taken into consideration. Keep each shelf accessible and at a comfortable height, usually no more than arm’s reach. The overall goal is to maximize storage space while creating a balanced and attractive display.
How do I build my own built-in shelves?
Building your own built-in shelves is a great way to maximize the storage capabilities of your home and customize the look of your space. Here are the steps for building your own built-in shelves:
1. Determine the dimensions and layout of your shelves. Consider how high and wide you want your shelves to be, and where they should be placed. If possible, consider installing corner shelves to maximize storage potential.
2. Gather your materials. You will need a few basic supplies, such as lumber, mounting brackets and screws, a drill, a miter saw, a circular saw, a level, a jigsaw, and sandpaper. You may also want to purchase some wall anchors, depending on the type of wall your shelves will be mounted on.
3. Measure and cut the wood for your shelves. If you prefer, you can purchase pre-cut lumber for your shelves, which will save time.
4. Sand any rough edges on the wood and all of the components.
5. Assemble the shelves and double-check to make sure they’re level.
6. Secure the shelves to your wall. This is the most important step, as the shelves must be securely mounted in order to prevent them from tipping. Use the proper anchors and appropriate screws, depending on the type of surface you are attaching them to.
7. Finish the shelves in the desired way. Once your shelves are securely mounted, you can paint, stain, or otherwise finish them off to your preference.
Building your own built-in shelves will allow you to maximize the storage capabilities of your home, while also giving you the opportunity to customize the look and feel of your space.
How do you make built-in shelves with drywall?
Making built-in shelves with drywall is relatively easy, and is a great way to add storage to an existing space. To get started, you’ll need to measure the space where you want to add the shelves. This will help you determine the size and shape of the shelves that you can build.
Once you have your measurements, you’ll need to cut the drywall to create the back and sides of your built-in shelves. Many people like to use a jigsaw for this, but you can also use a drywall saw or a utility knife.
To build the shelves, you’ll also need to secure framing boards to the wall. Make sure that you choose sturdy boards that can support the weight of the shelves and any items you plan to store on them.
You can use lumber or plywood boards to create the frames.
To finish off the shelves, you’ll need to use drywall screws to stick the drywall frames to the lumbar or plywood boards. Make sure to use screws—not nails—to ensure a secure connection. You may also want to use drywall compound to fill in any visible seams or gaps between the boards and the drywall frames.
Finally, you can install the shelves. This can be done either by attaching the shelves directly to the drywall frames or by adding brackets for the shelves to rest on.
Once you’ve done this, the project is complete and the built-in shelves will be ready for use. More detailed instructions can easily be found online or by consulting with a professional.
What kind of wood is used for built-in shelves?
The type of wood used for built-in shelves depends on the function and design of the shelves, as well as personal preference. Softwoods such as cedar, pine, and fir are widely used due to their availability and cost-effectiveness.
However, if you want a more robust and elegant look, hardwoods such as red oak, walnut, and mahogany are preferable. In some cases, veneers can also be used to upgrade the look of wood shelves, while maintaining the practicality of softwoods.
Depending on what you’re looking for, you may opt for a combination of both hard and soft woods. Moreover, if you want a truly unique and rustic look, bamboo and reclaimed wood are also great options for built-in shelves.
How thick should built in shelves be?
The thickness of built-in shelves will depend on the application and the material that is used. If you’re looking to use plywood, it will typically be either ½” or ¾” thick. For other materials such as particle board, fiber board, melamine, etc.
, the thickness can range from 1/4” to 1-1/4”, depending on each individual application.
Regardless of the material, it is important to note that the thickness of the shelf should be at least twice as thick as the depth of your heaviest item. For example, if you have a planter that is 8” deep, your shelf should be at least 16” thick in order to provide enough support and stability.
Additionally, the thickness of the shelf should match the vertical trim on the cabinet so that the shelf appears to be integrated. For this reason, you should also consider the vertical trim you are planning to use before deciding on a shelf thickness.
Overall, when selecting the right shelf thickness, keep in mind how thick of a material you’re using and what kind of items you will be placing on it. The shelf should be twice as thick as your heaviest item, and the thickness should match with the vertical trim of the cabinet.
What is better for shelving MDF or plywood?
The answer to whether MDF or plywood is better for shelving will depend on your individual needs and preferences. MDF, or medium-density fiberboard, is an engineered wood composite that is typically denser than plywood.
It is composed of fine particles of wood that have been pressed together, often with a bonding agent, to form a dense, strong material that is very affordable and low-maintenance. MDF is well-suited for shelving, as it’s lightweight and can be easily cut, shaped, and painted to fit a variety of needs.
However, it is not as strong as plywood and does not hold screws as well, so it’s not ideal for larger shelving projects.
Plywood is much stronger than MDF and is composed of several thin layers of wood, or “plies,” that have been glued together. This makes plywood more durable and less prone to warping than MDF. It also provides a more uniform surface that is ideal for painting and holding screws securely.
Plywood is more expensive than MDF, but it’s well suited for larger, more complex shelving projects that require more strength and rigidity that MDF cannot offer.
Will plywood shelves sag?
Plywood shelves can sag. This is due to the fact that plywood is a composite material made of a number of thin layers of wood glued together and the individual layers can flex or bend over time, especially if they are not properly supported or over-loaded.
Plywood shelves may also sag due to warping or bowing caused by moisture changes in the environment. If the plywood shelf is subjected to humidity or moisture for a prolonged period of time, then it is likely to warp and sag.
To help prevent this, it is important to make sure that cabinets, shelves, and other items made from plywood are regularly cleaned to help prevent moisture build-up, and to make sure that adequate support is provided beneath shelves.
This could include wooden supports beneath the shelf, or cleats attached to the wall behind the shelf. Additionally, the weight supported by the plywood shelf should not exceed its recommended load capacity to help avoid sagging.
How thick of plywood should I use for shelving?
The thickness of plywood you should use for shelving depends on the type of shelving and the weight of the items that will be placed on the shelves. For lighter items such as books, thinner 1/4″ or 3/8″ plywood can work.
However, when using plywood for heavier items like storage boxes and tools, opt for a thicker 3/4″ plywood. When in doubt, always go with the thicker option, as it will provide greater strength and stability for your shelving project.
Can you build shelves with plywood?
Yes, it is possible to build shelves with plywood. Plywood is an excellent material choice for shelves due to its strength and stability. Plywood is also easy to find, inexpensive, and is available in a variety of sizes and thicknesses, so it is easily customizable to your specific needs.
When buying plywood for shelves, pay close attention to the grade of the plywood. For higher-quality shelving, always buy the highest grade of plywood you can afford. Remember to cut the plywood to the desired size and shape and sand the edges smooth before assembly.
To assemble the shelves, use heavy duty screws and glue, routing out slots for a better fit. For additional stability and strength, consider reinforcement in the form of braces and corner blocks. When the shelves are assembled and glued, apply a finish for a polished look.
