How To Build Timber Storage Shelving

Cut your lumber into two lengths of 60 inches, six lengths of 36 inches and six lengths of 14 inches, using a saw. Cut the plywood into three shelf tops measuring 36 by 12 inches. If you want to paint your shelving, do so now with a paintbrush and let dry before construction.

Run the stud finder across the wall in the area you plan to install shelving. Typically, house wall studs are around 16 inches apart. Mark the stud places with the pencil. This shelving unit will utilize two studs to give it added strength.

Measure up from the ground 18 inches along one stud, using the measuring tape. Measure up 18 inches from this point and another 18 inches from the second point. Repeat on the second stud. Place the level between the first two 18-inch points off the ground and check that the line is level between them. Repeat on the other points, so you know your shelving will be level. Adjust the markings as necessary.

Position a 36-inch piece of 2-by-2 along the wall between the first two 18-inch marks on the studs. About 2 inches should be over the stud marks on either side. Screw in two screws into each stud through the end of the plank, using a drill, and three screws equally spaced along the middle of the plank so it is securely on the wall. Repeat with two more 36-inch pieces on each of the remaining pairs of points marked on the stud position. These are the shelf cleats.

Lay a 60-inch 2-by-2 plank on your work surface and place three 14-inch planks perpendicular along it; the first 18 inches from the bottom and the rest 18 inches from each other---6 inches will remain after the last 14-inch plank is in place. Screw in place with two screws through each 14-inch plank and the 60-inch plank. Repeat with the other 60-inch plank and remaining 14-inch planks. These form the half-ladder side of your shelving.

Lay the half ladders 36 inches apart, with the 14-inch planks up in the air. Place the remaining three 36-inch planks in between the two half ladders, matching up with the position of the 14-inch planks. Screw in place with the drill to complete the frame of your shelving.

Position the frame on the wall--60-inch planks vertical and 14-inch planks facing the wall. Match the ends of the 14-inch planks to either ends of the shelf cleats. Screw in place with two screws through each 14-inch plank into the end of the cleats.

Place the plywood shelf tops over each of the three frames with the edge of the plywood flush against the wall, sitting on top of the cleats. Screw down the shelf tops with the drill, using one screw every 3 or 4 inches around the whole frame.