How to Create Recessed Shelving in a Wall

Locate and Cut Your Hole

• 1

  Locate the studs in the area where you are putting your recessed shelving unit, using a stud finder. Mark the stud locations.

• 2

  Drill into the wall, using your smallest drill bit, toward where you believe the edge of the stud is located. Move toward the empty space in ¼-inch increments to determine where the wood of the stud ends and the empty space begins. Mark the edge of the stud. Repeat this for the other stud that will support the recessed shelf.

• 3

  Make a small square hole with the mat knife to determine if the area behind the drywall is clear of wiring or other obstacles.

• 4

  Draw a large rectangle on the wall where you want your recessed shelves to be. The shelf hole will be 15.5 to 16 inches wide because of the studs. A standard shelf height is about 36 inches, but you can make it as tall or short as you wish. Cut the drywall out with a drywall saw.

Assemble the Recessed Shelving

• 5

  Cut the plywood to the correct sizes to assemble your recessed shelf box. You will need two long pieces, 34.5 inches long by 3.5 inches wide for the sides; two short pieces, 15.5 inches long by 3.5 inches wide for the top and bottom; a large rectangular piece, 36 inches long by 15.5 inches wide for the back; and as many shelves as you wish to have in your recess. Shelves should be 14 inches long by 3 inches wide. Measure the dimensions of your recess to confirm all of these measurements before you cut.

• 6

  Cut the trim to cover the outside edge of the recessed shelf unit.

• 7

  Drill two identical lines of evenly spaced holes in each side piece. Starting 5 inches from the top, space the holes horizontally 2 inches apart with the back hole 1/2 inch away from the back edge of the wood and vertically 3 inches apart. Make sure that the holes are level and that they match on both pieces. These will allow your shelves to be adjustable.

• 8

  Assemble the recessed shelf box. Use wood glue and nails to secure the pieces together. Attach the trim to the outside of the box to frame it and cover up the plywood edge as well as any space between the shelf and the wall stud.

• 9

  Sand the shelf pieces, trim and inside of the recessed box.

• 10

  Apply veneer strip to the front edge of each shelf. Peel the paper off of the strip and apply according to the package instructions.

• 11

  Stain or prime and paint the recessed box and shelves. Allow them to dry.

Install Recessed Shelving Into the Wall

• 12

  Place the recessed shelf box into the wall area. Check the placement by putting a level onto the bottom of the box while it is in the wall. Shim the box if necessary by placing small wedge shaped strips of wood underneath to brace the box to make sure it is level.

• 13

  Pre-drill 3 holes through each side of the box and into the studs. Use screws to attach the recessed box to the studs.

• 14

  Put shelf supports into the two lines of holes where you would like the shelves to sit. Make sure your shelf supports line up with each other.

• 15

  Place your shelves in the recessed shelving unit with the veneer side out.