How to Build Shelves Using 2X4's

Cut the five 4-foot boards in half with a saw to make 10 2-foot boards.

Lay two 6-foot boards parallel to each other on the ground. Place three 2-foot boards across to connect the two boards like the rungs of a crude ladder. Line up the ends of the 2-foot boards with the outer edges of the 6-foot boards and space them one, three, and five feet from the ends of the 6-foot boards. Hammer the boards together with a hammer and nails where the boards overlap each other, using two nails in each location when they're lined up properly. Repeat this two more times so you have three of these structures.

Place the three structures upright and parallel to each other, with the two outer structures eight feet apart and the middle structure four feet from either end. Several assistants may be useful in this step.

Slide three 8-foot boards through the three structures so they rest on the lowest cross-member. Space the boards 4 inches apart, side to side, and nail them to the cross-pieces. Nail the boards to the cross-pieces at the points where the boards overlap each other with your hammer, using two nails at each spot. Repeat with the remaining 8-foot boards and the other cross-piece levels.

Place the shelves in the location where you would like them to be used. The shelves are freestanding, but most often you'll find that placing them by a wall allows easy access while leaving the most space in your garage, basement or utility building.