How to Build a Shelf for a Basement

Basements, whether finished or unfinished, can provide homeowners with extra storage space. In some instances, more space is needed, so you can store extra items like laundry detergent, for example. In these situations, it is better to add a shelf to the basement rather than using storage boxes or carting tables down to the space. And rather than buy a shelf, you can build your own to custom-fit the space and provide the extra storage space you need.

1/2-inch plywood
Tape measure
Pencil
Eye protection
Circular saw
Medium-grit sandpaper
Paintbrush
Paint
Polyurethane
L-brackets
Stainless steel screws
Screw gun
Marker
Drill
Masonry bit

Instructions

- 1
  Place 1/2-inch plywood on a table or workbench, then measure and mark cut lines with a tape measure and pencil. The shelf can be as wide and deep as you need for your particular space.
- 2
  Put on eye protection and cut the 1/2-inch plywood to size using a circular saw.
- 3
  Sand the shelf smooth with medium-grit sandpaper, then brush away any sawdust from the sanding with a paintbrush.
- 4
  Paint your basement shelf with a paint color of your choosing and let dry for three hours. Apply a second coat of paint if necessary, and allow to dry completely.
- 5
  Apply a coat of polyurethane with a paintbrush to protect the paint and seal the plywood shelf. Allow the polyurethane to dry overnight.
- 6
  Attach L-brackets to the underside of your custom basement shelf using stainless-steel screws and a screw gun.
- 7
  Hold the shelf against the wall, with the L-brackets pointing downward, and mark the location of the holes in the brackets with a marker. Set the shelf aside momentarily.
- 8
  Fit a masonry bit into a drill and drill holes into the wall through the marks. Then fasten the shelf to the basement wall with screws and a screw gun.

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