How to Build an External Closet

Arrange two 1/2-by-24-by-60-inch boards on the working surface with their narrow, long sides against the surface, using the help of an assistant. Position them parallel to each other with two feet of space between them. Put two 1/2-by-24-by-24-inch board against the ends of these boards standing vertically, which are the sides of the closet, and arrange them so that they line up evenly with the edges.

Drill into the ends of the side boards through the smaller boards, which are the top and bottom of the closet, making six evenly spaced holes through each side board. Set 2-inch screws within each hole and tighten them completely to make a rectangular frame.

Set a 1/2-by-24-by-61-inch board on the rectangular closet frame, keeping the edges of this board, which is the rear board, even with the edges of the closet frame. Drill holes into the closet frame through the rear board every 12 inches. Set 2-inch screws into the holes and use a drill to tighten them completely, attaching the rear board to the frame.

Flip the closet over. Drill a 1-inch hole in the center of two 1-by-3-by-24-inch boards. Slip one of the boards over each end of a 23-inch dowel with a 1-inch diameter. Set the dowel inside the closet in the desired position. Drill four holes into the side board of the closet through each 24-inch board. Set 1 1/4-inch screws in each hole and tighten them completely.

Put a 1/2-by-23-by-24-inch board inside the closet in the desired shelf position. Drill two holes into the shelf board through each side board. Set 2-inch wood screws in the holes and tighten them to install the shelf board. Repeat as desired for additional shelving.