How to Build Large Storage Shelves With Doors

Assemble Braces

• 1

  Measure the width of the door you plan to use.

• 2

  Cut your three beams into two pieces each, their length matching the width of the door.

• 3

  Cut the plywood sheets into squares with sides matching the width of the doors. Cut those sheets into triangles, by cutting a line across the diagonal.

• 4

  Lay one pair of cut beams into an L-shape, with the end of one beam abutting the inside edge of the other. Connect using two 4-inch wood screws.

• 5

  Lay one plywood triangle over one L-shape, with its 90-degree corner lined up with the corner of the L. One beam will protrude about 1 1 /2 inches beyond the edge of the plywood. Screw in place using 2-inch wood screws. Repeat to mount a second triangle on the opposite side.

• 6

  Repeat steps four and five to construct two more braces.

Mount to the Wall

• 7

  Use a stud finder to locate all the studs in the wall where you want to mount your door shelf. In many areas appropriate for a shelf this size -- such as your garage or attic -- the studs will be exposed.

• 8

  Set one brace along the wall stud that's farthest to the right on the wall section where you plan to mount the shelf. Use the level to confirm that it's square, and mount in place with three 4-inch wood screws.

• 9

  Mount the second brace to the stud that's farthest to the left on the wall section where you plan to mount the shelf. Use the level to confirm that it's square, and that it's level with the first brace.

• 10

  Mount the third brace as close to centered between the others as the studs will allow. Use the level to confirm it's square and level with the other two braces.

• 11

  Set the door on top of the braces. In most cases, friction and gravity will keep it in place without having to otherwise secure it.