How to: Built-In Wall Storage

Measure the space in which you plan to install your built-in storage units. Decide whether you want the units to extend from floor to ceiling or if you want them to only reach a certain height. Use a measuring tape to test different lengths and to decide how far into the room you want the units to extend -- this will provide you with your depth measurement.

Cut 3/4-inch plywood boards to size for your built-in frames using a table saw. Use your height and depth measurements to cut two side panels for each built-in storage unit to size. Cut a top and bottom panel for each unit using your length and depth measurements.

Cut additional pieces of 3/4-inch plywood as the shelves for your built-in storage units. To determine how many shelves you need for each unit, decide how high you want each shelf space to be and divide the total height of the unit by that number. Be sure to factor in the 3/4-inch thickness of each shelf in your calculations.

Set the two side panel boards on their sides parallel to each other and sandwich the top and bottom panels between them, aligning the top and bottom edges. Predrill holes through the side panels into the top and bottom panels using an electric hand drill, then insert a 2-inch wood screw into each of the holes. Place a screw about 1 inch from the ends of each panel and space additional screws about 6 inches apart.

Measure the dimensions of the frame you just constructed and cut a piece of 1/2-inch plywood to size. Lay the sheet of plywood over the frame, aligning the edges, and predrill holes through the plywood into the shelf frame. Insert 2-inch wood screws into the holes, positioning one screw in each corner and additional screws every 6 inches along all four sides of the frame.

Place the shelves between the side panels at the desired intervals -- to make this easier you may want to measure and mark the position of each shelf in pencil on the side panels. Predrill the holes and insert 2-inch wood screws through the side panels into the sides of the shelves to secure them in place. You may also want to insert three or four evenly spaced screws through the back panel into the shelves for added stability.

Cut pieces of decorative wood trim to size for the front of the built-in frame. If you want to keep a simple, streamlined look, you do not need to add trim, but even simple trim can greatly enhance the appearance of built-in shelves. Decide whether you want to add trim to the top or bottom (or both) of your shelves, and cut the pieces to the width of the shelves.

Attach the pieces of trim to the front of the built-in frame by first applying a bead of wood glue and pressing the trim into the glue. Hold the trim in place for 30 seconds or so, then use a nail gun to secure the trim in place.

Paint the built-in frame using interior-grade latex paint to match the existing decor scheme in your room. First, apply a layer of primer and allow it to dry completely before adding a coat of paint. If you want to be creative, consider using two different colors for the shelf frame and the shelves themselves, or use stencils or patterned contact paper to line the back of the built-in.

Fit the finished frame against the wall in the desired position. Predrill holes through each corner into the wall studs, then insert a 2-inch wall screw into each hole. Insert additional screws at an angle through the joint between the side and back panels at 10-inch intervals to secure the built-in frame to the wall.