How to Build a Kid's Storage Shelf

Kids tend to collect huge numbers of toys, and a storage shelf can help to keep them organized. Building a simple shelf is relatively straightforward -- all you need is a rectangular shelf and two supports. When building a shelf in a children's bedroom, however, safety must be a concern. Using rounded corners removes a potential safety hazard if your kids bump against the shelf. If desired, build several shelves and place them in different areas around your child's bedroom.

3/4-inch plywood
Jigsaw
Saw
Measuring tape
Pencil
Drill with bits
5d finishing nails
Hammer
2-by-2-inch board
Sandpaper
Primer
Paint brushes
Paint
Stud finder
3-inch wood screws
Screwdriver

Instructions

- 1
  Cut a circle with a 2-foot diameter out of a sheet of 3/4-inch plywood using a jigsaw.
- 2
  Cut the circle into four equal quarters. You will use two of these, and the other two can be saved for another shelf.
- 3
  Cut a 1-by-3-foot rectangular shelf out of the same plywood. Round two of the corners with a jigsaw along a 3-foot side. This will be the front side.
- 4
  Measure in 6 inches on one side of the shelf and make three pencil marks, spaced out evenly along the 1-foot thickness. Do the same on the other side of the shelf.
- 5
  Drill 1/16-inch pilot holes through the six pencil marks.
- 6
  Place a quarter-circle over each line of holes, with the rounded edges facing the front of the shelf.
- 7
  Nail the shelf to the quarter-circle supports with 5d finishing nails, hammered through the pilot holes in the shelf's surface and into the top edge of the supports.
- 8
  Cut a 24-inch piece of 2-by-2-inch board. Place it onto the rear edge of the shelf's underside, between the two supports.
- 9
  Nail the board to the shelf with more 5d finishing nails, hammered through the shelf surface and into the board every 4 inches.
- 10
  Drill two 1/8-inch holes through the 2-by-4-inch board, spaced 18 inches apart, going from the front to the back. These holes will be used to mount the shelf to the wall.
- 11
  Sand the wood with 120-grit sandpaper to remove splinters and rough areas.
- 12
  Brush on a coat of primer and allow it to dry for the time recommended on the can.
- 13
  Brush on a coat of paint and allow it to dry. Use colors that your child will enjoy.
- 14
  Use a stud finder to locate two wall studs within the wall. Mark their locations with a pencil.
- 15
  Drill a 1/8-inch pilot hole into each wall stud, positioned horizontally at an easy height for your child to reach.
- 16
  Screw the shelf to the wall with two 3-inch wood screws, passed through the holes in the 2-by-4-inch board and into the wall studs.

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