Framing Wooden Shelves

Position the 1-by-12-by-36-inch boards parallel to each other on a work surface with the 1-by-36-inch edges resting flat. Orient the boards vertically and space them 18 inches apart from the outside edges. These are the sides of the shelving unit.

Place the 1-by-12-by-18-inch board across the top 1-by-12-inch ends of the side boards. The 1-by-18-inch edge should be flat against the work surface. The 12-by-18-inch side should butt up against the 1-by-12-inch ends of the sides. This is the top of the shelving unit.

Drive flush trim screws through the top into the 1-by-12-inch ends of the sides every 2 inches using a screw gun to secure the top to the sides.

Insert one 1-by-12-by-16 1/2-inch board between the sides. Use a tape measure to place it up 2 inches from the bottom ends of the sides. The 1-by-16 1/2-inch edge should be resting flat against the work surface. Insert one 1-by-12-by-16 1/2-inch board up 12 inches from the bottom ends of the sides in the same manner. Repeat this process to insert the final 1-by-12-by-16 1/2-inch board up 24 inches from the bottom ends of the sides. These are the shelves.

Drive trim head wood screws through the sides into the 1-by-12-inch ends of the shelves at each joint to secure them in place using a screw gun. Space the screws every 2 inches.

Brush two even coats of wood finish onto the completed wooden shelves using a paintbrush. Allow at least four hours between coats. Wait 24 hours after the second coat before handling the unit.