2x4 Shelving Techniques

Building Technique

• Since two-by-four panels aren't as wide as plywood sheets, a single panel isn't enough to provide a useable shelf for books, decorative items, and media units such as a television or audio units such as CD players and speakers. One building technique is to place 3 to 5 two-by-four panels next to one another to create the surface of a single shelf. These panels must be connected by wood glue, or by smaller, perpendicular panels running underneath the two-by-four panels and connected with screws.

Mounting Technique

• Two-by-four wooden panels are heavier than plywood sheets, which are another common wood type used for indoor and outdoor shelving. It's therefore important that two-by-four shelves have the proper support when being mounted. This type of shelf must have shelving brackets, made either of metal or wood. In addition, these brackets must be attached directly to wall studs to ensure that the shelves don't cause permanent wall damage when heavier items are stored on them.

Protection

• If you wish to hang the shelves outside, you must treat the wood with a sealant against water and other elements so the shelves don't warp or develop mold and decay. Outside laminates also help repel water and provide a clean, healthy appearance after a storm.

Color Treatment

• Shelves made with two-by-four wood panels are often hung in places where they're noticeable, because high-quality panels often have a natural wood texture that's highly desired by those who want a natural feel to their space. If, however, you want to change the color of the panels, you can do so with paint or stain.