That’s right… ANYONE! These are super simple to build! This is by far my favorite $20 project to date.
Shelves Anyone Can Build
I have been in the process of redoing my oldest son’s room over the last few weeks. I shared his bed HERE and the headboard HERE.
I know one of the next things on my to do list will be a desk, and I knew I wanted some shelving for above it. I found THIS plan on Ana’s site and jumped on it.
If you own a drill (every woman should!) you can build these shelves. I made 2 for my son, and I also made 2 for my younger sister. Each shelf cost $10 to build. Here are a few tips and progress shots…
You will need 2 – 1×4’s and 1 – 1×2 for each shelf. That’s it!
I made 8′ shelves so no need to use a saw. I also used my Kreg Jig, but if you don’t own one you can just pre-drill your holes and use wood screws to attach everything. I prefer drywall screws, but both will work. You will also need wood glue. I started by adding a line of glue where my 1×4’s meet.
Join your boards together like this. Just pre-drill from the back and attach your screws.
Now add some more glue to edge of your bottom 1×4…
And use some finish nails to attach your 1×2!
That’s it! Not even kidding!
I didn’t even worry about filling nail holes because I stained mine and I like the imperfections… So shanty! 😉
I used my new favorite stain on mine…
Rust-Oleum Ultimate Wood Stain in Dark Walnut
I LOVE this stuff… It dries beautifully within an hour… Whoop! You can get it at Lowe’s.
These are super easy to attach to your wall too! I used 2″ drywall screws directly into the studs of the wall. I didn’t even have to cover the screws because the things I put on the shelves covered them easily.
I got them up and took some pictures for you!
And if you aren’t quite convinced please look at this picture…
Yes. Looks familiar! You can find this lovely at Pottery Barn, except it costs $85 for 4′! That’s half the length and 8 times the price. No thank you!
What do you think???
You OFFICIALLY have no excuse to not build! These are easier than putting together anything you can find in a store. I LOVE them.
You can see the detailed plans HERE on Ana’s site!
FINALLY…
Did you like it??? Would you be a dear and PIN IT please?!? I would appreciate it greatly 😉
Thanks so much and happy Tuesday!
~Whitney
Thanks for the instructions. I’ve just made one for my son’s room.
Please visit my blog to have a look at the pictures 😉
http://lifecapturedfullness.blogspot.com/2012/12/first-diy-20-shelves-for-willies-big.html.
Working on these this weekend for our home library for books. So far it’s been a breeze and can’t wait to see the finished product. Did you use a polyurethane finish or a seal after the stain or just the stain?
Thanks so much for this tutorial! I just made my own shelf and am in LOVE! I can’t believe how easy it was too. Thanks again!! You can check it out here it you want – http://breezypinkdaisies.blogspot.com/2012/10/my-beautiful-diy-shelf.html
This is a great idea! I wanted to do EXACTLY this in my hallway above my newly re-painted hall cabinet and for some reason could not conceptualize it. Thanks for the idea!! Running to Lowe’s right now 😉 Oh, and I bought the “dark walnut” stain a while back to build the “FAMILY” sign you designed, so I have a ton left over! I have so many ideas to use it for now! I even build some “pallet” type boxes to use as drawers in my hall cabinet- 16″ wide by 22″ deep, and used the dark walnut stain. I am attaching a picture of the progress… your blog inspired me! The cabinet used to be a light maple color- I painted and antiqued it and swapped out the middle cabinet for the pallet type drawers. Loving it now!
your projects are so inspiring. i actually have been looking for something simple and stylish such as this for a shelf im building above the inside of my shower. something to store my shower bottles yet using what little space i have to work with. im over pre made wire caddys and really wanted to get creative. my only concern is it holding up to shower steam and what wood would be appropriate for water.
Honestly, I don’t know the best wood for that! It’s a great idea! If it were me, I would just go with the pine and know you may have to replace it in a year or 2. Just my call 😉 Good luck!!
When I saw this post I was THRILLED. I have been looking at Pottery Barn shelves for the past month wanting to buy 4 of the 3′ Holman shelves for a total of $150. However, I just couldn’t bring myself to do it. $150!!! Happily my story ends with me finding your site, follow your instructions, and building my shelves for a total of $35! Thank you SO very much for sharing!!
*My husband also wanted me to make sure I sent his thanks as well seeing how you saved him so much money…LOL!
Love these! I’m gonna make these for my son this summer. Did you use pine?
I did Jana! Good luck!
I was wondering, what do you use to sand down the boards? and at what step do you sand? After putting it together?
Thanks!
Hi Liz,
I usually just use a little hand sanding block with a 120 grit sand paper. I sand the corners and ends of the boards quickly before attaching everything. Hope this helps!!
Making these today !!! Love this !!
These are awesome! Just the thing I need for my latest project, our multi-task room. How did you attach to the wall. With hangers it more securely attached to the wall?
yes inquiring minds want to know where the awesome plane prints came from! 🙂
Those were a gift from a friend who was actually going to throw them away! Crazy! Wish I could share where he got them but I don’t know… Sorry! 😉
darn! I was going to ask too! My husband is an air force pilot!
Boo! I get lots of questions on them! Wish I could tell you how to DIY them ;-)!!
This is exactly what I am going to put in my breakfast area. I have been looking for the perfect, but EASY DIY shelving….THIS IS IT!!! I found you from Tator Tots and Jello….Happy Dance 🙂 Hugs, Jan
I featured you today for my Pinterest Thursday post. http://instantmommie.blogspot.com/
This is such a great idea! So cute! We would love to have you come share this at our weekly link party every Saturday! -The Sisters
http://www.sixsistersstuff.com
Just made some today, very easy! Thanks for the great idea!
I love them! I’m going to try it. How did you attach them to the wall? I have plaster walls so I’d probably have to use sink hooks, but just wondering….
Wow! that is super easy to make! thanks for sharing this tip!
-Tootsie.
http://www.thetootsiewootsie.com
BEAUTIFUL! Love them and love they’re so easy .. question being that you just used glue do you have any idea of how much weight they could bare?
Pinned these too! 🙂
Pamela
PBJstories.cokm
You’re right, these shelves do look so simple! I love them! Thanks for sharing the great tips!
I just made these and saved so much money thanks to you!! your advise was amazing and helped me so much!!