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
Are the jig holes meant for the drywall screws to attach to the walls? Or just to attach the back side 1×4?
Could you use 1×6’s instead of 1×4’s?
Hi! COMPLETE beginner here, so I have a couple reeeally basic questions.
Are the pieces of wood held together only by glue, or did you also screw/nail them together? If so, can you describe exactly what you did?
Next– how did you mount them to the wall? It’s not covered in the pictures and, again, I’ve never done anything like this before, so I’m sure it’s a really basic thing that I’m just not aware of.
Thank you!
Genie
Made a couple of these, one is 48″. It was glued and nailed, and is going to be painted. The other is 41″. It was glued, screwed and plugged, and is going to be stained.
Thanks for sharing. Planning on making more.
What are the kreg settings and what size screws to use please? Thank you
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Wow! I want to put shelves in my bathroom and this is perfect. So glad I found your blog!
Please tell us how you hung the shelves. 🙂
Hi! What size finish nails did you use to attach the 1×2? Thanks so much!
He say at the top how to attach to wall – 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 just finished painting mine and I am thrilled with how it looks! I dusted off my Kreg Jig box that had never been opened. After watching your tutorial on how to use it I felt more confident. And for Mother’s Day I bought myself the cordless nailer you recommended, so I had the perfect tools and no more excuses. I am now ready to build all kinds of things!!! I am so proud of myself. Can’t wait to hang it up tomorrow! Thanks so much!
How do you hang the shelves?
If I predrill to connect my 1×4’s Do I predrill through both pieces of wood or just the outer one (back piece)?
Both! 🙂
Great!! Thanks so much! 🙂
Thank you a whole bunch! I have been wanting these shelves and don’t want to spend the huge amount of money they want at the stores and on line to buy them! Literally, $300 for the hall I want to fill with just four 8-foot shelves. This looks like a really easy tutorial to follow and it is something I think I can do myself. I can see my daughter enlisting my help once mine are up – so thank you in advance on her behalf! You rock!
Thank you so much! I absoloutly love these in my little boy’s room. Where did you get your plane sketches that you put on your son’e shelf. I have been looking for something like that forever and refuse to buy the $200 from pottery barn :/