Need Extra Storage? This Shelving Unit is the Perfect Piece!

Since we are forced to turn our smallest bedroom into a kitchen (after a tree fell through the house), we have to use the closet in that room as a pantry. Several years ago, I remodeled that closet and customized a closet organizer for that space, and after removing the closet rods, we could add shelves for more storage. I designed easy to build storage shelving to fit on either side of the closet organizer to provide all kinds of storage space for small appliances, canned food and dry goods!

 

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The storage shelving uses straight off-the-shelf boards, and is easily customizable in height and width to fit a variety of spaces. Each shelf has a support board under the front and back edges of the shelves for stability. I chose to leave mine unfinished but may paint them at a later date.

 

Materials:

Lumber:

  • For two shelving units measuring 70″ tall (one unit is 23-1/2″ wide, and the other is 10-1/2″ wide), I used six 1x12x8′ boards

Cut List:

For each shelving unit-

  • 2 – 1×12 at desired finished height for the Sides
  • 6 – 1×12 at desired finished width MINUS 1-1/2″ for the Shelves
  • 12 – 1×1 at desired shelf width for the Shelf Supports

Notes about the project:

I did not use glue. I drew lines on the outside face of each side piece where the shelves would be positioned, and drilled countersunk holes for the screws. I attached the supports to the underside of the shelves and to the sides using brad nails (this is totally optional – screws can be used as well!).

Step One

Cut two of the boards for the sides at the desired height. I wanted to make the shelving units 70″ tall to fit under the upper shelves of the existing closet organizer.

With the sides being 70″, I was able to space my shelves at 13″ between each of them with a 1/2″ gap at the floor. The gap is totally optional, I just like the look and it also means there won’t be a support under that shelf! I used a carpenters square to draw lines where the shelves would be positioned so I could drill countersunk holes for the screws.

Step Two

Align the shelves with the lines drawn on the side pieces and secure the shelves in place using countersunk 1-1/2″ screws.

Step Three

Cut the pieces for the shelf supports. Position the supports between the sides, under the front and back edges of the shelves. Secure in place using 1-1/4″ brad nails.

Finish as desired!

The easy to build storage shelving is a quick project that can be completed in a few hours, and is perfect for any room. Have any questions about the shelving? Leave a comment below!

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