DIY Shelving Unit: 2 Ways

Sometimes you need a little extra storage in a room. Going vertical can help maximize space but it can be hard to find a bookshelf or cart in the specific dimensions your space requires. My favorite solution is to build something myself! You can use the steps in this tutorial to create a short end table, a medium cart, or a tall bookshelf in a variety of widths and depths. Your only limitations are the pre-cut wood (if you don’t own your own tools) and plated slotted angle sizes available to you. I built my cart knowing I’d probably use it in a few different rooms in the future, because we tend to move a lot. I used 3 ft. plated slotted angles and cut a 6′ board into three equal pieces. There’s plenty of space between the shelves, so in the future, if I want to add another shelf, I can just get another piece cut and evenly space the two in the middle.1. Supplies: 4 – plated slotted angles measuring 1-1/2″ – 1/2×3′, 1 – 1″x12″x6′ piece of pine, 1 – 1″x3″x36″ piece of wood (or scrap wood), 4 – 3″ casters (2 of them should lock), 24 flat phillips screws 14×1-1/4, drill and 1/8 drill bit, handsaw, wood glue, clamps (not necessary), medium and light grade sandpaper, yardstick, pencil, cardboard, spray paint and primer if applicable. Note: You want screws that are short and have big heads. If you have a hard time finding them use washers in between the screw and the hole in the metal. 2. Ask to have your 1″x12″x6′ board pre-cut into three equal pieces in the store if it’s available. This will ensure even cuts. Then use your handsaw to cut four rectangles measuring 1″x3″x4″. Sand each piece with your medium sand paper and then smooth grades to ensure you won’t get splinters. 3. Glue each small piece of wood to the corners of one of your shelves. Make sure the edges are flush. Clamp in place or place a heavy book on top of them as they dry. 4. Leave it for about 10 minutes and then screw your casters in place—one on each small piece of wood as shown. Make sure they’re consistently placed on all four. 5. If you’re going to paint your wooden pieces but not your slotted angles, tape off your casters and then spray paint all of your wood according to manufacturer’s directions. Let them dry before your proceed. If you plan on spray painting it all the same color, do so once it’s completely assembled. 6. Lay your base on it’s edge and place a slotted angle as shown on the bottom corner. Mark and drill. Repeat for each corner of each piece of wood. 7. Carefully screw each slotted angle on starting with the back two sides and working your way around. Note: Your screws may run into each other if they are too long so be sure to get get short screws with wide heads. I used the screws shown above and only had a little bit of a run in between them in each corner.

I love a touch of industrial in every space to toughen up the girly vibe that I lean towards. In an all white kitchen, I think bare wood and silver would look great. It’s minimalistic and fresh but can be a bit unfinished looking to some. Here’s an example of how your shelving unit could look painted all one color. I chose Krylon Italian Olive for my shelf, because I love the industrial look paired with an industrial color. It reminds me of Army green. I then used it to display some of my favorite things in a spot in our dining room. I styled it with bronze, black, white, and wood accents for fall but could easily incorporate a vintage fan, some cameras, a few plants, or layered prints for other seasons. My favorite kind of furniture is versatile, so I’m really happy with how this turned out. I can see it being put to work in Sebastian’s room someday or repainted white or gold to fit changing tastes down the road. The best part is that it was still more affordable than buying a pre-made steel shelving unit. I love when projects save me money! –Rachel