Stop closet avalanches by installing simple shelves.
The right shelving can transform your closet from a cluttered, frustrating space to a paragon of organization and utility. Although it's possible to spend thousands of dollars on custom-made closet shelves, making custom shelves is a DIY project that increases a closet's functionality in an efficient and simple way. If you're a beginner to home improvement projects, remember that since this project is in your closet, guests will never see any minor mistakes or blemishes. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
Preparation
1. Measure the width of the closet wall where you want to install your shelves.
2. Cut one furring strip to match the width of your wall using a power saw. Cut a wooden plank to the same length with the same saw. Cut two more pieces of furring strip, each 18 inches long. Set aside any scraps.
3. Sand all facets of your lumber until they're smooth so you won't snag your clothing.
4. Apply one coat of paint or stain to all surfaces of the plank. Allow to dry. For best results, brush the paint on with long strokes that begin and end at opposite ends of the wood.
5. Add a second coat of paint or stain to the plank. Allow to dry.
6. Repeat Steps 2 through 5 for each shelf you want to build.
Installation
7. Locate all wall studs in the rear wall using a stud finder, and the first two wall studs from the back on adjacent side walls. Mark stud locations on the wall with a pencil.
8. Draw a straight line across the back wall, using a level as a guide, at each point where you intend to mount a shelf.
9. Set one long furring strip against the back wall, its top edge aligned with a pencil line you drew. Screw it in place by screwing one screw over the place where you marked a wall stud. Drive it through the midline of the strip and into the stud behind it. Repeat to drive a screw through each stud.
10. Set the two 18-inch-long furring strips on the side walls, with their ends abutting the face of the long strip. Mount them to the two wall studs they cross the same way you did in Step 3.
11. Set the plank on top of the braces formed by the furring strips you just mounted. Screw into place by sending a screw down through the top surface of the shelf and into the furring strip below. Place two screws in each side of the shelf that touches a wall.
Tags: furring strip, wall studs, wall using, back wall, coat paint, coat paint stain, furring strips
