Build Closet Shelves for Clothes
Building shelves in your closet is a great way to add storage space for your clothes. The hardest part of the job is deciding where to put the shelves, and how many shelves you want. You only need a few power tools and some wood to make good sturdy shelves. This guide is based on a closet that's 6 feet wide. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
1. Measure the length of the back wall above the clothes rod from corner to corner. Use the stud finder to locate the studs across the wall--there will be one in each corner. Most studs are located 16 inches apart. Mark the stud locations on the wall with a pencil.
2. Measure 6 feet on one of the 1-by-2 inch boards. Use the circular saw to cut the excess off. Measure at least 3 inches above the clothes rod and mark the height with a pencil on both ends of the closet along the back wall.
3. Lay the 1-by-2 inch board on a flat surface. Drive a nail part way in on the 2 inch surface at each end of the board. Place the board flat to the wall above the clothes rod. The 1-inch edges should be at the top and bottom with the 2-inch portion facing out.
4. Secure one end of the brace board to the wall. Put the other end of the board in position. Before driving the nail in, place a level on the top edge of the board. When you are sure that the board is level, drive the nail into the stud. Secure the rest of the board to the wall in the marked stud locations.
5. Measure two 5-inch sections on the 1-by-2 inch board. Cut both sections with the circular saw. Place these sections on the side walls of the closet with the ends butted up against the board you nailed to the back wall. Nail the ends closest to the back wall. Use a drill with a Philips head bit to insert drywall screws to secure the outer ends.
6. Lay the 6 foot (1-by-6 inch) board on the 1-by-2 inch boards that are secured on the wall. If the braces are installed correctly, there should be a brace on the back and on both ends of the underside of the shelf board.
7. Attach the finish nailer to the compressor hose. Insert the 2 1/2 inch finish nails into the nail gun. Nail through the top side of the shelf board into the brace boards. Do this on both ends of the shelf board and across the back. Drive at least 1 nail every 3 inches.
Tags: 1-by-2 inch, back wall, above clothes, both ends, inch board, shelf board