Whether you need extra space for seasonal clothing, sports gear or toys, to centralize cleaning supplies or camping gear, one of the simplest means of household organizing is to utilize an unused or underused closet area by installing new or additional shelving. It's an easy project that can provide needed additional storage space and, with a little planning, you can replace the clutter that accumulates behind closed closet doors with efficiency and order. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
1. At the inside right-hand corner of the closet, measure the height from the floor to the first shelf position. Place a pencil mark ¾ inch below the shelf height desired.
2. Mark this same height at the other three inside corners of the closet.
3. Measure the width of the closet's rear wall, and cut one piece of 1x2 pine to that measurement.
4. Place the cut 1x2 pine board horizontally below the pencil marks in the right and left rear corners of the closet. Nail the 1x2 in place with 8d nails, making certain to position nails to hit wall studs. This is the rear shelf support. (To insure support is level, check measurement from floor at mid-span of support.)
5. Measure length of right and left walls, and cut 1x2 pine boards to those lengths.
6. Install 1x2 pine boards horizontally on right and left walls, using pencil marks at wall corners, again making certain 8d nails are placed to hit wall studs.
7. Cut 1x12 pine board to match length of rear wall minus ¼ inch. This board will be the shelf.
8. Place 1x12 shelf board flat on top of 1x2 pine supports, pushing it tight against the rear wall. Nail shelf with 6d finish nails to secure it to supports.
9. To add additional shelves, measure desired distance from first shelf and repeat steps 3 through 8.
Tags: rear wall, right left, corners closet, first shelf, from floor, left walls, making certain
