How to Build Wall to Wall Shelves

If you have an alcove or nook in your house that's just wasted space, you can make good use of it by building wall-to-wall shelves in the space. Whether you use them for decoration or for storage, wall-to-wall shelves will maximize the space you've got. With planning and a few basic carpentry skills, you can have your shelves built in a few hours.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• tape measure pencil straight edge or yardstick carpenter's level 1 by 4 inch board lumber wall anchors and screws shelf brackets shelf lumber (1 inch thick, width depends on taste -- 4, 6 , 8, or 10 inches are standard sizes)

1. 
    
   Measuring for your shelves

   Measure the area where you'll install the shelves. Measure wall to wall, the height, and the depth of the area. Then sketch out a design for the shelves you'd like. This will let you know how much wood and other materials to buy, and ensure you've got everything you need to do the job.

2. 
    
   Marking shelf position

   Mark the wall with lines where the shelves will be. Measure up from the floor level to establish your line, then mark your line with a pencil and a straight edge. Use a carpenter's level to ensure that the line is level

3. 
    
   Placing the end supports

   Add shelf supports on the end walls. Cut strips of 1 by 4 lumber to match the depth of your shelves. Using wall anchors, attach these to the end walls so that their top edge is even with the lines you drew in Step 2.

4. 
    

   Place shelf brackets on the back wall. The number and spacing will vary depending on the length of the shelf and the weight it will carry, but a good rule of thumb is to have one bracket every 16 inches. Brackets come in different styles and depths. The depth of your brackets will depend on the depth of your shelves. Find the studs in the wall with a stud finder, and then screw your brackets into the studs. The tops of the brackets should be at the level of the lines you marked in Step 2.

5. Cut your shelve lumber to size and place them on the brackets and end supports. Attach with screws to the brackets if you wish, and paint or stain to match your decor.