How to Build Shelves for a Van

If your van is a simple shell with a driver and passenger seat and not much else, you may wish to customize it. Shelves are useful for storage, to keep the contents of a mini camper, rolling workshop or craft sales transport organized and protected while the van is in motion. The best shelves will have a lip in front, to prevent items rolling or sliding off the shelves around turns or in sudden stops. Van shelves should also have a back panel to prevent items falling through the space between the shelf and the van wall.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Power drill, 1/8-inch diameter metal-drilling bit Wood-drilling bits: 1/8 inch, 1/4 inch and 1/2 inch diameter Countersink bit Board, 3/4 by 6 inches by 8 feet long L-shaped wall mounts Box of machine screws with matching fender washer and lock washer 1 box of 1-inch wood screws Miter box and back saw Ratchet driver set with screwdriver bits Medium, fine and extra fine sandpaper or sanding belts Your choice of paint or finish Sanding blocks or belt sander Right-angle grinder, grinding disk

1. Decide how many shelves you need and how much vertical space between shelves is necessary for storage. Decide whether to hang your shelves on the back or along the walls of the van.

2. Cut wood to desired shelf lengths. The easiest length to use is the entire length of the van. You could also decide to stop and start the shelves between the inside beams of the van.

3. Mark desired shelf height on the wall beams inside the van. Cut two side supports for your shelf unit, as long as the distance from the floor of your van to the ceiling. Miter as needed for the best fit between floor and ceiling.

4. Mark shelf positions on the side supports you cut in Step 3. Drill two 1/8-inch diameter pilot holes in each side support for each shelf, about five inches apart from the front of the shelf unit to the side that will be against the van wall. Drill matching 1/8-inch diameter pilot holes in the ends of each shelf. Countersink all holes. Assemble the shelf unit using wood screws. Sand screws flush if needed, using a right-angle grinder and metal grinding disk.

5. Sand and finish the shelf unit using paint or your choice of stains, varnishes or clear acrylic coatings. Mount the shelf unit to the wall using L-shaped wall mounts and machine screws.

Resources

• Customizing Your Business Vehicle
• Building Storage Shelves
• Woodworking and Cabinetry Projects