How to Create CD Storage

A good CD storage shelf cannot only hold CDs, but also all kinds of other media, including DVDs, backup disks, paperback books and other things, while taking up relatively little space. However, if your collection is particularly extensive, you may need a larger shelf to keep your things organized, and neatly labeled. You can save some money, and make a large CD shelf for your home or office with little time or effort. Once your supplies are ready, and boards cut to length, the construction of your new shelf can be finished in about an hour.

Things You'll Need

• Two, 1-by-8 inch boards, 5 feet long
• Tape measure
• Pencil
• Five, 1-by-8 inch boards, 3 feet long
• Hammer
• Nails
• Three, 2-by-2 inch boards, 8 inches long
• One, 1-by-10 inch board, 3 feet, 4 inches long
• One, 1-inch plywood piece, 5 feet by 38 inches (optional)
• Sandpaper
• Wood stain or paint (optional)

Instructions

1. Lean the two 5-foot boards against a wall. Using the tape measure and pencil, measure 11 inches down from the top of the boards, and mark a horizontal line across the width of the boards. Mark your next horizontal line 12 inches down from the first. Continuing for the next two marks down, this should leave you with 13 inches from the last line to the bottom of the boards.

2. Turn the side boards to face one another with the pencil lines on the inside. Space the boards 3 feet apart. Have a friend help hold the boards while you add the shelves. Set a 3-foot board down to create the bottom of the shelves. The board should rest flat on the floor, and flush with the bottom edges of the two side boards. Nail through the sides, spacing nails 3 inches apart, and into the shelf to attach it.

3. Line up the next 3-foot shelf with the bottom marked line on the side boards. The top edge of the shelf should run along the line. Nail the shelf into place. Align the other end of the shelf to the opposite side board marked line and nail, as well. Repeat the process to add the other three shelves.

4. Turn the unit to lie on its back on the floor. Set a 2-by-2 board on the bottom of the shelves at both ends, half under the side board, and half under the shelf, and one directly in the center of the bottom shelf. Nail through the shelf to attach the 2-by-2 inch "feet" of the shelves. Sand the bottom edges of the "feet" if the unit will not be set on carpet, or add felt self-adhesive felt pads. Stand the shelves back up.

5. Set the top 1-by-10 inch board over the set of shelves. Align the top so there is a one inch overhang on all sides. Nail down through the top, and into the side boards, using three nails on each side. If desired, add a backing with your piece of plywood. The plywood should cover the entire back of the shelves, and rest just under the overhang of the top. Nail through the back, and into the side boards and shelves to attach.

6. Sand the CD shelf until smooth to the touch to prevent splinters. Apply wood stain or paint as desired to finish the piece, or leave in a natural wood state.

Tips & Warnings

• For a large CD collection, you may find it useful to organize the cases alphabetically. This will allow you to find certain CDs quickly and easily.

• Always remember to wear the appropriate protective equipment for any project.

References

• Free Plans for CD Cabinets, Towers, and Tables
• Build a Smaller Unit With Dividers

Resources

• Don't Have Time to Build, Shop Online