How to Build a Storage Wall Unit

A wall unit can handle a good bit of storage, but in building one you need to consider how much weight the storage unit needs to hold. The wider the unit, the less weight it will hold before the shelves begin to sag. The best way to strengthen shelves is to use a combination of solid lumber for the shelves and a 1 1/2-inch strip secured to the front edge.

Things You'll Need

• 4 pieces 12-by-24-by-3/4-inch plywood
• 4 pieces 2-by-24-by-3/4-inch plywood
• Wood glue
• Hammer
• 4d finish nails (1½-inch long)
• 2 pieces 12-by-30-by-3/4-inch plywood
• Framing square
• 1 piece 25 ½-by-30-by-¼-inch plywood
• 3/4-inch tacks
• 2 pieces 1-by-2-by-30-inch lumber
• 4 pieces 1-by-2-by-22 1/2-inch lumber
• 4 36-inch bar clamps
• Variable speed drill
• Philips head screw tip
• 3-inch deck screws

Instructions

1. Place the four pieces of 12-by-24-by-3/4-inch plywood and the 2-inch strips the same length on a worktable. Apply glue to one of the long edges of the 2-inch strips and place one of the 12-inch pieces on it with the strip flush with the long edge of the 12-inch piece. Secure the strip to the 12-inch piece with the finish nails. Repeat this for the other three pieces. These will give the shelves added strength.

2. Place the two pieces of 12-by-30-by-3/4-inch plywood on the worktable. Measure from one end of the plywood and make marks at 9 3/4, 10 1/2, 19 1/2 and 20 1/4. Place the framing square on the marks and draw lines across the width of the two pieces of plywood. These are the end panels of the wall storage unit.

3. Apply glue to the edges of one of the shelves from Step 1. Place it between the two pieces from Step 2 at one end. Be certain that the 2-inch strip is also between the two pieces. Secure the shelf to the ends with the finish nails. Repeat this process on the other end of the end panels.

4. Apply glue to the edges of one of the remaining shelves, place it on the lines drawn in Step 2 and secure it with the finish nails. Repeat this with the remaining shelf.

5. Turn the wall storage unit over so that the 2-inch strips are facing up. Apply glue to the edges of the shelves and end panels, secure the 25 1/2-by-30-by-1/4-inch piece onto the unit with the 3/4-inch tacks. Turn the unit over so it is on its back.

6. Apply glue to the front edges of the end panels and the shelves. Place the two pieces of 1-by-2-by-30-inch lumber on the end panels of the storage unit. Next, place the four pieces of 1-by-2-by-22 1/2-inch lumber between the two 30-inch pieces and align them with the top edge of the shelves. Place bar clamps at each of the shelves and tighten them to pull the lumber together to form a frame. Secure the frame to the wall storage unit with the finish nails. Don't try to drive nails around the bar clamps yet. Wait for the glue to dry, remove the clamps and drive nails through the frame into the shelves.

Tips & Warnings

• Clean excess glue immediately with a damp cloth.

• Attach the unit onto the wall through the 2-inch strips and into the studs in the wall with 3-inch deck screws.

• Sand the wall storage unit in preparation of a finish.

• Do not leave power tools unattended in the presence of children.

• Do not paint or stain the storage unit without proper ventilation.

Resources

• How to Build a Wall Mounted Desk Storage Unit
• How to Build a Storage Shelf