DIY Heavy Duty Shelves

Heavy duty shelves require one or more central wall brackets

Heavy duty shelves, used for storing larger and heavy items, can be made of wood that is wider and thicker than average household shelves. A 12-inch width will give plenty of room for large books like encyclopedias, and if the items are really heavy, 2-inch-thick lumber should be used, instead of the traditional1-inch-thick shelf. Strong brackets will have to be used and installed in the centers of the shelves, as well as at both ends.

Things You'll Need

• Tape measure
• Power saw
• Lumber
• Medium sandpaper
• Primer and paint
• Level
• Stud finder
• Wall brackets
• 2 1/2-inch wood screws
• Drill gun
• 3/4-inch or 1/2-inch wood screws

Instructions

1. Measure and cut the lumber to the required length using a power saw: Sand the entire shelf to remove any coarse wood or splinters.

2. Prime and paint the wood if desired; stain can also be used to change the wood color.

3. Hold a level evenly against the wall in the desired location for the shelves. Mark the top side with a pencil, creating a line on the wall. Follow this step for multiple shelves.

4. Run a stud finder along all lines and mark the central location of each vertical wall stud.

5. Install wall brackets to the studs nearest each end of the shelves: Hold each bracket to the wall, attaching it with 2 1/2-inch wood screws. Install brackets also to one or more of the central wall studs.

6. Rest the shelves on the brackets, and attach them together using 3/4-inch wood screws for 2-inch-thick shelves, or 1/2-inch wood screws for 1-inch thick shelves.

Tips & Warnings

• Always sand with the grain and never against it, as it will scratch the wood.

• Take care using a power saw and remember where the power cord is--it's easy to cut through it by mistake.

References

• "Home Shelving Guide": Build Your Own Shelves