How to Build Shelves Out of Pine

Durable pine shelves have many uses.

Pine is a common wood for building things like shelves. It is durable and attractive. Best of all, it's possible for do-it-yourselfers to produce a nice set of pine shelves that can be painted or stained it in any color or left in their natural state. Whatever your intended use, the shelves are heavy-duty. Because they are made out of pine, they are cost-effective and will last a long time.

Things You'll Need

• Measuring tape
• Drill
• Pencil
• 36-inch pine 1-by-12
• 3 33-inch pine 1-by-12s
• 2 24-inch pine 1-by-12s
• 8 paddle-type shelf brackets
• 1 ½-inch wood screws
• ½-inch wood screws
• ¼-inch pine plywood, 36 by 24 inches

Instructions

1. Measure one inch from one end of one of the 24-inch 1-by-12s and do the same to the other one, using a measuring tape. Lay them side by side, about 33 inches apart.

2. Attach a 33-inch 1-by-12 at the marks, using the longer wood screws and a drill. This will form a U shape.

3. Measure seven inches from the bottom and draw a straight line across the boards on both sides, using a pencil. Measure seven inches up from that and draw another straight line across the boards on both sides.

4. Measure one inch in from the left side of the line you just drew, and drill a shallow hole the same diameter as the paddle-type shelf brackets. Do the same thing on the right side of the same board. Do it again on the other board, and again on the other line. When you are done, you will have eight shallow holes, two along each of the lines you drew earlier.

5. Place the shelf brackets in their holes, flat sides pointing up.

6. Center the 36-inch 1-by-12 across the top of the U. Screw it in place with the longer wood screws and the drill.

7. Place the remaining 33-inch 1-by-12s across and on top of the shelf brackets.

8. Lay the unit on its face and place the plywood across the back of the unit and screw it down along the sides and top and bottom, using the shorter screws and a drill. Set it upright.

References

• Highland Woodworking: Shelves, Cabinets & Bookcases