How to Build an Open-Backed Shelving Unit
Open-backed shelving units provide storage without visually weighing down small rooms and making them appear smaller. These units are often used as room dividers to display eclectic mixtures of decorations and books. You can make an open-backed shelving unit for your living space and customize it to fit your needs. Does this Spark an idea?
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Things You'll Need
- Table saw with dado set
- 2 boards, 1-by-6-inch, 48 inches long
- Tape measure
- 2 boards, 1-by-6-inch, 32 inches long
- 3 boards, 1-by-6-inch, 31 inches long
- Box of flush-trim wood screws
- Screw gun
- Fine-grit sandpaper
- Oil-based combination stain/sealer
- Paintbrush
Instructions
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Set up a table saw with the dado set to make a cut 1/4-inch deep by 3/4-inch wide.
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Measure along the length of each 48-inch board and mark it at 12, 24, and 36 inches. These are the side boards for the shelving unit. The marks indicate the positions for the shelves.
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Cut a groove, or dado, that is 1/4-inch deep by 3/4-inch wide in one side of each board at each mark, with the table saw. The dados will provide support for the shelves.
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Stand the side boards parallel to each other on a work surface. Position the outside surfaces 32 inches apart, with the dado grooves facing inside.
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Position the 32-inch boards across the ends of the sides. These are the top and bottom boards for the shelving. Align the length of each 32-inch board flush with the ends of the side boards.
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Slide the 31-inch boards into the pairs of dado grooves to create the shelves.
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Drive four evenly spaced flush-trim wood screws through the outside of the side boards and into the ends of the shelves with a screw gun. Use four screws per shelf end.
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Fasten the top and bottom boards to the sides by driving four evenly spaced screws through the outside of the side boards and into the ends of the top and bottom boards. Use four screws per end.
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9
Sand the shelving unit with fine sandpaper until it's smooth to the touch.
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10
Apply a combination stain-and-sealer oil finish to the shelving unit with a paintbrush. Allow the finish to dry at least four hours before handling and 72 hours before use.
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Tips & Warnings
Paint the shelving unit an accent color to showcase the piece in your room.
Wear eye protection when working with wood.
