How to Build Shelving in a Recessed Area
Recessed areas such as coves set into interior walls can provide you with display or storage space. The challenge is attaching the shelving, because most commercial shelving units are designed to attach to studs or anchors in the wall behind the shelf. Recessed areas generally lie between studs, leaving only drywall behind the cove. Except in the case of extremely lightweight shelves that house only lightweight items, drywall is not strong enough to provide a secure attachment for your added shelving. Does this Spark an idea?
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Things You'll Need
- Measuring tape
- Chalk
- 1-by-1-inch lumber
- ½-inch-thick wood planks
- Saw
- Bubble level
- Drill
- 1/8-inch drill bit
- 2-inch drywall screws
- Screwdriver or driver bit
- 1-inch wood screws
- Rag
Instructions
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1
Measure the depth and width of your recessed area.
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2
Measure and mark your 1-by-1-inch lumber (sometimes sold as square dowels) at the depth of your recessed space. Cut a piece this length with your saw. Continue to measure and cut this lumber until you have two pieces for every shelf you want to install.
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3
Trim the ½-inch-thick hardwood planks so they are the same depth as your recessed area's width. Cut the planks to the length of your recessed area; cut one plank for each shelf. These will provide your shelf surfaces.
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4
Measure up one side of your recessed area and mark the shelf height you want for the top of each shelf. Do the same on the other side.
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5
Set one of your 1-by-1 support pieces so the top lines up with your lowest mark. Place a bubble level on top of the wood and adjust until it is level from the front to the back of the recessed area. Draw a chalkline along the wall at the top of the support so you have a full reference line in case the support moves as you screw it in.
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6
Drill two holes in the support piece, about 1 inch in from each end of the wood, all the way through until you hit the wall stud next to your recessed area. Insert a 2-inch screw through each of these holes and tighten it with a screwdriver.
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7
Repeat the support installation process for each of your wood supports.
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8
Fasten the planks to your side supports by drilling down from the top of the shelves into the supports with wood screws.
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9
Wipe off the chalk marks with a damp rag when you are finished.
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1
Tips & Warnings
Paint or stain the shelves to match your decor. If you choose stain, use screws with brass heads for a classier look.
Hardwoods provide stronger shelf support than soft woods or plywood.
You may need thicker wood for shelving spans over 18 inches wide or for storing heavy objects.
