How to Install Rain Gutter Bookshelves

Rain gutters can be used inside the home, too -- to hold books.

Bookshelves made from vinyl rain gutters are inexpensive and quick to make. A child's room is the perfect place to install eye-level and easy-to-reach shelves. They are not meant to hold a lot of books as with traditional shelving, just a few books and possibly some stuffed toys. Children seem to be drawn to the books when their front covers are more visible. With basic skills and tools, you can install a couple of shelves in a matter of hours.

Things You'll Need

• Vinyl rain gutters
• Tape measure
• Marker pen
• Hacksaw
• Sandpaper
• Glue
• Gutter end caps
• Pencil
• Stud finder tool
• Gutter support brackets
• Drill
• Wood screws
• Carpenter's level

Instructions

1. Figure out where you want to place the bookshelves, then stretch a tape measure along a section of rain gutter to the desired length and mark with a marker pen. Do this at least two more times on the gutter piece, then connect the dots to give you a good, straight reference line.

2. Rest the gutter on a flat surface and cut it along the reference line with a hacksaw. Smooth the cut end with sandpaper and then attach a cap to each end with glue.

3. Hold the gutter against the wall to decide on the location and height of the shelf. Make a small pencil mark on the wall at each end as a reference. Set the gutter aside.

4. Run a stud finder tool along the wall to locate the studs. Start at the left reference mark and, as you move toward the right, place a small mark at the stud closest to the left end mark. Do the same for the right end.

5. Hold the gutter at the desired height using your end reference marks. Check the positioning to ensure that when the brackets are attached, they will be toward the ends and connected to a stud. The gutter may have to be moved one way or the other for its final position. Place a small mark at the stud on the left end to indicate the top of the shelf and where to put the bracket. Set the gutter aside.

6. Attach a bracket at this mark using a drill and a wood screw. Snap the gutter into this bracket. Snap a bracket onto the other end of the gutter and hold the gutter horizontal against the wall.

7. Set a carpenter's level on the gutter to check for level. Once it is level, place another mark at the stud on the right end. Screw the bracket into the wall at this mark. Now the gutter shelf is ready to hold books and toys.

Tips & Warnings

• For shelves longer than 5 feet, place another bracket in the middle of the gutter.

• This project is easier when another person holds the gutter while it is being checked for level.

• If you want, spray-paint the gutter to match or enhance the room's decor.

References

• Family Fun: Rain Gutter Bookshelves

Resources

• Raising Olives: Rain Gutter Book Shelves: Tutorial