Ready to give your home the custom-built look it’s missing with a set of DIY floor-to-ceiling shelves?
Painting vs. Staining
The instructions below are written with the intent to paint the shelves.
Before cutting them to length, rip the remainder of your plywood sheet into two more full 8-foot pieces.
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This should yield six pieces total with some small scrap leftover.
What you do with the remaining four pieces is totally up to you and your needs.
Start by aligning the edge of a horizontal board with the top side of a vertical piece.
Wipe away excess glue.
Repeat this process on the other side of the top, then again for the bottom piece.
Wipe away excess glue.
Failure to do so will result in uneven shelves.
Rip the Backer
Once constructed, your shelf unit should measure 96 inches by 31 1/2 inches.
This will also be the exact dimension of your backer, made from 1/2-inch plywood.
Rip to size using a table saw or circular saw.
Drill pilot holes and screw into place.
Placing once screw every 10 to 12 inches will be sufficiently strong.
This will allow you to see the position of the horizontal boards even after they’ve been covered.
Wipe Away Excess Glue
Flip the shelf unit over and wipe away all excess glue.
Screw the Shelf to the Wall
Screw the shelf into the wall using 3-inch wood screws.
This is most easily done by marking a straight vertical line and cutting with an oscillating multitool.
Align the board at the top of the shelf against the ceiling and flush with each edge.
Repeat on the horizontal edge against the floor.
For this reason, always wear eye protection and keep your free hand out of harm’s way.
Glue and nail in place.
This should result in each edge of the 1x2 sitting flush with each cabinet’s inner lip.
Align the vertical pieces to sit flush with the top of each shelf and overhang the bottom.
Glue and nail each piece in place.
Additionally, opting for a more intricate bit will make it look more traditional.
Take this time to fill any large gaps that couldn’t be easily filled with caulk.
Let the wood filler dry according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
Caulk the Joints
For the most professional painted finish, every single joint should be caulked.
This includes all of the joints around the top and bottom of each shelf.
Wipe smooth with a damp cloth.
Apply the primer according to the manufacturer’s instructions and sand if specified, removing all dust once complete.
Paint the Shelves
Paint your shelves to fit your desired aesthetic.
White will offer that classic built-in look, while going dark and moody will give them a modern twist.
