The Spruce / Jacob Fox
There’s no better way toorganize a closetthan to add shelves across the back.
This project combines inexpensive closet system parts with a wood shelf for a custom look.
This single-tier, fully adjustable DIY closet shelf is perfect for clothing, shoes, or other lightweight items.
The Spruce / Jacob Fox
Before You Begin
Install slotted vertical metal rails on the closet’s back wall.
Safety Considerations
The loaded weight limit for each shelf is 45 pounds per linear foot.
Meant forsmall closets, this shelf will hold lightweight items like clothing or kitchenware.
The Spruce / Jacob Fox
Most shelves are 12 to 24 inches down from the ceiling.
Measure down from the ceiling and lightly mark the shelf height in several places.
Want more home reno project tips and inspiration?
The Spruce / Jacob Fox
Locate the Studs
Run thestud finderacross the closet’s back wall to locate the studs.
In most cases, they will be 16 inches apart, but sometimes 24 inches apart.
Mark the centers of the studs near the top of the wall.
The Spruce / Jacob Fox
Mark the Vertical Rail Locations
Measure 3 inches down from the ceiling at each stud.
This is the start of the top of the vertical shelf rails.
Keep the measurement consistent across the back of the closet.
The Spruce / Jacob Fox
Attach the Vertical Shelf Rails
Attach each vertical shelf rail to a stud.
Drive a 2-inch screw into the top screw hole in the rail.
Leave the rail loose while you find the stud’s location at the bottom end of the rail.
The Spruce / Jacob Fox
Drive a second 2-inch screw at the bottom.
Add two more screws at equal distances in each rail.
Attach the Shelf Brackets
Attach shelf brackets to the vertical rails at the desired shelf height.
The Spruce / Jacob Fox
Press each bracket firmly in place by hand.
Finish by gently tapping down the bracket.
To protect the bracket, either use a rubber mallet or a hammer and a scrap two-by-four.
The Spruce / Jacob Fox
Cut the Shelf to Fit the Closet
Measure the closet’s width.
Transfer that measurement, minus 1/2-inch, to the wood shelf.
Cut the shelf with the circular saw.
The Spruce / Jacob Fox
Tip
Run a strip ofpainter’s tapeover the intended cut line to protect the laminate from chipping.
Place the Shelf on the Brackets
Place the shelf on the brackets.
Leave a 1/4-inch gap on each side, between the shelf and the closet’s side walls.
The Spruce / Jacob Fox
At the back of the bracket, drive a 2-inch screw.
Repeat for all brackets.
First, confirm the required screw length by measuring the depths of the screw holes in the bracket.
The screw should sink 1/2-inch into the bottom of the shelf.
It can be stained and sealed or painted.
Particleboard (MDF) is also an inexpensive material for building shelves.
Plywood is a stronger material than MDF for building closet shelves.
However, as long as MDF is properly supported, it’s a good material for shelves, too.
