An Organizing and Storage System for Your Wall

Figure A

Steps:

1. Measure the overall length of the wall where the shelving unit will be placed (figure A). Also measure height and depth. Use these measurements when considering a design, either one you've created or a set of plans you can purchase.

2. Cut the bottom and two side pieces with a table saw. Use a miter saw to cut 2x4s that will be used as the framework for the cabinet bottom. In this project, five pieces were cut to 16-1/2" long and three pieces to 20-1/4" long.

3. Begin the assembly of the base cabinet by attaching 2x4 cross pieces to the 1x4s (that create the base perimeter). The longer of these 1x4s will face out into the room and act as the toe kick of the cabinet (the area that allows the feet to slide under the cabinet if standing close by). Secure all the frame pieces with wood glue and 1-1/2" staples.

Figure B

4. Attach the bottom of the cabinet to the frame, first by running a bead of glue across the top of the frame, then placing the plywood (figure B) and securing the plywood with staples. Attach the two side pieces next with glue and staples.

Figure C

5. Continue the project by attaching three nailers to the cabinet. Two will be used to help support the top cabinets and secure them to the base (figure C) and one will be used to secure the unit to the wall.

Figure D

6. For the face frame, attach a center support and work your way around the front of the cabinet, attaching 1x2 pine around the perimeter, covering the cut edges of the plywood. Then attach a 1x4 piece of pine to cover the center support to complete the face frame (figure D).

Figure E

7. Cabinet doors can be bought pre-made. In this case, the doors are cut and installed. After all four 1x2s are cut to length, use a table saw to cut rabbit joints into the edge of each of the pieces. Make two passes with each piece of trim to create the size of the joint that you need (figure E).

Figure F

8. Miter cut both ends of each piece and join them with glue and nails, creating a rectangle that will be the outer frame of each door (figure F). Cut a 1/4" piece of plywood to size and insert it into the rabbit joints in the door frame, again securing with glue and nails (this action resembles inserting a piece of glass into a picture frame). Repeat the same process for three more doors. Sand for a smooth, finished look.

Figure H

9. For the shelving portion of the wall unit, you are simply constructing a pair of rectangular boxes. To make them, first attach the top piece to two side pieces with glue and 2" screws. Attach nailers to the top and bottom of the back of the unit; these nailers will be used to secure the cabinet to the wall. Finally, add 1x2 trim to the front portion of the shelving unit. Trim the 1x2 units to 5/8" width, sand to create a smooth edge, cut to length and attach (figure H).

10. Use wood putty to fill in nail holes and imperfections. Wipe down the object with a clean cloth. Continue to attach trim and apply stain until you've achieved proper form and color. Allow to dry 24 hours.

11. To install, be sure to remove baseboards, shoe molding and crown molding where the shelving will be placed. Check the base unit with a level and then attach to the wall with screws. Attach shelving units next in the same manner and follow with trim and shelving standards.

Wall shelving adds handsome functionality to most any room.

12. Attach hinges and door knobs to doors. Insert shelving clips into the standards. Attach doors and insert shelves and you are finished (figure I). This project costs around $200 and takes two days to complete.