How Do I Build Shelving With 2x4s?
- 1). Calculate the size of the shelf by measuring the width of the wall on which you will install the shelves with a tape measure. If you have the room, your shelf may be as large as 96 inches long, 12 inches wide and 76 inches high.
- 2). Set the guide on the table saw to 2 inches. Split two of the 2-by-4s down their lengths, to make four 2-by-2 boards.
- 3). Measure an 8-foot length on the wall with the tape measure. Mark where each end of the shelf will rest with the pencil.
- 4). Measure up from the floor and make a mark at 4 inches. Continue to measure up the wall, making a second mark at 28 inches, a third mark at 52 inches and a fourth mark at 76 inches.
- 5). Place the level horizontally on each mark and trace the line with your pencil. The pencil lines indicate where each shelf will be located.
- 6). Place one of your cut 2-by-2 boards on the line at the 4-inch mark and secure it to the studs in the wall with screws, using the power drill to create guide holes first. Secure the remaining 2-by-2 boards on the lines at 28 inches, 52 inches and 76 inches.
- 7). Measure two 2-by-4 boards to a length of 76 inches. Cut the boards to this length with the circular saw.
- 8). Measure the 76-inch 2-by-4s and make a mark at 4 inches, 28 inches and 54 inches.
- 9). Place the two 2-by-4 boards on their ends, parallel to each other. Set the remaining 2-by-4 boards on the pencil marks between the parallel boards. Drill two holes into each board using the power drill.
- 10
Secure the boards together with screws. - 11
Set the guide on the table saw to 12 inches. Cut four 12-inch strips from the 4-by-8 sheet of plywood. - 12
Set the front of the shelf unit in front of the wall. The distance from the wall should be 12 inches. - 13
Set one of the 12-inch strips of plywood on the bottom section of the shelf unit. Secure the plywood to the 2-by-4 boards with screws. Repeat this step to secure the remaining strips of plywood to the shelf unit already attached to the wall.
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