Common questions

How to build a closet shelf?

by Bobbi Devlin

How to build a closet shelf?

Remove everything from the closet including old shelves you will no longer be using.

  • Cut the strips of MDF to the correct length for your shelves.
  • It is easiest to paint all of the pieces of wood for your closet shelves before installing them.
  • Cut two side supports for each shelf from 1″x2″ pine boards. These should be 14″ long or the depth of your shelves if you are using different measurements.
  • Make sure that each shelf support is level. Attach each side support to the side walls of the closet at the appropriate height by nailing them into the studs.
  • If you are building simple shelves rather than cubbies,you also need to add a long shelf support along the back wall of the closet.
  • To create the cubby dividers,cut more MDF to size. Each cubby divider should be the height of your shelves x the depth of your shelves. (Mine were 14″x14″.)
  • Hold the bottom cubby dividers in place and use a level to ensure they are straight.
  • To finish off the closet shelves,add strips of 1″x2″ poplar to the front of each shelf and cubby divider.
  • Fill any nail holes with spackling. Once it is dry,sand it smooth.
  • Caulk all of the seams and then touch up the paint as needed.

    • How to install closet shelving?

    1) Measure Your Space. Before you begin, you will want to clear out the closet and measure the space. This will help ensure you purchase the right closet shelves. 2) Attach Hanger Rails. Use a stud finder to find the wall studs then use a pencil to mark the wall. This is where you will hang the unit. 3) Install Uprights. Once you’ve attached the hanger rails, it’s time to install the uprights. Attach the uprights to the hanger rails. 4) Install Shelves. Now, you’ll begin to add the shelves. Add the shelf brackets onto the uprights and snap them into place. 5) Add Optional Shelving

    What kind of wood to use for closet shelves?

    Solid Wood. Unless you’re putting extremely heavy things on your closet shelves, solid wood should be adequate for the task. Spruce is a softwood that is one of the less expensive woods available on the market, and, although it is not as strong as some hardwoods, will probably support anything you want to place on it.

    How do you build a closet?

    The first step is to build a closet frame and fasten it to the surrounding walls. Next, you will trim the door opening and install the door(s) of your choice. Finally, you will hang the closet rods or customize the interior with rods, shelving, drawers, and any other accessories you desire.