Designing Your Own Shelves

Adjustable do it yourself shelves

For wood shelves that are adjustable, use a simple dado for side support. Make deep cuts on the dado at your desired intervals where you want the shelves to be inserted. Notch the shelves to conceal the dado cuts. If you are planning on having long shelves, using removable pinned joints can add strength and stability to the shelves.

Another way you can make adjustable shelves is to make 90-degree and 45-degree cuts on the dado and the shelves, such that they fit together exactly on the slots. However, this kind of shelving is not strong enough to hold heavy loads. The use of notches is still the recommended kind, which, aside from functionality and utility, adds to the improved appearance and aesthetic appeal of the shelves.

Making your own shelves

To create your own shelves, you will need a 1' x 4' board for the base. Drill holes on the board at 3/4-inch intervals, then cut down the board in the middle to make two end supports for shelves Make sure that holes are drilled exactly the same for both pieces so that they will attach well to the wall. To make a neat finish, carefully sand the boards. This same procedure can also be applied when making deep, sliding shelves in closets. The end of each shelf is curved and sanded so that it fits snugly into the shelf support.

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