Simple steps to building a basic shelving unit

Do DIY like a pro — our expert Henry Durham gives step-by-step guides to successfully carrying out a string of tasks and what tools and materials you need.

Looking for a simple and inexpensive way to neatly store all the extra stuff in your house?

Building a basic utility shelf unit is a small project you can do yourself to get your home organized.

These shelves will put an end to haphazardly stowing away and stacking things in your garage and basement.

Step one: Prep and plan. Before you even pick up a piece of wood, take a look at what you need to store and where you plan to put the shelves.

This will help you determine the exact dimensions of your new shelving unit.

You can calculate how much wood you will need by following these simple rules.

The top and bottom sections should be the same length, the two sides should be the same length and each shelf should be 1.5ins shorter than the top and bottom pieces. Remember, these shelves are going in your utility areas so looks are not that important — sturdiness is. Keep that in mind when you start.

Step two: Measure twice, cut once. Mark the measurements on your boards with a pencil line. Using c-clamps, attach the board to sawhorses, a sturdy table or a workbench, positioning your pencil line just off the edge.

Double-check your measurements.

Carefully cut the wood using a handsaw or circular saw. Sand the rough-cut edges with sandpaper.

Always take proper safety precautions when working with a saw.

If you are using a circular saw, be sure to wear protective eyewear.

You may also want to wear a facemask to keep from inhaling sawdust.

Step three: Assembly required.

Glue the ends of the two side pieces to the inside edge of the bottom piece with wood glue. Once the glue dries, attach the top piece in the same way.

After gluing the unit together, use woodscrews to mount the top and bottom pieces to the sides.

This will make your shelves sturdier.

Mark a dot in each corner of the top and bottom pieces of wood about 1.5ins to 2ins from the top and bottom edges and about 3/8ins from the outside edges.

Using a drill bit that is a little smaller in diameter than your flathead wood screws, drill holes at each of the marks through the top and bottom pieces into the side pieces.

Doing this before you install the screws should keep the wood from splitting.

Put the screws in and tighten with a screwdriver.

Step four: Bracket it. Determine the placement of the shelves and, using a ruler, mark a line on each side of the unit.

Screw in L-brackets so that the top of the bracket is level to the line you just drew. Use two brackets per side.

Now slide the shelves in so that they rest on the brackets.

You can attach the shelves to the brackets for more stability.

If you have made a tall shelving unit, you should attach at least one of the middle shelves to the L-brackets for extra support.

If the shelf is extra wide, consider using L-brackets on the top and bottom pieces for stability.

Step five: Finishing touches.
For a more finished look, give your shelves a couple coats of paint or you can use a wood stain.

Congratulations! In just a couple of hours, you have created a customized shelving unit to organize your utility room.