- 1). Measure the length and width of one of the largest items you wish to store on the shelf to get an idea of how long and deep the wooden shelf must be to suit your needs. Place the measuring tape horizontally along the length of the item and add an inch to the measurement, as well as measuring the width of the item and adding an inch to get the total depth dimension for the shelf.
- 2). Draw a rectangle on the plywood sheet using the pencil, a ruler and the two measurements from the previous step. The rectangle must measure the length by the desired depth gathered in the previous step to get a custom shelf suited for your specific item. A typical shelf depth is around 10 to 14 inches depending on your personal needs. One rectangle creates one shelf, so draw additional rectangles for each additional shelf you wish to build. Use the ruler to make the lines even, so you get straight 90-degree angled shelves.
- 3). Use the table saw to cut out each shelf you have drawn on the plywood sheet. Slide the sandpaper along the edges of the shelves to remove splinters and cracks.
- 4). Slide the wall stud finder across the wall where you want to mount a shelf. Draw a pencil mark when a stud is located by the device. Find at least two studs per shelf. Studs run vertically, so once you've found two, you can use those studs as guides to stack shelves several inches apart, if desired.
- 5). Line one bracket up to one pencil mark directly on the wall. Use the level to ensure the bracket is vertical. Drill the bracket to the wall using the 3-inch screws. Repeat the installation step with a second bracket, but ensure they are evenly aligned. Aim for an even 180-degree placement, so the shelf items do not fall or roll off.
- 6). Lay the shelf on top of the two brackets and line it up so it is evenly placed on the two brackets. Use the pencil to make small pencil marks on the bottom-end of the shelf through the brackets’ installation holes. Remove the shelf from the brackets.
- 7). Drill starter holes in the plywood shelf using the one-sixteenth-thick drill bit, so it matches your chosen half-inch long screws. Do not drill through the shelf itself, but only about one-quarter inch through the thickness of the shelf. The half-inch screws will be screwed in using the screwdriver.
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