Constructing a Built-In Shelving Unit

Measure the height and width of the area where you'll install your shelving. For easy installation, build the basic unit 1inch shorter than the height of your ceiling. Remove the baseboards. You'll cut them to fit around the shelving unit and reinstall them when everything is nailed in place.

Mark and cut the two side panels 1 inch shorter than your floor-to-ceiling measurement. Cut the shelving-unit top, bottom and shelves 1 1/2 inches shorter than the unit's overall width. Measure and cut four 2x2 frame supports that also are 1 1/2 inches shorter than the unit's width.

Using scrap pegboard as a guide, drill pairs of 1/4-inch holes along the inside of each side panel. Space pairs of holes about 9 inches apart horizontally and every 2 inches vertically. Drill the holes 3/8 inches deep, and use a depth-stop bit attachment or a scrap block of wood as a guide to make sure you don't drill all the way through.

Paint or finish the wood as you like before you assemble the unit. Then attach the side panels to the ends of the frame supports. Drive 6d finish nails through the sides and into the end grain of the frame supports.

Tilt the unit into position flush against the wall. Using 3-inch wallboard screws and a screw gun, screw through the top rear frame support into the wall studs and through the bottom frame supports into the floor.