DIY Network

Recessed Shelving Create custom displays for treasured collectibles. From "Wasted Spaces" episode DWSP-308

Like most die-hard collectors, Mark collects things he likes. From die-cast cars to baseball caps to military memorabilia, everything reflects a part of his personality. To tame the clutter in his office/den, Karl Champley helps Mark create custom displays for his favorite miniature cars and cherished caps. Since Mark is an avid artist, they'll also build a rotating art display for his favorite works as well as a storage-loaded desk.

Recessed shelving that's built to fit...

gives collectibles the star treatment.

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Recessed Shelving Unit

Tools: safety glasses carpenter’s pencil drywall saw razor knife hammer reciprocating saw brad nailer screw gun level circular saw chop saw paint trays, brushes

Materials: wood glue plywood birch plywood for the desk nails wood trim sandpaper paint and primer plywood strips screws acrylic for shelves battery-operated lights double-sided tape

	Karl used this same process – on a larger scale – to build recessed shelving in the hallway.
	Figure A
	Figure B
	Figure C
	Figure D

• Determine unit size and location. Decide the desired size for the recessed shelving unit and the approximate placement on the wall. Avoid putting the unit directly above or below wall switches, outlets or lighting fixtures; this will make it easier to avoid the electrical wires in the wall. Locate and mark the locations of the wall studs; the unit needs to go in between studs.

• Cut into the drywall. Use a straight edge and a razor knife to score the drywall. Use a hammer to knock a hole in the drywall inside the scored outline. Look behind the drywall to check for wiring other obstacles.

• Complete the drywall hole. If no obstacles are in the way, use a drywall saw to neatly cut around the scored line in the drywall. Avoid any electrical wiring while cutting the drywall (figure A).

• Cut the plywood. Measure and cut the plywood for the shelving unit. For the sides, Karl chose plywood that was pre-cut with grooves for the adjustable shelves, available at home improvement stores. Use the grooved wood for the sides of the box, and plain plywood for the top, bottom and back.

  Tip: Cut the grooved plywood so the grooves will line up when the piece is assembled. If the grooves are off, the shelves will be crooked.

  Safety Alert: Always wear safety glasses and use caution when working with a power saw, power nailer or any other power tool.

• Build the box. Use wood glue and a brad nailer to assemble the box. Add decorative wood trim around the face of the box; this will cover the raw plywood edges and will help hide any gaps between the box and the drywall (figure B).

• Finish the box. Sand the box and trim, then either stain or prime and paint as desired. Karl painted the box and trim white to better show off the colorful cars.

• Brace the drywall. Slip strips of plywood behind the drywall, lined up with the edges of the hole. Secure these to the drywall with screws to provide support for the recessed shelves (figure C).

• Install the unit. Slip the box into the hole in the drywall. Check the box for plumb and secure the box by nailing through the front trim and into the plywood strips behind the drywall (figure D).

• Install shelves and lighting. Karl used a sheet of acrylic from the home improvement store for the clear shelves. Each sheet yielded about six shelves. Cut the acrylic, or have the store cut it to fit. Remove the protective plastic and slip the shelves into the grooves. Use double-sided tape to adhere small, battery-operated lights to the top of the unit to better show off the contents.