DIY Network

Shelves for Awkward Spaces These easy shelves use every inch of space. From "Wasted Spaces" episode DWSP-311

Awkward spaces don't have to be wasted spaces.

Homeowners Marcus and Keyetta hit the storage jackpot when host Karl Champley helped them create a compact kitchen pantry that extends out into their garage through a custom wall opening. Now, they're ready to tackle some smaller storage challenges to make their kitchen and laundry as efficient as possible.

In these projects, Karl helps them create custom shelving units to fill an awkward space in the garage and utilize the end of their existing kitchen cupboards. He'll also help them dress up the area a bit with a classy wood trash can holder.

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Custom Laundry Shelves

Tools and Materials:

measuring tape level pencil screw gun circular saw step ladder work table safety glasses nail gun

paint brush, roller, tray straight edge router 3/4" birch plywood 3/4" trim primer and paint wood glue screws nails

	This shelving unit slots in next to the back of the pantry.
	Figure A

• Measure the space. The cantilevered kitchen pantry cupboard adds some much-needed storage above Marcus and Keyetta's washer and dryer, but it leaves an awkward, empty space between the pantry and the wall. Measure the available space and sketch out a design for a shelving unit that fills the gap.

  Tip: Karl suggests measuring the items to be stored – in this case, laundry detergent and other bulky items – to get the most efficient shelf heights.

• Build the Box. Use a circular saw to cut the cupboard pieces from 3/4" plywood. Assemble the basic box shape with wood glue and nails.

  Safety Alert: Always wear safety glasses and use caution when working with a circular saw, nail gun or other power tools.

• Add shelves and backing. Use wood glue and nails to attach the shelves and backing to the basic box.

• Trim and paint. Use a finish nailer to attach 3 /4" wood trim to all exposed edges on the front of the unit. Prime and paint as desired.

• Install the shelves. Locate and mark the position of the wall studs. Position the shelving unit on the wall, adjust for level and plumb, and attach by driving screws through the box into the studs (figure A).

Rounded End Shelves

Tools and Materials:

measuring tape level pencil drill screw gun circular saw safety glasses work table safety glasses nail gun

iron or heat gun veneer roller rags plastic gloves oak plywood 1" iron-on oak veneer screws nails oak stain dark wood glue

• Sketch out a design. This small, rounded shelving unit will fit on the blank end of the kitchen cabinets. Located right by the kitchen door, it will be a perfect place to drop keys, cell phones and other small carry-along items. Measure the depth and height of the cabinet to get the correct dimensions and sketch out a design.

• Cut wood. Use a circular saw to cut oak plywood to the correct dimensions for the shelves. The two flat "walls" of the unit will be the same height and width as the end panel of the kitchen cabinet.

  Tip: Measure the thickness of the plywood and make one of the shelves narrower than the other by that measurement. This will cause the unit to be correctly squared up when assembled.
  

  	Figure B
  	Figure C
  	Figure D

• Attach the two sides. Use wood glue and nails to attach the two side panels at a 90-degree angle. The slightly narrower panel should butt up against the wider one so the final structure is the same width on both sides.

• Cut rounded shelves. Measure the inside width on the inside of the unit from the joint to the edge. Cut a piece of plywood in a circle with this radius, then cut the circle into four quarter-circles. This yields four potential shelves for the unit.

• Install shelves. Use wood glue and nails to attach the shelves to the sides (figure B). Make sure the shelves are straight and level before nailing.

• Trim the unit. Cut lengths of iron-on oak veneer to size and apply according to the manufacturer's instructions (figure C). Once the veneer is set, trim the veneer with a utility knife.

• Stain the wood. Wearing plastic gloves, stain the wood to match the surrounding cabinetry.

• Install the shelves. Mount the shelves by driving screws through the existing cabinet into the side of the unit (figure D). Level and plumb the shelves before securing. Make sure to use screws that are the right length to go into – but not through – the side of the shelving unit.