How to Build an Open Display Shelving Unit
Looking for a cool way to display your kid’s collectibles, books, photos and accomplishments? Do it in style with this fun DIY multi-tiered shelf.
DAN WHITEHEAD
We painted our shelf in a variety of colors to match this totally cool collection of unicorns.
DAN WHITEHEAD
Tools and Materials
- (3) 1x8 x 8’
- wood glue
- miter saw
- drill and a Robertson drill bit
- (28) 2” wood screws
- 220-grit sandpaper
- cotton rag
- measuring tape
- safety glasses
- paint, paintbrushes and paint trays
- speed square
- (4) 6” decorative furniture feet
- (12) 5/8” wood screws
- (2) 2” corner brace
Step 1: Cut Wood
DAN WHITEHEAD
Cut the lumber to the following sizes:
(4) 1x8 @ 36” [Pieces A,B,C,D]
(7) 1x8 @ 12-1/2” [Pieces E,F,G,H,I,J,K]
Step 2: Lay Out Shelves
DAN WHITEHEAD
DAN WHITEHEAD
DAN WHITEHEAD
DAN WHITEHEAD
Lay out the 1x8 boards in a staggered pattern, keeping the four 36” boards [A,B,C,D] on the outsides and in between the seven 12-1/2” pieces [E,F,G,H,I,J,K]. For our design, we alternated the number of cubbies on each shelf, creating a 2-3-2 pattern. Staggering the boards makes for easy assembly and better stability. Measure both sides to ensure you have equal spacing for all the cubbies. Use a speed square as a guide to ensure your boards are at a straight 90-degree angle. Once you are happy with the placement, mark the board lines using a pencil.
Step 3: Glue and Screw
DAN WHITEHEAD
DAN WHITEHEAD
DAN WHITEHEAD
DAN WHITEHEAD
DAN WHITEHEAD
Start at one end and work your way across, applying a strip of wood glue along the edge of the 12-1/2” boards, line it up with your pencil marking and carefully screw in place using two 2” wood screws. Continue until your entire shelf is complete.
NOTE: This project uses self-tapping screws. If you plan to use regular wood screws, make sure to pre-drill the holes to avoid splitting the wood, use a drill bit slightly smaller than the screw size.
Step 4: Sand It Smooth
When the entire shelf is assembled, use 220-grit sandpaper to smooth out rough corners and edges. When it’s completely smooth, wipe down the entire unit with a cotton rag to remove dust.
Step 5: Paint
DAN WHITEHEAD
Get creative and make your project unique to your space. We went for a unicorn theme so we used shades of purple and blue blended together in a feathered style. Make sure to paint in a well-ventilated space or take the project outside. Let it dry.
Step 6: Add Feet
DAN WHITEHEAD
Source four decorative furniture legs and attach them to the bottom of your shelf using 5/8” wood screws.
Step 7: Wall Hardware
To make sure our unit is securely attached to the wall and won’t fall forward, we attached two 2” corner braces to the underside of the top shelf and to the wall. Make sure you do your research and determine the best way to secure your unit to your wall type.
DAN WHITEHEAD
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