21 ways to make a rack with your own hands

Despite modern design solutions, over the years the rack is a universal option for storing things. But it’s not even about convenience or comfort. The aesthetic component also plays an important role here, because good shelving fits perfectly into almost any interior. You don’t have to spend money on buying such furniture, since you can make a wooden shelving unit with your own hands, without any carpentry skills.

DIY wooden rack

What you need to create the perfect shelving

Decide what you will store there. If these are heavy things, then a rack reinforced with a cross or a back wall is more suitable for you, but not a structure with ropes.
Be sure to measure the place where the shelving will stand. This advice may seem obvious to you, but it will allow you to use the space as efficiently as possible. Mark the dimensions with masking tape directly on the wall to get an idea of what size shelving you need.
Make a drawing or at least a quick pencil sketch if you don't fully understand the design. This way you will better understand the structure of parts and connections. It's easier to redraw than to redo the entire rack.
Stock up on tools . Think about what you can borrow from friends or rent.
Cut boards and other materials directly at a hardware store if you don't have a circular saw. Many large sites provide this service. It is impossible to make a long cut perfectly evenly with a hacksaw.
When choosing a workplace, keep in mind that power tools make a lot of noise . Make sure that angry neighbors don't start banging on the wall.
Cover things that should not get dirty with a covering film. After all, the dust from sanding wood will settle in an even layer on all surfaces in the room.
Use a vacuum cleaner to reduce mess when drilling holes in wood and walls.
Do not forget to use protective equipment when working: a respirator, safety glasses and gloves.
Call an assistant . It's convenient to have someone hold the shelving wall while you screw it on. If you still want to work alone, get a couple of clamps.
Attach the shelving unit to the wall with anchor bolts if you have an uneven floor or have small children or pets at home. Details are below, in the instructions for the rack on ropes.

Please remember that the following are just examples of work. You can change sizes and materials. Please note that the load must match the design. Check with the store to see if the size and type of material you choose is suitable for the weight of the items you will be storing there.

What to consider when planning a storage system in the utility room

As we have already said, it is important to think about what exactly you want to keep in the closet and relate it to the area. If it is small, then it is better to equip spacious mezzanines, and put drawers or baskets below for items that you use less often than others. This option is not suitable for building materials.

When calculating the depth of the shelves, do not get carried away. Remember that you need to leave free space between them so that it is convenient for you to enter, take something, turn around, and take out large objects. It is advisable that the passage occupies at least 70 cm. In a room with a high ceiling and an upper tier directly below it, provide space for a stepladder or ladder.

Measure the longest containers that you plan to put away for storage, and make several compartments just for them.

A few more tips for arranging storage shelving in an apartment

Straight shelves without intermediate supports are only suitable for small closets with a distance of no more than 2 m from wall to wall. Otherwise, the board will sag.
The width of the ledges increases from top to bottom; the heaviest things need to be removed downwards. This is due to safety and convenience.
Use the rule: the larger the load, the thicker the material (this applies to wood, plywood), the more fastenings and the smaller the gap between the support posts.
The optimal mezzanine width for cans with blanks is 30 cm or more.
It is preferable to fix light equipment against the wall; massive structures are stable due to their weight.
Take care of separate lighting for the pantry, do it before starting other work.
Before installing storage systems, the utility room must be prepared: thoroughly cleaned, if possible, level the walls, re-paste them, paint or tile them.
If necessary, cover the walls with antiseptic impregnations to protect against mold.
If the room will be open, paint its walls in bright colors that match the surrounding interior.

Taking into account all the tips and features of your room, draw a sketch of the future closet indicating the design parameters and start creating it.

How to make a classic shelving unit with solid walls

Classic shelving is reinforced with a solid frame on the outside, and sometimes also with a back wall. This design will withstand heavy loads, such as full shelves of books.

What do you need

Plywood sheet 2×125×250 cm;
plywood sheet 0.6×125×250 cm;
three slats 2.5x5x250 cm;
one rail 2.5×8×250 cm;
a circular saw;
pencil;
long ruler and tape measure;
jig for drilling ends (if any);
drill with a diameter of 3 mm;
clamps;
drill;
hammer or nail gun;
confirmations and nails;
220 P grit sandpaper;
paint and brush, wallpaper and glue (optional).

How to do

Unfold the plywood sheets and battens onto the following elements.

Frame:

two side walls 2×30×180 cm;
five shelves 2x30x70 cm;
top of the rack 2×30×75 cm;
back wall 0.6×75×180 cm;
bottom plug 2.5×8×70 cm.

Facial finishing:

two vertical slats 2.5×5×170 cm;
two horizontal slats 2.5x5x75 cm.

Let us remind you: if you do not have a circular saw, you can cut the elements to the desired size at a hardware store.