If you’re unsure of how to install built-in shelves, you’re not alone. The process can be intimidating, but it’s not as difficult as it seems. Here are a few steps you can take to ensure your project is successful.
Dimensioning MDF
The thickness of your MDF shelves should be determined by the thickness of the MDF sheets you are using. It is generally best to use 3/4” (18mm) MDF sheets. Thinner MDF sheets will sag more easily, while thicker ones will be more rigid. In either case, you should make sure that the supports are sturdy.
When dimensioning MDF for built-in closet shelves, it is crucial to take into account the thickness of the MDF pieces. A thick sheet of MDF will have a much smaller profile than a thinner sheet of wood. In addition, MDF sheets are typically more dense and heavier than other wood products. It is therefore essential to keep MDF out of areas with high levels of moisture, as it will warp and swell if exposed to moisture.
After determining the right thickness, you can install the shelves. The next step is to mark and measure the locations for the screws. This will help you to make sure that the shelves fit properly. Using a miter saw, you can cut the MDF boards according to your measurements. In order to make sure that each shelf is the right size, you should also use a jig and a tape measure.
Whether you are building a closet or a separate shoe storage area, you should consider the space between the shelves. Ideally, the shelves should span an average of 36”. However, if your shelves are too long and don’t have any support, they will sag over time. To avoid this problem, you can use a sagging shelving calculator. In addition, adjustable shelves should span no more than 30” or 32”. Lastly, remember to leave space between the shelves and the wall to accommodate shoes and other heavier items.
Laying out shelves
There are many factors to consider when you’re laying out built-in closet shelves. The most important one is how much space you need for each shelf. You can use a shelf as wide as 12″ if you’re only using it for small items, while a longer shelf is better for larger items.
When laying out shelves, be sure to use a level to ensure that they’re level. It’s also a good idea to use a stud finder to determine the stud locations. When mounting the shelves, you’ll need to be sure that you’re mounting them on solid studs, otherwise the shelves will stick out.
Once you’ve selected your partitions, you can start building shelves. Use the Build Cabinet/Partition tool in 3D to position the shelves on the wall. You can resize and move the shelves later. You can also move the partitions using the floor plan view. If you don’t like the way your shelves look, you can switch back to section view to move it in a different position.
If you’re planning on installing wire shelves, you’ll need to cut them to size. Before you begin cutting, you should make a detailed cut list so that you can get the right size. Cut the largest pieces first so that you’ll have more cutting materials for the smaller pieces later on.
Using a stud finder
Using a stud finder can help you make sure you are not encroaching on the studs in your wall when installing built-in closet shelves. Most stud finders are designed to find wood studs, but they may not detect metal studs. This is because many metals are not magnetic. However, you can use a stud finder that is specifically designed for metal detection.
Once you have a stud finder, you can use it to locate the metal studs behind the drywall. Using the stud finder, mark the studs on the wall where you will mount your shelving brackets. Mark the studs on the wall at the height that you want them to be. You can also use a level to make sure that your shelves are level.
However, using a stud finder is not without risks. The tool can cause false readings if it does not detect studs. This can happen if you are drilling into a wall while the power is on. The recommended distance between studs is 16-24 inches.
After you have marked the studs, you can cut the ledger strips to fit the shelf dimensions. You should then attach the strips to the studs using screws. If the drywall does not have studs, you must use special screws to secure the strips. The drywall without studs will not support as much weight.
Adding shelf supports
Adding built-in shelf supports is a simple and inexpensive way to add extra shelves to your room. You can choose from a variety of materials, including 1x2s and plywood pieces. The advantage of plywood is that it’s cheaper than solid hardwood, and it’s also dent-resistant. You can also paint or stain the plywood shelves to give them a finished look. You can also add molding to hide the edges.
The first step in adding built-in shelf supports is to determine the proper length for each shelf. The length of each shelf board should be at least one-eighth inch, and the width may need to be shortened or extended based on the depth of the space. If you’re unsure of the exact length needed, a lumber store can cut the boards to the proper length.
Once you have decided on the proper spacing, you need to choose which kind of shelf support you’d like. Some types of shelves have brackets that have hidden wires, which can be hidden when the shelf is in place. If you’d prefer to use an L-bracket shelf support, you’ll need to drill two holes per shelf. If you’re using a self-centering bit, you can use a 1/8-inch bit to make the holes. You’ll also need to slot the edge of the shelf, which can be done on a tablesaw or with a slot-cutting router bit. You can do this before applying the edge banding.
You can choose from a variety of finishes for the shelf supports. They usually come in nickel, chrome, antique brass, bronze, black, and stainless steel. You can also find specialized shelf supports in plastic that blend in well with your cabinet’s frame. You can also choose a shelf support that has a locking mechanism to keep it in place.
Adding shoe molding
Adding shoe molding to built-in closet shelving is a simple way to make them look more finished. The molding is easy to install, and can be cut to the right length and then nailed into place with finishing nails. When installing the molding, you should mark the ends of each piece at the intersection with the wall. You can use a pencil or stain marker to line up the vertical pieces and the side edges of the shoe shelves.
You can purchase base shoe molding commercially. It comes in different sizes and profiles. A quarter-round molding, for example, looks like a quarter-circle, but has flat sides of the same width. This molding can be stained or painted to match the baseboard and floor.
Shoe molding isn’t quite as rounded as quarter-round molding, but it is more flexible and can fit inside corners. It also can conform to wavy floors, which is common in older homes and in new construction. If you decide to install shoe molding, be sure to nail it into the wall, rather than into the floor, to avoid it from becoming loose.
Before adding shoe molding to built-in closet shelves, you should prepare the shelves by cleaning them thoroughly and applying a fresh coat of paint. Then, using painter’s tape, outline the design on the back wall. Then, you can cut the MDF according to the desired height of the shelves and shoe shelves. Once you’re done, you can install the MDF by using a pocket hole jig and pocket screws.
Adding accessories
Adding accessories to built-in closet shelves can enhance the storage capacity of your space and make it more functional. These accessories make it easier to access items while also adding convenience to your life. You can even add sliding closet accessories, which keep your items out of sight when not in use. Remember that organization equals efficiency, so the more organized you are, the more free time you’ll have. Plus, some studies have shown that staying organized is good for your health.