How To Make Cheap Shelves: A Personal Experience

As a college student living on a budget, I found myself in need of some shelves to organize my small apartment. However, I didn’t want to spend a lot of money on pre-made shelves, so I decided to make my own. Through some trial and error, I discovered some great tips and ideas for making cheap shelves that are both functional and stylish.

Step-by-Step Guide

Here are the steps I followed to make my own cheap shelves:

1. Gather Materials

For this project, you will need:

Wooden boards
Screws
Drill
Saw
Sandpaper
Stain or paint (optional)

2. Cut Boards to Size

Using a saw, cut your wooden boards to the desired size for your shelves. Sand the edges to smooth them out.

3. Drill Holes

Using a drill, make holes in the boards where you want to attach them to the wall. Make sure the holes are even and level.

4. Attach Boards to Wall

Using screws, attach the boards to the wall at the drilled holes. Make sure the boards are level and secure.

5. Stain or Paint (Optional)

If desired, stain or paint the shelves to match your decor. Let dry completely before placing items on the shelves.

Top 10 Tips and Ideas

Here are some additional tips and ideas for making cheap shelves:

Use repurposed materials, such as old pallets or crates, to make unique and inexpensive shelves.
Shop at thrift stores or garage sales for cheap wooden boards.
Use brackets or brackets and rods to create floating shelves.
Hang shelves at different heights to create visual interest.
Add decorative brackets or drawer pulls to give your shelves some personality.
Use rope or twine to create a rustic look for your shelves.
Paint or stain your shelves in bright colors to add a pop of color to your room.
Use bookends to keep your books and magazines organized on your shelves.
Install lights underneath your shelves to create a warm and inviting atmosphere.
Add plants or other decor to your shelves to make them more visually appealing.

Pros and Cons

Like any DIY project, there are pros and cons to making your own cheap shelves.

Pros:

Cost-effective
Customizable to your specific needs and style
Can be made from repurposed materials

Cons:

Requires time and effort to make
May not be as sturdy as pre-made shelves
May require additional tools or materials

My Personal Review and Suggestion

Overall, I found making my own cheap shelves to be a fun and rewarding project. While it did take some time and effort, the end result was exactly what I was looking for. I suggest taking the time to plan out your shelves and gather all necessary materials before starting. Additionally, don’t be afraid to get creative and try new things. The possibilities are endless!

Question & Answer

Q: Can I make cheap shelves without using power tools?

A: Yes! You can use a hand saw and hammer instead of a drill and saw. However, this may take more time and effort.

Q: How much money can I expect to save by making my own cheap shelves?

A: This will depend on the materials you use and the size of your shelves. However, in general, making your own shelves can be significantly cheaper than buying pre-made ones.

FAQs

Q: How do I know how many shelves to make?

A: Consider the size of your space and the items you want to store on the shelves. It’s always better to have too many shelves than not enough.

Q: Can I make custom-sized shelves?

A: Yes! That’s one of the benefits of making your own shelves. You can customize them to fit your specific needs and space.

Q: How do I attach my shelves to the wall?

A: Use screws and a drill to attach the shelves to the wall. Make sure the shelves are level and secure before placing any items on them.