Built-in closet shelves are a fantastic addition to any space, providing both functionality and aesthetic appeal. Whether you’re looking to maximize storage or showcase your favorite decor items, installing built-in shelves can transform your space.

In this comprehensive DIY guide, we will walk you through the step-by-step process of cutting, installing, and painting built-in shelves. Additionally, we’ll explore the technique of adding melamine strips to the front for a polished, professional finish. Get ready to enhance your space with stylish and practical built-in shelves!

If you’d prefer to watch a short video tutorial, you can check it out here.

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1. Plan and Measure Your Space.

Before diving into the project, it’s essential to plan and prepare adequately. Start by determining the location and size of your built-in shelves. Use a tape measure to measure the available space carefully, taking into consideration any obstacles like electrical outlets or light switches. Create a detailed plan or sketch to guide you throughout the process. 

Remember that your wall may not be perfectly straight and flat, so you may end up with slightly different measurements on different parts of the wall. Make sure to carefully measure each spot where you want to install a shelf. Use a pencil to mark where you want to install your shelves. 

2. Gather Your Supplies.

You’ll need a selection of tools and materials to complete this project. Some you may have already, and some you may need to borrow or purchase. Here’s the complete list of supplies we used:

• Wood glue
• Caulk and caulking gun
• Wood filler
• Putty knife
• 220-400 grit sand paper
• Tack cloth
• Black interior Behr paint
• Painter’s tape
• Paintbrush
• Melamine strips
• Clothes iron

You may be able to substitute some of these items, but we didn’t try any alternatives. Leave a comment if you have any questions!

Note: Before beginning the next step, please ensure you understand how to use your power tools correctly. These DIY tutorials are “use at your own risk,” so don’t work beyond your capability and seek help if you need it. Wear personal protective equipment (PPE), lock tools when you aren’t using them, avoid the sawblade, etc. Please consult a professional to determine if you can safely do this in your home.

Now that my little disclaimer is out of the way, let’s get started with the tutorial 🙂

3. Cut the Shelves and Supports.

You’re going to start by transferring your measurements onto your shelf supports and shelves. This will obviously differ based on the size of your space. Use a pencil to make your marks on the boards. We’d suggest labeling them in pencil to make sure you don’t get them mixed up. 

Next, it’s time to cut your shelf supports out of 1×2 board (which is actually .75 in by 1.5 in.) We know, we’re confused on why they do that too, haha. You’ll need supports at least on the left and right sides of each shelf, but we also did the back for extra security. The easiest way to cut these boards is with a sliding compound miter saw. Make your marks on the 1×2’s and cut them to size. Remember to clamp your boards down and wear your PPE!

For the shelves, use a high-quality 3/4″ plywood. Measure and mark your dimensions on the boards, then use a circular saw or table saw to make precise cuts.

Alternatively, you can use a jigsaw in combination with a straight edge. Simply clamp your board to some sawhorses, then line up your jigsaw on the marks you made on your board. Place a metal straight edge up against the jigsaw, then clamp it at both ends to the sawhorses. This will allow you to cut a straight edge, even with a handheld jigsaw.  

4. Install the Shelves and Supports.

Once you’ve cut all your boards and confirmed that they’ll fit in their respective places in your closet, it’s time to install your 1×2″ shelf supports. Put the widest side of the board against the wall. It should only stick out 3/4″ from the wall. Line the board up with the placement marks you made in your closet, and use a level to make sure the boards are flat and aligned.

Then use 1.5 inch wood screws to secure them to the wall. Use at least two screws per support board, placed several inches in from the edge. You can also put a third screw in the center for extra security.

To make the screws level with the board so they don’t stick out, you can use a drill to carefully put a small hole in the board just deep enough for the screw head. Use a drill bit that’s the same size as the head of the screw, and drill a hole about 1/4 inch deep for the screw head. Do this before you push the screws in with your screwdriver. 

Once you’ve installed all your shelf supports, it’s finally time for the shelves! Put a thin strip of wood glue along the top of the shelf supports. Place the shelves on top of the supports and weigh them down so the glue fully adheres to the shelf.

Some of our plywood shelves wouldn’t lie flat on the supports, so we used weights, paint cans, and anything else heavy we could find to weigh them down. Ensure the shelves are level and securely attached to the supports, then let them sit for 24 hours. 

5. Prep for Painting.

Before you paint your shelves, there’s a little bit of prep work you need to do.

First, apply a white or black caulk to seal the edges of the shelves that are against the wall. The color will depend upon whatever color you decide to paint your shelf. We knew we were going to paint ours black, so we used black caulk. Make sure to wipe off any excess with a paper towel before it dries. You may need to touch up some of your wall paint if you’re a little messy with the caulk like we were.

Second, use a putty knife to fill the screw holes in the supports with wood filler. You’ll know the wood filler is dry when you see it change from pink to brown in color. You can also fill any additional holes or scratches that may be on your shelves.

Third, lightly sand the shelves with 220-400 grit sandpaper. This is to smooth raised spots on your shelves and give your paint a better surface to adhere to. Don’t forget to wipe the sawdust off your shelves with tack cloth before you paint.

Lastly, use painter’s tape to tape off around your shelves. Make sure to do all sides of the shelf (don’t forget the bottom!) This will help protect your walls from being painted the same color as the shelves on accident.

6. Paint the Shelves.

Now that your built-in shelves are in place and prepped, it’s time to give them a fresh coat of paint.

Choose a paint color that complements your room’s decor and apply it evenly using a paintbrush or roller. We recommend using at least two coats of black interior Behr brand wall paint from Home Depot. Allow the paint to dry completely between coats, and apply additional coats as needed for a smooth and professional finish. Refer to the manufacturer’s directions on the label of your paint can for exact dry and recoat times for that particular paint. 

Sand lightly between coats as needed. If using a brush, alternative the direction you apply the paint to help eliminate brush strokes. You can also use a product like Floetrol paint additive to improve flow and levelling of your paint, as desired.

Once you’ve painted enough coats on your shelves, let them sit for a couple days to allow the paint to fully cure and be ready for use. 

7. Add Melamine Strips for a Finishing Touch.

To achieve a polished look, consider adding melamine strips to the front edges of your shelves. Melamine strips are available in various widths and can be easily cut to size.

Carefully position the strip along the front edge of the shelf. Run an iron over the melamine strip to melt the glue on the bottom and adhere it to the shelf. Be careful not to touch the hot iron or the melamine strip immediately after heating. Use a roller or a block of wood to apply even pressure on the strip and ensure proper adhesion to the shelf.

Trim any excess strip material and sand the edges for a seamless finish. Finally, paint the melamine strips to match the color of your shelves for a cohesive appearance, as needed.

Conclusion

Installing built-in closet shelves is a rewarding and practical DIY project that can enhance the organization and visual appeal of any room. By following these step-by-step instructions, you’ll be able to cut, paint, and install your own built-in closet shelves. Embrace your creativity, and enjoy the satisfaction of creating custom-built storage solutions that perfectly suit your space!

Watch our start-to-finish DIY closet transformation video on Instagram.

P.S. You can find all the Amazon products we used for this project in the “DIY Projects” album on our Amazon Storefront. 

Please leave a comment letting us know if you like or have tried this tutorial, or if you have any questions. You can also reach us through our Contact Us form.

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