How to Build Closet Shelves on a Small Budget: A Step-by-Step Guide for Beginners

Nov 3, 2024

3 min read

As a small business pottery owner operating out of my home, I quickly realized that space was an issue. My kitchen and dining room tables were overflowing with pottery pieces, so I needed a better way to organize and store my work. That’s when I decided to renovate my guest closet into storage space by building wooden shelves. In this blog, I’ll walk you through how to build closet shelves step-by-step. These budget-friendly shelves are simple to create and perfect for beginners like me with little experience.

Colorful ceramic dishes with wavy edges in blue, green, red on a wooden table. Background features decorative chairs and white shutters.

Here are the materials that I used

Materials:

Power drill
Wood screws (2.5 inches)
Measuring tape
Pencil
Furring strips (1.5 inches x 3 inches)
¾-inch particle board
Stud finder (a cheap magnetic one works fine)
Small level (mine was only $5)
White paint – I used Benjamin Moore Paint 151
Paintbrushes
Spackle

Step 1: Measure and Plan

After clearing our my closet, I started measuring the dimensions and decided how far apart I wanted each shelf to be. I wanted to maximize storage, so I planned for four shelves that were 24 inches deep. Here’s the wood I used:

8 furring strips (1.5in x 3in x 24in each for side supports)
4 furring strips (1.5in x 3in x 60in each for back supports)
4 pieces of ¾ inch particle board (24in x 60in)

I was not comfortable using a saw to cut my own wood, so I went to my local Lowe's, where they helped me pick out the wood and cut it to the sizes I needed. The employees were very happy to help me out! I would suggest If you’re asking for several cuts, to go their when they are less busy.

Step 2: Mark the Shelving Positions

With materials ready, it was time to start! Using my measurements, I marked where each shelf would go along the closet walls, spacing them 16 inches apart. I double-checked that my marks aligned on both sides and used a stud finder to avoid accidentally drilling into studs.

Step 3: Install the Side and Back Supports

I began by attaching the furring strips to the left and right walls. First, I drilled one wood screw into each strip, and I used a level to make sure it was straight, and then secured it with additional screws. Once the side supports were up, I moved to the back wall and repeated the process. These supports are crucial when learning how to build closet shelves, as they’ll hold the weight of your shelves.

Wooden planks attached to a white wall, tools like a drill, level, and hammer on a hardwood floor, suggesting a DIY project.

Wooden boards mounted horizontally on white walls in a closet corner. The floor is wood with a small patch of visible sawdust. Minimalist setting.

Step 4: Add the Shelves

Next, I placed the first piece of particle board onto the supports to create the first shelf and repeated this for each of the remaining shelves. I ensured each shelf was level and securely fastened with enough screws.

Tip: Make sure your wood screws are at least one inch longer than the thickness of your furring strips.

A wooden shelf in a closet with a light wood finish. A yellow level tool lies on the dark wooden floor. The setting is neutral and simple.

Wooden shelves in a corner, featuring a plain white wall and a light pine finish. No objects present, creating a minimalist mood.

Wooden shelves in an empty closet with white walls, mounted on a wooden floor. No objects are present. Simple, clean setting.

Step 5: (Optional) Paint for a Finished Look

After installing all the shelves, I decided to paint them white to give the closet a nicer look. Two coats were enough to brighten up the space. Remember, it’s just a closet, so perfection isn’t necessary. I recommend letting the paint dry for at least two days before loading up your items.

Empty white shelves inside a closet, with a wooden floor. Simple and clean setting, evoking a minimalist and organized feel.

And that’s it—a custom closet shelving unit! Now I have a dedicated space to store my pottery, and my kitchen and dining room are back to normal. By following these steps on how to build closet shelves, you can transform an unused space into something functional and personalized for your needs.