How to Build Basement Storage Shelves

Knowing how to build basement storage shelves will save you money and provide storage you never knew existed. Although it is often the case that basements get haphazardly filled with holiday decorations, tools and boxes of packed stuff from the last move, these items can be neatly stacked on sturdy shelves. This will give you more room, better organization, and doesn’t have to cost much.

Wood Shelving

Basement storage shelves come in many sizes, varieties and shapes, none of which may work for a particular basement. The solution is to build your own. Storage shelves also come in many materials, sturdy plastics, metal and cheap wooden structures. Again, these structures may not be adjustable and will also cost more than building shelves from wood and building them to suit a specific function and location.

Utilizing a single sheet of ¾” construction grade plywood will be enough to provide shelving for an entire basement wall. Three plywood sheets will probably satisfy all your shelving needs. Shelves can be installed between existing 2x4s, or if necessary, additional 2x4s will be needed to support these shelves.

Shelf Construction

Using a single sheet of construction grade plywood, cut out three shelves 12” deep. Next, make cleats to attach to the studs and upon which the shelves will rest. The cleats will be 12” wide to support the shelf, 6” tall where they are attached to the 2x4 and reduce to 2” where they meet and rest under the edge of the shelf. The distance between standard studs in a basement is approximately 16”, but you may have to make adjustments if this is not the case.

Measure up from the floor to the point where you want to mount the first shelf. Mark the 2x4 on each side. Apply woodworkers glue to the stud and the mounting cleat. Hold the supporting cleat in place and screw three 8x2” screws to fasten the cleat to the stud. Do this to all of the studs holding the first shelf. Next, measure 2’ from the top of this shelf to the bottom of the next shelf and repeat the procedure for mounting the cleats and set the shelf on top of them. Finally, place the shelf on the cleats, carefully mark out lines where the stud meets the shelf, and cut out notches for the shelf to fit between the studs. Attaching the shelves to the cleats is optional.

Finishing Shelves

Although construction grade plywood is recommended for this project to cut costs, you can also use a nicer piece of plywood and finish it with stain and varnish, or paint. Whatever option you choose, the plywood will resist stains and dirt if treated. Begin by sanding all edges and surfaces with 100 grit sandpaper. Finish with 220 grit and wipe with a cloth dipped in mineral spirits. Next, apply a stain or a 50-50% coat of varnish and mineral spirits. Let this dry thoroughly and re-sand very lightly with 220 grit sandpaper. Wipe again, apply a thin coat of 100% varnish and allow to dry before usage.