EASY STEPS TO MAKE YOUR SHELVES

Here’s how

STEP 1 Draw a 100 x 100mm grid measuring 2000 x 1000mm on the plywood. Referring to shelf upright diagrams (page 126), transfer where the shapes cross gridlines. Draw the shapes with a straightedge.

STEP 2 Cut each shape so they’re on separate pieces of plywood. This will make it easier to cut them out. Use a circular saw to cut along the straight lines until you reach the corners.

STEP 3 Use a jigsaw to cut into the corners where the circular saw blade could not get into.

STEP 4 Use the shapes as templates to mark out another of each. Cut out.

STEP 5 Measure and mark along uprights for the rails that will support the shelves. Working from the bottom, make the tops of the rails at 155, 615, 990, 1355 and 1675mm. Use a combination square to draw square lines across the uprights at these points. Also draw lines 60mm below these to mark the bottom of each rail.

STEP 6 Mark the centreline at each end of the uprights and sit a long straightedge on these points. Draw along the straightedge at each of the lines drawn across the upright in Step 5. This will help you locate the centreline with rails in.

STEP 7 Sit rails between drawn lines so the centre of the rail is on the centreline drawn in Step 6. Mark sides of rail.

STEP 8 Predrill through centre of the marked space for the rails using a 5mm drill bit.

STEP 9 Sit upright on bench and hold rail in position so it meets marked lines. Predrill into rail through hole in upright. Spread glue along end of rail, reposition, then screw through upright into rail using 75mm screws.

STEP 10 Repeat Steps 8 and 9 to a ach other upright to other end of rail. Make sure you have an Upright A and Upright B a ached to the rail and not two of the same. Leave for 24 hours for glue to set. STEP 11 Remove screws from uprights and drill out screw holes using a 9.5mm drill bit. Make the holes 60mm deep.

STEP 12 Squirt a bit of glue into the hole then tap in a 60mm long length of dowel into the hole. Leave the end of the dowel slightly proud of the upright so it can be sanded flush.

STEP 13 Sand all components, including the shelves, smooth. Start with a medium grade to quickly make dowels flush before moving to finer grades to sand the entire unit.

STEP 14 Apply 2 coats of

Make as many of these shelves as you like for any room of your home, from the bedroom to the laundry – they’re so versatile!

clear varnish to the entire unit, including the shelves. Allow to dry and sand lightly a er each coat.

STEP 15 Lay upright assemblies on their side with shelves between them si ing on rails with the ends overhanging by about 100mm. Predrill through rails using a countersinking drill bit then screw up through rail into shelf using 75mm screws. Align the ends of the shelves vertically for a formal look or stagger them for something a bit more random. Where the shelves cross the limbs of the uprights, glue and nail together to give the units extra stability.

UPRIGHT B DIAGRAM

UPRIGHT A DIAGRAM

SCANDI STYLE GOES DIY WITH THESE PLY SHELVES