How To Build A Shelf Between Two Walls

Here’s the fastest and easiest way to build a shelf between two walls.
Using a level, I mark a line on all three walls at the bottom of the shelf.
And yes- a laser would work great for this, but I want to show how you can do basic jobs with simple tools.
Next, I measure the depth of the shelves and cut two cleats out of 2x4s- I left room to add a face board later.
Then I cut 4 more 2x4s to run between the cleats, making a ladder wall.
Three-inch deck screws work great for jobs like this- I put two per stud.
It’s important to measure the width of the shelf at the back wall and at the front because it can vary.
I screw the frame to the wall making sure to hit studs- that’s not going anywhere.
Now let’s cut the plywood- no fancy track saw, no problem. Just clamp down a straight board to use as a guide.
After dry fitting the plywood, I could see there was a bulge on the side wall keeping the shelf from sliding all the way back.
So, I use my pencil like a scribe, now I can cut the plywood to fit the wall.
I apply liquid nails to the frame and set the shelf down- fits like a glove.
Next, I load 1 ¾” trim nails into my 15-gauge trim gun to shoot it down.
I measure with a tape- making sure to hit the frame.
When I cut the face board, I use a 2-degree bevel, this way it’s a little longer in the front than the back and makes it fit super snug (you can see here what a good fit I got).
Don’t worry -The nail holes get filled before it’s painted.
At this point I was so tired I decided to take a nap.
And then, the New Guy actually came out of his office to paint it for me.
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