Family Encyclopedia >> Home & Garden

How to build open kitchen shelving

How to build open kitchen shelving

Step 1

How to build open kitchen shelving

Measure the width of the shelves

Measure the desired width of the shelves. This will also be the same measurement for your ledger.

Step 2

How to build open kitchen shelving

Transfer Measurements

Transfer measurements to five-quarter or MDF.

Step 3

How to build open kitchen shelving

Make cuts

Make cuts with a chop saw.

Stage 4

How to build open kitchen shelving

Rip Down MDF

Rip five-quarter board or MDF to 2 inches with a table saw; This will be the thickness of all your actions.

Step 5

Measure and cut pieces in stock

Measure and cut all the stock pieces to size to create the ledger, bottom brackets, and 45 degree angle braces.

Step 6

How to build open kitchen shelving

Bottom Angle Borders

Angle the bottom edges on all supports down to give it a finished look, known as a beveled edge.

Step 7

How to build open kitchen shelving

Make 45 degree cuts

Make a 45 degree cut at each end of all angle braces.

Step 8

Measurement for the location of the lower supports

Measure 4 inches from the outside edge of the ledger to determine where the brackets will attach down.

Step 9

How to build open kitchen shelving

Attach props

Attach the bottom brackets to the ledger using a pocket template.

Step 10

Measure and cut each shelving unit

After all the brackets and ledgers are assembled, measure and cut each shelving unit that matches the assembled bracket.

Step 11

How to build open kitchen shelving

Measure the height of the shelves

To determine the height of the shelves, measure and mark the height of the backsplash, which is always 18 1/2 inches from the top of the countertops. Allow 10 to 12 inches between the top and bottom shelf.

Step 12

How to build open kitchen shelving

Install ledgers

Make sure your ledger is level and draw a faint line to mark exactly where it's mounting. Use 2 1/2 inch set screws to secure the ledger.

Step 13

How to build open kitchen shelving

Attach Shelves

Attach the shelves by screwing down through the top of the shelving unit to the ledger.

Step 14

How to build open kitchen shelving

Attach Angle Braces

Make sure the shelf is level and attach the braces at a 45 degree angle.

Step 15

Install remaining shelves

Once the first shelving unit is complete, repeat these steps for the remaining shelves.