Summary:
[[Image:Geekshelves1.jpg|630px|thumb|left|Your shelf says a lot about you; put your DIY lifestyle on display. Photo by Robert S/[http://www.flickr.com/photos/adventureswithbob/2447584101/ flickr]/CC]]
{{#shtml:Template:Ryobi3}}
Why would you want to build a shelving unit? I mean actually build it, not just assemble it. You can pick one up at IKEA for the price of a bottle of Scotch if quick assembly's your thing, and an hour or so later ? shelving! That may be fine for just any old shelf, but for the ultimate shelving unit, store-bought won't cut it.
The ultimate shelving unit is one that is completely customized to do exactly what you need it to do. It might have to fit within an unusual space, it might need to match a particular decor, it might have to be built like a tank to display your rock collection without collapsing. If you're the plotting type, perhaps it needs to conceal a hidden door to your subterranean lair. Whatever the reason, the only way to get the ultimate shelving unit is to build it yourself.
Of course, when wielding power tools and staring at a pile of wood, things can go wrong. (Think about the hand-made entertainment center [http://friends.wikia.com/wiki/Chandler_and_Joey%27s_apartment#The_Entertainment_Unit Joey] attempted to build ? assuming you're old enough to have seen ''Friends'' ? for a primer on how things can go sideways.) The key to building your ultimate shelving system ? and not regretting it the next day ? is planning. That's what we're focusing on here.
'''Disclaimer:''' Your ultimate shelving unit might be constructed of steel or even concrete. We're not going there. For the purposes of this guide, we're sticking with wood, as it's easy to obtain and easy to work with.
''This how-to was written by Brad Moon, who spends his days playing with gadgets, complaining aboot the music his kids listen to, dispensing tech industry advice to tech-wary investors, writing Wired.com How-Tos, blogging for GeekDad ? and slipping in Canadianisms whenever he can.''
==Tools You're Likely to Need==
Given that we're not basing this on you being a member in good standing of the [http://www.newyankee.com/index.php?id=48 New Yankee Workshop], there are some basic power tools that should serve you well. A drill/screwdriver, circular saw, a mitre saw would be helpful (although not a must-have), a sander, possibly a jigsaw, stapler and a vacuum. If you have one, a power sprayer will come in handy come finishing time and one of those compact, right angle drills will be handy for the assembly phase where there could be some tight squeezes. If you're going to pick up a power tool starter set as part of this project, aim for 18V tools with Lithium-Ion batteries (more powerful and longer lasting) and grab an extra battery to cut down on time spent waiting for a recharge.
==What's the Purpose?==
The key to getting everything right is to decide exactly why you're building this thing in the first place. Is it to hold books (you know, those heavy paper things that are frustratingly incompatible with your Kindle), to display your superhero toys (sorry, collectibles), to house your TV and media equipment, or perhaps you want to create the gaming rig of your dreams, capable of neatly housing all your consoles, games and accessories? If you don't know why you're building it, maybe take a break and ponder your motives. If you're just anxious to fire up a power saw, [http://www.habitat.org/default.aspx?tgs=NS8xMy8yMDEyIDEwOjU1OjU4IFBN Habitat for Humanity] is always looking for volunteers.
[[Image:Geekshelveslegos.jpg|630px|thumb|left|A place for all your Legos. Photo by Micah Elizabeth Scott/[http://www.flickr.com/photos/micahdowty/3076156741/ Flickr]/CC]]
Once you've defined the purpose, spike out any special requirements that might arise from that use. For example, if you're displaying a collection of some sort, you might want to incorporate lighting and maybe even glass doors to keep the dust down. If you're going to be housing game consoles or stereo equipment, you'll want to make sure there's provision for sufficient airflow to prevent electronics from overheating.
<br clear="all" />
==What's the End Game?==
By this, I mean it's time to consider whether this shelving unit is going to be a permanent fixture in your home (perhaps even built in to an alcove), or whether you might want to be able to take it apart at a later date ? to make it easier to move. This is pretty important to the design. If this is a permanent fixture, you'll be using a lot of screws and glue to make it as solid as possible; but if you envision needing to take it apart, making use of nuts and bolts to hold things together would be more appropriate.
==Materials==
One of the great things about wood is that it offers a huge range of choices in terms of appearance, strength, ease of use and price. Here are some key factors to consider when choosing the material for your ultimate shelving unit:
* Are you painting it? If so, save money by buying paint-grade wood. It won't be as pretty, but you'll be covering it up with paint.
* Solid woods look nicer than plywood or particle board when stained and finished, but they will be more expensive.
* The type of wood is important, not only for looks (especially if you're trying to match existing furniture), but for strength. For example, pine is a soft wood that's inexpensive and easy to work with, but without sufficient reinforcement a pine shelf can sag under the load of books. When a shelf is going to hold a heavy load, veneer over particleboard or a hard wood may be the better choice. Or choose thicker pieces of wood and make the shelves narrower.
* If there are sections of your shelving unit that won't be visible, you can save money by using less expensive wood in these spots.
* When it comes time to buy the supplies, select your wood carefully, making sure it's properly dried, straight and free of splits.
* For more tips on choosing wood, check out what [http://www.rinoswoodworking.com/blog/woodworking-wood-how-to-choose/ Rino] has to say.
==Design Phase==
[[Image:Geekshelvescollapse.jpg|200px|thumb|right|What can happen if a shelving unit is not structurally sound. Photo by library_mistress/[http://www.flickr.com/photos/library_mistress/540375087/in/photostream/ Flickr]/CC]]
You know what you're building and why and you know what wood you're going to use. Time to put pen to paper (or finger to iPad ? whatever floats your boat) and sketch out a design for this thing. You don't want to be winging it unless you enjoy repeated trips to the hardware store/lumber yard. Once you've got a first draft of the plan, it's time to review it for flaws. In particular, you want to ensure the shelving unit you've designed is structurally sound and will indeed accommodate everything you want it to. For example, confirm that shelves will be deep enough to hold intended objects. Check the width of the shelves ? are they too wide to support the weight needed without sagging? If you're doing the assembly outdoors or in the basement, will the finished product fit through the doorway to carry to its eventual destination? Consider incorporating metal brackets and supports to add strength. If you really want to let your geek flag fly, maybe you get busy with the jigsaw and do some fancy cutting to create a themed shelving unit ? sides cut to resemble a Star Wars character or the unit built to resemble a Tardis, for example.
<br clear="all" />
==Build Phase==
Only a few tips here. I'm assuming you know how to use your power tools.
* Measure twice, cut once.
* Safety goggles or glasses when using the power tools and keep fingers, kids and pets clear.
* Use your power sander to sand each of the pieces before assembly ? once this thing is all together, access to corners is going to be tough.
* If you're going with permanence, use a good quality wood glue for extra strength.
==Last-Minute Special Touches==
Once your shelving unit is assembled, it may be missing a certain something to make it truly the "ultimate" version. Sometimes it's as simple as adding elements like media storage. You can buy DVD racks, and with a drill and some screws, incorporate these directly into your shelving unit. Makers or Lego collectors might appreciate incorporating plastic bins to hold parts. Maybe you forgot to cut holes for power cord management; easy enough to take care of with a drill. If it lacks a certain polished look, you can quickly fancy it up by tacking on some moulding (sold by the foot).
[[Image:Geekshelves2.jpg|630px|thumb|left|An example of a shelving unit built to maximize an unusual space. Photo by Mike Pearson/[http://www.flickr.com/photos/90322523@N00/1222578333/ Flickr]/CC]]
<br clear="all" />
==Finish==
You might want to consider giving it a quick once over with your power sander and a very fine grit sandpaper. Watch for any excess glue that needs to be sanded off. Once everything is smooth, it's time to apply the final finish. Bare wood isn't a good idea ? it can be damaged by water, or stained by objects placed on it. Finishing the wood with a lacquer, paint or varnish provides protection.
Depending on the look you're going for, this might involve applying a stain first (to match some existing pieces, for example), or paint. Whatever finish you choose, there are a few tips to remember:
* Make sure the surroundings are adequately protected with drop sheets prior to applying finish.
* The room should be free of dust and pet hair ? thoroughly vacuum first to prevent having unwanted foreign material permanently embedded in the finish of your project.
* Give the shelving unit a good wipe down or vacuum to remove any bits of sawdust.
* Make sure the room is ventilated. Some of these finishes are toxic and most smell unpleasant.
* Use of a power sprayer makes the job go faster and eliminates brush marks.
* Follow directions for application (how thick, how many coats and drying time).
==Installation==
Once your ultimate shelving unit is complete and dry, it's time to put it in place. Before loading it up, make sure it sits evenly (you may have to use a shim under a corner if the floor is uneven). Next add any equipment that requires power and make sure the cords are in place and within easy reach of an electrical outlet. Now it's time to anchor this thing to the wall. Doing so not only gives it more structural strength, but it prevents any risk of it toppling over. On a kid, or a cat. There are specially designed safety straps and brackets you can find at any hardware store that are first attached to the shelving unit with screws, then secured to the wall ? just make sure to find a stud for a secure hold. Anchoring a heavy shelving unit full of even heavier stuff to drywall is not going to cut it.
[[Category:DIY]]
[[Category:Lifestyle]]
[[Category:Home]]
[[Category:Construction]]
{{#shtml:Template:Ryobi3}}
Why would you want to build a shelving unit? I mean actually build it, not just assemble it. You can pick one up at IKEA for the price of a bottle of Scotch if quick assembly's your thing, and an hour or so later ? shelving! That may be fine for just any old shelf, but for the ultimate shelving unit, store-bought won't cut it.
The ultimate shelving unit is one that is completely customized to do exactly what you need it to do. It might have to fit within an unusual space, it might need to match a particular decor, it might have to be built like a tank to display your rock collection without collapsing. If you're the plotting type, perhaps it needs to conceal a hidden door to your subterranean lair. Whatever the reason, the only way to get the ultimate shelving unit is to build it yourself.
Of course, when wielding power tools and staring at a pile of wood, things can go wrong. (Think about the hand-made entertainment center [http://friends.wikia.com/wiki/Chandler_and_Joey%27s_apartment#The_Entertainment_Unit Joey] attempted to build ? assuming you're old enough to have seen ''Friends'' ? for a primer on how things can go sideways.) The key to building your ultimate shelving system ? and not regretting it the next day ? is planning. That's what we're focusing on here.
'''Disclaimer:''' Your ultimate shelving unit might be constructed of steel or even concrete. We're not going there. For the purposes of this guide, we're sticking with wood, as it's easy to obtain and easy to work with.
''This how-to was written by Brad Moon, who spends his days playing with gadgets, complaining aboot the music his kids listen to, dispensing tech industry advice to tech-wary investors, writing Wired.com How-Tos, blogging for GeekDad ? and slipping in Canadianisms whenever he can.''
==Tools You're Likely to Need==
Given that we're not basing this on you being a member in good standing of the [http://www.newyankee.com/index.php?id=48 New Yankee Workshop], there are some basic power tools that should serve you well. A drill/screwdriver, circular saw, a mitre saw would be helpful (although not a must-have), a sander, possibly a jigsaw, stapler and a vacuum. If you have one, a power sprayer will come in handy come finishing time and one of those compact, right angle drills will be handy for the assembly phase where there could be some tight squeezes. If you're going to pick up a power tool starter set as part of this project, aim for 18V tools with Lithium-Ion batteries (more powerful and longer lasting) and grab an extra battery to cut down on time spent waiting for a recharge.
==What's the Purpose?==
The key to getting everything right is to decide exactly why you're building this thing in the first place. Is it to hold books (you know, those heavy paper things that are frustratingly incompatible with your Kindle), to display your superhero toys (sorry, collectibles), to house your TV and media equipment, or perhaps you want to create the gaming rig of your dreams, capable of neatly housing all your consoles, games and accessories? If you don't know why you're building it, maybe take a break and ponder your motives. If you're just anxious to fire up a power saw, [http://www.habitat.org/default.aspx?tgs=NS8xMy8yMDEyIDEwOjU1OjU4IFBN Habitat for Humanity] is always looking for volunteers.
[[Image:Geekshelveslegos.jpg|630px|thumb|left|A place for all your Legos. Photo by Micah Elizabeth Scott/[http://www.flickr.com/photos/micahdowty/3076156741/ Flickr]/CC]]
Once you've defined the purpose, spike out any special requirements that might arise from that use. For example, if you're displaying a collection of some sort, you might want to incorporate lighting and maybe even glass doors to keep the dust down. If you're going to be housing game consoles or stereo equipment, you'll want to make sure there's provision for sufficient airflow to prevent electronics from overheating.
<br clear="all" />
==What's the End Game?==
By this, I mean it's time to consider whether this shelving unit is going to be a permanent fixture in your home (perhaps even built in to an alcove), or whether you might want to be able to take it apart at a later date ? to make it easier to move. This is pretty important to the design. If this is a permanent fixture, you'll be using a lot of screws and glue to make it as solid as possible; but if you envision needing to take it apart, making use of nuts and bolts to hold things together would be more appropriate.
==Materials==
One of the great things about wood is that it offers a huge range of choices in terms of appearance, strength, ease of use and price. Here are some key factors to consider when choosing the material for your ultimate shelving unit:
* Are you painting it? If so, save money by buying paint-grade wood. It won't be as pretty, but you'll be covering it up with paint.
* Solid woods look nicer than plywood or particle board when stained and finished, but they will be more expensive.
* The type of wood is important, not only for looks (especially if you're trying to match existing furniture), but for strength. For example, pine is a soft wood that's inexpensive and easy to work with, but without sufficient reinforcement a pine shelf can sag under the load of books. When a shelf is going to hold a heavy load, veneer over particleboard or a hard wood may be the better choice. Or choose thicker pieces of wood and make the shelves narrower.
* If there are sections of your shelving unit that won't be visible, you can save money by using less expensive wood in these spots.
* When it comes time to buy the supplies, select your wood carefully, making sure it's properly dried, straight and free of splits.
* For more tips on choosing wood, check out what [http://www.rinoswoodworking.com/blog/woodworking-wood-how-to-choose/ Rino] has to say.
==Design Phase==
[[Image:Geekshelvescollapse.jpg|200px|thumb|right|What can happen if a shelving unit is not structurally sound. Photo by library_mistress/[http://www.flickr.com/photos/library_mistress/540375087/in/photostream/ Flickr]/CC]]
You know what you're building and why and you know what wood you're going to use. Time to put pen to paper (or finger to iPad ? whatever floats your boat) and sketch out a design for this thing. You don't want to be winging it unless you enjoy repeated trips to the hardware store/lumber yard. Once you've got a first draft of the plan, it's time to review it for flaws. In particular, you want to ensure the shelving unit you've designed is structurally sound and will indeed accommodate everything you want it to. For example, confirm that shelves will be deep enough to hold intended objects. Check the width of the shelves ? are they too wide to support the weight needed without sagging? If you're doing the assembly outdoors or in the basement, will the finished product fit through the doorway to carry to its eventual destination? Consider incorporating metal brackets and supports to add strength. If you really want to let your geek flag fly, maybe you get busy with the jigsaw and do some fancy cutting to create a themed shelving unit ? sides cut to resemble a Star Wars character or the unit built to resemble a Tardis, for example.
<br clear="all" />
==Build Phase==
Only a few tips here. I'm assuming you know how to use your power tools.
* Measure twice, cut once.
* Safety goggles or glasses when using the power tools and keep fingers, kids and pets clear.
* Use your power sander to sand each of the pieces before assembly ? once this thing is all together, access to corners is going to be tough.
* If you're going with permanence, use a good quality wood glue for extra strength.
==Last-Minute Special Touches==
Once your shelving unit is assembled, it may be missing a certain something to make it truly the "ultimate" version. Sometimes it's as simple as adding elements like media storage. You can buy DVD racks, and with a drill and some screws, incorporate these directly into your shelving unit. Makers or Lego collectors might appreciate incorporating plastic bins to hold parts. Maybe you forgot to cut holes for power cord management; easy enough to take care of with a drill. If it lacks a certain polished look, you can quickly fancy it up by tacking on some moulding (sold by the foot).
[[Image:Geekshelves2.jpg|630px|thumb|left|An example of a shelving unit built to maximize an unusual space. Photo by Mike Pearson/[http://www.flickr.com/photos/90322523@N00/1222578333/ Flickr]/CC]]
<br clear="all" />
==Finish==
You might want to consider giving it a quick once over with your power sander and a very fine grit sandpaper. Watch for any excess glue that needs to be sanded off. Once everything is smooth, it's time to apply the final finish. Bare wood isn't a good idea ? it can be damaged by water, or stained by objects placed on it. Finishing the wood with a lacquer, paint or varnish provides protection.
Depending on the look you're going for, this might involve applying a stain first (to match some existing pieces, for example), or paint. Whatever finish you choose, there are a few tips to remember:
* Make sure the surroundings are adequately protected with drop sheets prior to applying finish.
* The room should be free of dust and pet hair ? thoroughly vacuum first to prevent having unwanted foreign material permanently embedded in the finish of your project.
* Give the shelving unit a good wipe down or vacuum to remove any bits of sawdust.
* Make sure the room is ventilated. Some of these finishes are toxic and most smell unpleasant.
* Use of a power sprayer makes the job go faster and eliminates brush marks.
* Follow directions for application (how thick, how many coats and drying time).
==Installation==
Once your ultimate shelving unit is complete and dry, it's time to put it in place. Before loading it up, make sure it sits evenly (you may have to use a shim under a corner if the floor is uneven). Next add any equipment that requires power and make sure the cords are in place and within easy reach of an electrical outlet. Now it's time to anchor this thing to the wall. Doing so not only gives it more structural strength, but it prevents any risk of it toppling over. On a kid, or a cat. There are specially designed safety straps and brackets you can find at any hardware store that are first attached to the shelving unit with screws, then secured to the wall ? just make sure to find a stud for a secure hold. Anchoring a heavy shelving unit full of even heavier stuff to drywall is not going to cut it.
[[Category:DIY]]
[[Category:Lifestyle]]
[[Category:Home]]
[[Category:Construction]]
Source: http://feeds.wired.com/~r/howtowiki/~3/Mtq3NrIcgGM/Build_the_Shelving_System_of_Your_Geek_Dreams
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