DIY Kitchen Shelves

5 Materials
$15
1 Hour
Easy

I am so excited to show you how you can easily add shelves to any area in your home. This is a super easy and quick DIY! Watch us transform this award space in our kitchen area. Be sure to read the full blog article on this DIY here!

The Before Photo


Since we moved into our forever home, this awkward space in our kitchen has drove me nuts. I was not sure what the purpose of this space was. It literally served no purpose, so I figured why not add some shelves, and give it one.

Choose Your Wood


We decided to use Maple wood, since our butcher block countertops and dining room table were all Maple. We went to a local wood mill and got an 8' piece of Maple. We have a planer so it was cheaper for us to do it this route. You can check your local hardware store and see if they have precut wood that works for your space.


Home Depot and Lowe's will cut a board down for you. So if your needing multiple shelves I would recommend having them cut down from a larger board this will keep your costs down.

Wood Blocks


We cut two 1" x 5" wood blocks for each shelve to sit on. This is just a simple way to avoid using brackets. We drilled two small holes in each block. This will make it easier when you screw them into the wall.

Step Measuring Space Between Shelves


You want to decide how far apart you want your shelves. A simple trick is to cut down a 2' x 4' the height you want in between your shelves. This will ensure you get the same height on both sides. Place your wood block on top of the 2' x 4'. This also keeps the block in place, while you drill screws into the wall.

Step Screw Base Block Down


At this point you want to use the 2' x 4' to hold your wood block in place, while you screw it into the wall.

Step Screw Both Sides


Make sure you use two screws and do both sides of the block and remove the 2' x 4'.

Step Mirror Steps


Now do the other side of the wall. You want to mirror exactly the same thing you did in Step #3.

Step Place your Shelf


Now you can put your first piece of wood down on top of the blocks. If your piece of wood fits snug then there will be no need to screw or glue the shelf down.

Step Measure Second Shelf


Repeat Steps to add your next shelf. You will do this for as many shelves as you want to add to your space. By using the same 2' x 4' you will ensure the shelves are all an equal height.

Step Screw Down Second Block


Follow the same directions as in step

Repeat For Each Shelf


At this point you are just repeating the steps for each new shelf you add in.

Step Place Second Shelf


Our top shelf was a bit snug so we had to hammer it into place. One thing we have learned with our fixer upper is nothing is even. Sometimes we have to finesse things into place.

Step Screw in Place


The top shelf was very snug, and the bottom shelf needed some extra anchoring. So we placed another screw through the shelf into the wood block to ensure it stays in place.

The After: Finished Project


This project was so much fun. These shelves really brighten this space, and allow me to change out decor for the seasons. Now this space has some character, and serves a purpose. I couldn't ask for anything more.

Resources for this project:
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Wendy Zock The Curated Farmhouse
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Frequently asked questions
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  1 question
  • Gigi Gigi on Jun 05, 2020

    Awesome will definitely do this. Love the hanging g lantern may I ask where you purchased it please????

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