Directions For Building Large Ceiling To Floor Shelves

Floor-to-ceiling shelves combine attractive decoration with utilitarian storage, forming a piece of furniture that can make a real difference in a bedroom, living area or storage space. Though it requires precision work and power tools, this project is within the reach of intermediate level woodworkers. Set aside a weekend for this project. It may take far less time, but you want to give yourself room to to it right.

Instructions

Prepare Lumber

1. Measure the height of your ceiling. Cut the two 2-by-10-inch beams to match the ceiling height. You may want to cut them 1/2 to 1/4 inch short in case your floor or ceiling is uneven.

2. Cut 1-inch wide, 1/2-inch deep slots in the face of one of your beams, using the standard router. The slots should be 8 inches long, running perpendicular to the length of the beam, leaving some space on either side. Use a level to make sure the slots run perfectly straight. Cut a total of eight slots in the beam, spaced according to how you want your shelves spaced.

3. Lay the slotted beam on the ground, slotted side up. Set the other beam next to it with the ends aligned. Cut eight slots in the second beam, corresponding exactly to the eight you have already cut. Use a T-square to help you cut the slots correctly.

4. Drill pilot holes in each slot on both beams using a drill bit 1/8 inch narrower than the diameter of the shafts of your wood screws. Drill two holes per slot, each 1 inch in from the either end of the slot.

5. Widen each pilot hole on the unslotted face of both beams, using a drill bit the same diameter as the heads of your wood screws. Widen each hole to a depth of 1/8 inch.

6. Drill two pilot holes in each end of every 36-inch plank, using a drill bit 1/8 inch narrower than the shafts of your wood screws. Place the holes on center, each 1 inch from either end of the plank.

7. Sand all faces of all your lumber.

8. Stain all faces of your lumber, and allow to dry.

Assembly

9. Lay the two beams on the ground, laying on their 2-inch-wide faces. The slotted sides should both face inward, a little less than 3 feet apart.

10. Set one plank in place, with its edges nestled into two opposing slots. Screw it in with four wood screws, one each driven through the pilot holes and into the end of the plank. Use the widened end of the pilot holes to countersink the screw heads.

11. Repeat Step 2 with the other seven planks.

12. Lift the shelf unit upright, and slide into position against your wall.

13. Slip one shim beneath each beam to lean the shelf slightly backwards. This will help avoid tipping.

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