A simple wooden shelf is one of the easiest DIY projects to take on at home. It can add useful storage to a bedroom, living room, home office, kitchen or workshop — and you can customise the size, material and finish to match your space.
Whether you’re a DIY beginner or an experienced home improver, this guide will show you how to build a simple wall-mounted shelf using readily available materials and tools.
What You’ll Need
Before you start, decide how wide and deep you want your shelf to be. For a straightforward project, a shelf around 80–100 cm wide and 20–30 cm deep is a practical starting point.
Materials
- 1 wooden board, plywood or suitable furniture panel
- 2 wall-mounted shelf brackets
- Appropriate wood screws
- Appropriate wall plugs/anchors for your wall type
- Wood adhesive, if required
- Sandpaper
- Wood paint, stain or protective finish, if desired
Liotatis offers a range of plywood and timber materials that can be used for DIY furniture and shelving projects. Choose the material and thickness according to the intended size and load of your shelf.
For a traditional wall-mounted shelf, you can also use shelf brackets. For example, Liotatis stocks the Black Matt 200 × 250 mm shelf bracket and larger 300 × 350 mm shelf brackets.
You’ll also find a wide selection of wood screws and fastening products.
Tools You’ll Need
You don’t need a professional workshop for this project. The basic tools include:
- Tape measure
- Pencil
- Spirit level
- Drill/driver
- Suitable drill bits
- Saw, if the board needs cutting
- Screwdriver or appropriate driver bit
- Sandpaper or sanding block
- Clamps, if required
- Safety glasses and appropriate protective equipment
If you are making several shelves or working on a larger furniture project, specialised shelf jigs can also make accurate positioning easier. Liotatis stocks Kreg shelf jigs and shelf accessories, including the Kreg 5 mm Shelf Pin Jig for adjustable shelving.
Step 1: Plan Your Shelf
Start by deciding where the shelf will go and what you intend to store on it.
Measure the available wall space and determine:
- Width: How long should the shelf be?
- Depth: What will you place on it?
- Height: Where should it sit?
- Load: Will it hold books and heavier objects, or just decorations?
For heavier loads, use a suitably strong board and brackets designed for the expected weight. The wall and the fixing method are just as important as the shelf itself.
Tip: Don’t make the shelf unnecessarily deep. A deeper shelf can hold more, but it also creates more leverage on the wall fixings.
Step 2: Cut the Board to Size
If your board isn’t already the correct size, mark the required length carefully using a tape measure and pencil.
Use a suitable saw to make the cut, keeping the blade aligned with your marked line.
For a cleaner result:
- Measure twice before cutting.
- Mark a clear cutting line.
- Secure the board firmly.
- Wear eye protection.
- Cut slowly and steadily.
If you don’t have the right equipment for the job, consider having the material professionally cut to size.
Step 3: Sand the Edges
After cutting, sand the edges and corners of the board.
Start with a suitable coarse or medium sandpaper if the edges are rough, then use a finer grade to create a smoother finish.
Pay particular attention to the corners. Slightly rounding sharp edges can make the finished shelf more comfortable to handle and gives it a more finished appearance.
Step 4: Choose & Position the Brackets
Place your two brackets underneath the shelf and mark their positions.
As a general starting point, position the brackets approximately 10–15 cm from each end of the shelf. The exact position will depend on the shelf’s length, depth and expected load.
Use a spirit level to mark a straight horizontal line on the wall.
For longer or heavily loaded shelves, additional support may be required.
Step 5: Check Your Wall Fixings
This is one of the most important steps.
Different walls require different fixing methods. Plasterboard, brick, concrete and other wall constructions may require different types of plugs and screws.
Never assume that the same wall plug is suitable for every wall.
Choose fixings appropriate for your wall type and the weight you intend to put on the shelf.
Liotatis has a broad selection of screws, anchors and fastening products to help with different DIY applications.
Step 6: Drill the Holes
With the bracket positions marked, drill the required holes using the appropriate drill bit.
Keep the drill as straight as possible and avoid making the holes larger than necessary.
Insert the appropriate wall plugs or anchors if required.
Before drilling, always check that there are no hidden electrical cables or pipes in the drilling area.
Step 7: Attach the Brackets
Position the brackets over the holes and secure them to the wall using the appropriate screws.
Don’t fully tighten everything immediately.
First, check that both brackets are positioned correctly and use a spirit level to make sure they are aligned.
Once you’re happy with the position, tighten the fixings securely.
Step 8: Attach the Shelf
Place the wooden board on top of the brackets.
Check that it is centred and sits correctly.
Depending on the bracket design, secure the shelf to the brackets from underneath using suitable screws.
Take care not to use screws that are too long for the thickness of your shelf material.
Step 9: Add Your Finish
You can leave the wood natural for a simple, contemporary appearance or finish it to match your interior.
Depending on the material, options include:
- Clear protective finish
- Wood oil
- Stain
- Paint
For outdoor applications, choose a finish specifically designed to protect exterior timber. Liotatis also stocks exterior wood protection products such as Rubio Monocoat DuroGrit, which is designed for exterior wood and provides protection against UV exposure, water and dirt.
Step 10: Test the Shelf
Before putting your favourite books or valuable items on the shelf, test it carefully.
Apply weight gradually and check:
- Are the brackets secure?
- Does the shelf remain level?
- Is there any movement?
- Are the wall fixings holding properly?
- Is the board showing any signs of bending?
If anything feels loose or unstable, remove the load and check the installation.
Ready to Build Your Shelf?
A DIY shelf doesn’t require complicated joinery or specialist equipment. With the right board, suitable brackets, reliable fixings and a few basic tools, you can create useful storage that fits your space perfectly.
For your next DIY project, explore Liotatis Timber & DIY for timber and sheet materials, brackets, screws, tools and other hardware.
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Always choose fixings, materials and tools appropriate for your specific project, wall construction and intended load. If you’re unsure about the suitability of a fixing or material, ask a qualified professional before installation.