How to Build Utility Shelves

With the plywood for the shelf cut, the next step is to begin the installation of the shelf brackets. These brackets should be installed to the manufacturer's specifications, but some good general guidelines are when installing on a plastered (or sheet rocked) wall, you'll want the screws for the shelf brackets to be installed into the underlying studs. For attachment on a concrete wall (as shown in the image on this page), use appropriate anchors and screws.

Position one of the shelf brackets at the appropriate height (allowing for the 3/4" thick plywood shelf and approximately 10-12" in from the expected end of the shelf location) and mark the hole locations with a pencil, as shown in the picture.

TIP: Ideally, you'll want to install one shelf bracket, then use your level to align the second bracket at the proper height (to ensure that your shelf will be level in the final installation).