Simple shelves to make the most of your storage space. Wood cost about $70. You get about 64 sqft of storage, and 32 linear feet of shelf.

Materials needed:
2 sheets of 4x8 ply wood (ripped lengthwise, provided free at HD and Lowes)
18 2"x2"x8'
108 2" screws
68 1" screws
1 staple gun (optional)
1 electric drill (but two is better!)
1 saw (preferably a miter saw, though any would work)
Start to finish it takes about 4 hours

cut list
24 18" 2x2 - these crosspieces will go between the uprights
24 Custom height 2X2 - I use 20 1/2" for two levels and 15 1/4 for two levels. Each level needs 6 of whatever length you choose. These are the uprights.

tip: if possible, cut more than one board at a time. My saw cut 3 2x2's at once without a problem.

Assemble the squares by placing two crosspieces between two uprights to form a square.

tip: hold the squares together with staples first. The staples make screwing the squares together go much faster than trying to brace each one individually by hand or clamp.

Countersink each joint about 1/2 an inch. Use one 2" screw to join each corner. Press hard to keep the joints nice and tight.

After the squares are assembled, attach a rail across three using a 2" screw. Repeat on the other side. Use staples or a partner to stabilize. Be careful not to try to screw through a screw on the other layer. Repeat on the other side.

Place the plywood on top. Square the frame to the plywood. mark 3/4 of an inch in and mark every foot along the perimeter of the plywood. Counter sink (not too deep, just enough to cover the head). Use 1" screws to attach sheathing to frame. Put three screws through the squares as well: one through each upright and one in the middle.

Countersink two holes in the bottom crosspiece of the squares. You will use these holes to attach each layer to the layer below.

It's probably worth adding some diagonals at least to the bottom layer for stability, thought I don't in this video.

Without some diagonals these are not good stand alone shelves for the middle of a room. Pushed against wall, they're great. Don't forget to anchor the top to the wall so that they don't fall over on anyone.

I created this video with the YouTube Video Editor (   / editor  )