DIY Builds
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Is it cheaper to build your own shelf?

Most of the time your DIY shelves will end up being cheaper if you build them right the first time and purchase your own materials. The best upside to building DIY shelves is that you will be able to customize the shelves for your space.

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Are you looking for DIY shelves you can build today? Here are some of our favorite DIY shelves for any room in your home. DIY shelving is the perfect opportunity to add extra storage while avoiding buying expensive premade ones. *Disclosure: I only recommend products I would use myself and all opinions expressed here are our own. This post may contain affiliate links that at no additional cost to you, I may earn a small commission. Read our full privacy policy.

DIY Shelving Ideas Can Get Your Organized

Building your own DIY wall shelves can save you money and have you get a custom look to fit your style. As far as DIY home projects go, building your own shelves is not that much harder than putting up premade ones (not to mention how much you will save for way higher-quality materials).

Why build your own shelves?

The best part about creating your own shelving is that you get to pick the style, price of materials, and difficulty. You will love checking out this list of DIY shelving ideas. You may even decide that there is a blank interior wall in your home that could use some shelving. Or a closet that could get redone after seeing these shelf designs. Building your own shelves can be either decorative or completely functional. Each of the shelves on this list has a unique purpose and not all require power tools like a circular saw and more. Is it cheaper to build your own shelves? It all depends on the materials you are using. Most of the time your DIY shelves will end up being cheaper if you build them right the first time and purchase your own materials. The best upside to building DIY shelves is that you will be able to customize the shelves for your space. In this list, you can even see 70″ kitchen floating shelves and super long wall shelves that you would never be able to purchase as is.

Types of DIY Shelves To Try Wood shelves

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Floating shelves

Shelves with Brackets

Bookcases

Bathroom Wall Shelves

Closet shelves

Hanging Shelves

Garage Shelves

Built-Ins With Shelving

Freestanding Shelves

Corner Shelves

Our Favorite DIY Shelving Ideas

We hope you found inspiration from these DIY shelf ideas. We know there are a few new ones that we would love to try. Bye, bye wire shelving that we have all over.

Shelving FAQs

What wood is the cheapest to make shelves? Plywood is the cheapest wood, followed by Pine. Both are good options if you plan on painting your shelves. How thick should plywood be for shelves? At least 3/4″ plywood works when building shelves. What is the easiest shelf to build? Bracket shelves give a great custom look without too much hassle. Simply cut a wood board or have it cut to size, stain it or paint it and add it to your brackets. Use as a stud finder to help attach your brackets to the wall studs, check that they are level and add your board. Within a few hours, you could end up with brand-new open shelving.

Related Home Organization Ideas

We just love these awesome home decor DIY projects that can help you create the home (and new shelves) of your dreams!

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