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DIY: Industrial Wall Shelves

DIY Wall Shelf

As you may have noticed from my DIY Peg Board post last week, I am in the middle of an office redesign.  With my newly painted white walls, I wanted to keep things simple and clean, but I was in the market for a couple shelves to accommodate some of my plants. I couldn’t quite find what I was looking for while perusing the home stores, so I decided to just make them myself. These shelves required only a few materials from the hardware store and they were very easy to install. If you’re a bit hesitant about the labor, don’t worry – they really are simple…and if it’s just you – don’t let that stop you either, I installed these all by myself.  However, if you do have a second set of hands, that certainly won’t hurt! Follow along for the DIY.

Plant ShelfDIY ShelfOffice ShelvesDIY_Wall Shelf

MATERIALS NEEDED (for 1 shelf):

  • Wood stain (optional)
  • 3/4″ thick wood cut to size
  • Pencil + level
  • (2) 1/2″ flanges
  • (4) 1/2″ x 2″ pipe nipples
  • Drill w/ bit
  • (8) drywall screws + anchors
  • (8) 1″ wood screws + washers

DIRECTIONS:

Before You Start: Have your wood shelves cut to size.  I used 3/4″ thick pine boards from Home Depot and had (2) pieces cut 24″ long x 7″ wide. If you wish to stain your wood, make sure to do that at least 24 hours before you start the installation process.  Make sure to clean all your pipe pieces properly as well.

Step #1: Into each flange, tightly screw 1 of the nipples, followed by an elbow piece, another nipple, and the second flange.

Step #2: Using a pencil, mark where you will position your two flanges.  Once you have determined the appropriate spot for each flange, use a pencil to mark the screw holes. Make sure that the top flange pieces are level and perpendicular to your wall.

Step #3: Use the pencil markings to indicate where to insert the drywall anchors. Next, working with one flange/nipple/elbow/nipple/flange piece at a time, screw the flange to the wall.  Once you have your two flanges screwed to the wall, check to make sure the top flanges are level.

Step #4: Place your shelf centered across the flanges, with the back edge of the shelf flat against the wall.  Once centered, use a pencil to mark the screw holes. Remove the shelf and pre-drill each hole 80% of the way (this will make the final assembly MUCH easier).

Step #5: Once each hole has been pre-drilled, place the board back into position and screw the board to the flanges.  Since most screws are not wide enough for the flange holes, you will most likely have to use a washer for each of the screws.

Step #6: Apply a bit of weight to the shelf to make sure everything is sturdy.  Once you’ve been assured it can handle weight, go ahead and put that shelf to good use!

DIY Industrial ShelvingDIY Wall Shelves

  1. Laura

    February 20, 2015 at 4:55 pm

    what is that trailing plant?! it’s so great!

  2. Crista

    February 1, 2016 at 12:34 pm

    Is that a string of pearls plant or something else?

    1. alanajonesmann

      February 22, 2016 at 6:45 pm

      you know i haven’t been able to identify it in the 2 years i’ve owned it. it’s like a string of pearls but the leaves are flattened, it’s really mind blowing!

  3. Clara

    February 20, 2016 at 2:26 pm

    Love this! Does the board have to be 7″ deep to be balanced? Would 6″ or 8″ work?

    1. alanajonesmann

      February 22, 2016 at 6:46 pm

      Thanks Clara! And yes, totally – 6″ or 8″ would work too!

  4. Diy Modern Wall Shelves – Luna S Ramsey

    June 30, 2016 at 3:17 am

    […] home decor home improvement slider. Diy hexagon wall shelves the easy way! This post may contain. Diy industrial wall shelves alana jonesmann. As you may have noticed from my diy peg board post last week, i am in the middle of an office […]

  5. Kali

    August 7, 2016 at 12:16 am

    Such a great idea, I think I need some of those shelfs too:-)

    http://www.idimin.berlin/

  6. Kay

    August 7, 2016 at 12:32 am

    Brilliant idea and excellent tutorial!

  7. Karolina

    October 26, 2016 at 11:16 am

    Very nice idea!
    From where did you get flanges and pipes? I really cannot find it!! 🙁

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