How to Build Playroom Shelves

Determine the height and width of your playroom shelves. You will need to anchor the shelves to the wall of the playroom, and generally, they should be deeper than bookshelves to allow for adequate storage--for this example, we'll call it 18 inches. The space between the shelves will be determined by the bins you choose. Allow 2 inches of room above the top of the bins when you design the shelves. The width of the shelves should be enough to hold 2 or 3 bins. The bottom shelf may be taller to allow you to store oversized toys.

Cut the wood for the bookshelf. You will need a back piece that is the height and width of the entire set of shelves you planned. You will also need two sidepieces with a depth of 18 inches and the total height of the shelf. Cut the desired number of shelves plus a top and bottom piece. The shelves should be 18 inches wide by the length of your shelves.

Sand the shelves to prevent splinters. Smooth the edges. Paint or stain the shelves to match the playroom. Measure and mark the placement of each shelf on both of the supporting sides of the shelf.

Nail the bottom of the shelf to one side of the shelf. Then nail the top to the shelf. Place the shelves where you marked them and nail them in place. Then attach the other side to the top and the bottom. Be sure to square the edges so that the shelf will be level. Then nail the other shelves in place.

Place the back of the shelf on the back and nail it into place. Be sure that the edges are straight and stabilized before you nail it. Secure the corners before you nail in the sides.

Find a stud in the wall and anchor the shelf to the wall. Put the bins and other toys on the shelf.