How To Build Industrial Shelves: A Personal Experience
As someone who loves the industrial look and feel, I was eager to try my hand at building some industrial shelves for my home office. After a bit of research and trial and error, I’m happy to share my experience and tips for building your own industrial shelves.
Step by Step Guide
Materials:
- Wooden boards
- Black steel pipes and fittings
- Screws
- Drill
- Sandpaper
- Stain or paint (optional)
Instructions:
- Cut your wooden boards to your desired length and sand them until smooth.
- If desired, stain or paint your wooden boards and let them dry completely.
- Using a drill, screw the black steel pipes and fittings onto the wooden boards to form the shelving brackets. Be sure to measure and mark where each bracket will go before drilling.
- Once all the brackets are securely attached, slide the wooden boards onto the brackets.
- Adjust the pipes and fittings as needed to ensure the shelves are level.
Top 10 Tips and Ideas
- Use reclaimed wood for a more authentic industrial look.
- Experiment with different pipe lengths and fittings to create a unique design.
- Stain or paint the pipes and fittings for a more customized look.
- Use pipe straps to secure the pipes and fittings to the wall for extra support.
- Add baskets or bins to the shelves for additional storage.
- Use casters on the bottom of the shelves to make them mobile.
- Install lighting underneath the shelves for a dramatic effect.
- Use the same materials to create a matching desk or table.
- Experiment with different wood finishes, such as a distressed or whitewashed look.
- Don’t be afraid to mix and match different pipes and fittings for a more eclectic look.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Customizable to fit your specific needs and space.
- Can be made with affordable materials.
- Provides a unique and industrial look to any space.
- Can be easily disassembled and reassembled if needed.
Cons:
- May require some basic DIY skills.
- May not be as sturdy as store-bought shelving units.
- May take longer to build than expected.
- May require additional tools and materials.
Personal Review and Suggestion
Overall, I am thrilled with how my industrial shelves turned out. They were a bit of a challenge to build, but the end result was well worth it. The shelves are sturdy and provide ample storage space for my office supplies.
My suggestion for anyone looking to build their own industrial shelves is to take your time and don’t be afraid to experiment with different materials and designs. It’s also important to have the proper tools and equipment on hand to ensure a safe and successful build.
Question & Answer and FAQs
Q: How much did it cost to build your industrial shelves?
A: The cost of building industrial shelves can vary depending on the materials used and the size of the shelves. I spent approximately $150 on materials for my shelves.
Q: Can I use different types of wood for my shelves?
A: Absolutely! The type of wood you use is completely up to you and can affect the overall look and feel of the shelves.
Q: How long did it take you to build your shelves?
A: It took me approximately two weekends to build my shelves. However, the time it takes can vary depending on your skill level and the size of the shelves.
Q: Are industrial shelves difficult to install?
A: Installing industrial shelves can be a bit tricky, especially if you are working with pipes and fittings. It’s important to have the proper tools and equipment on hand and to follow the instructions carefully.