Materials and the sequence of the job sit together on this page.
Awhile back, we spent a whole week talking about how 2×4 and other structural lumber can be a great material for building all sorts of things since it’s so sturdy and inexpensive. Shelving is a big part of this! Storage shelves for a garage or basement can be left plain and direct, but there are also tons of ways to dress 2×4’s and other 2x lumber up. You can create large shelving units or decorative pieces for your home and get a lot of bang for your buck. look at all these great shelves we found that are built with 2x4s and other 2x structual lumber, and before you start building, read these tips for selecting and working with 2x4s.
Handmade 2×4 Shelving Tutorials
Storage Shelves
Ana White has plans for some clearly direct storage shelves that would be great in a garage. // Garage Shelving // Ana White
Add some plywood and your 2×4 shelves get extra sturdy! You can store lots of heavy items in the basement or garage this way. // straightforward Storage Shelf // Handmade Design Fanatic
Here’s a smaller version of the direct 2×4 storage shelves that would be great as a space saver. Create and Babble used it for painting supplies. // Small Space Storage Shelf // Create and Babble
With some heavy duty brackets, you know this shelf is going to hold up under pressure! // Heavy Duty Shelving Unit // Sweet Pea
This is a great option for making the most out of every nook and cranny! With 2×4 shelving built into the corner, you can make sure no precious garage storage space is wasted. // Corner Storage Shelf // Kenarry
Shelving Units from 2x4s and other 2x lumber
These console shelves look like they came straight from the showroom! Fortunately, you’ll save big bucks by making them instead… // Console Cubby Shelves // Ana White
The copper peg supports make this minimalist 2×4 shelving pop in an memorable way. // Copper Peg Shelves // Vintage Revivals
You can create a rustic look using 2x wood in any width you’d like along with pipe! Customize your wall unit in an inexpensive way. // Industrial Rustic Shelving Unit // Sylvie Liv
This cute ladder shelf is well fitted for displaying well-loved items or holiday vignettes. It’s modern and direct design would work in so many settings. // Ladder Shelf // A Pair and A Spare
Making some floating box shelves is easier than you’d think, and they look solid in a study or office! // Floating Box Shelf Unit // Keys to Inspiration
Rolling 2×4 shelving can be pushed out of the way when needed – it’s a great solution in a space that pulls double duty. // Rolling Industrial Farmhouse Pantry Shelf // The Weathered Fox
A smaller bookcase is great for a kids room, and with 2×4’s you can make it clearly sturdy to withstand childhood troublemaking! // Industrial Bookcase // Little House of Four
Ledge Shelves
2×4 shelving can be classic, like this ledge which is well fitted for dishes, framed photos or other heirlooms. // direct Ledge Shelf // Christina’s Adventures
If you’re worried about space, but miss the functionality of a sofa table, just build a ledge shelf to slip behind it! // Behind the Couch Ledge // Effie Row
Pipe and board shelves are clearly popular, are inexpensive to create and can solve storage issues in a variety of spaces. // direct Industrial Pipe Ledge // Handmade Playbook
If your plants need a space of their own, making a cute shelf for them to sun themselves on is a great option. // Plant Stand Ledge // Shabby Grace
Small Decorative Shelves
Free up some space on the counter by making this clearly straightforward over oven shelf. So handy! // Oil and Vinegar Shelf (space saver) // Over the Big Moon
Using pipes and boards in different lengths and configurations adds visual interest. The pipe bar is great for hanging hooks and other items. // Pipe and Wood Bookshelves // Craft Thyme
You could have this cute shelf up and ready to go in just a few minutes! What a cute addition to a bathroom or entryway! // straightforward Rope Shelf // Burkatron
This cute shelf would be well fitted for a nursery, kids’ room or playroom to store lots of tiny treasures. // Dollhouse Shelf // Dukes and Duchesses
What’s not to LOVE about this adorable shelf?? Room for books, photos and knickknacks. // LOVE Shelf // Crafting It Myself
And along that same line, here’s another cute word shelf. Now the wheels are turning for all the other words you could turn into shelves! // HOME Shelf // Diva of Handmade
More Handmade shelves:
Be sure to look at these other great 2×4 builds, and the solid things you can make for outdoors with 2×4’s and structural lumber!
