Editors of The Family Handyman - 100 Weekend Projects Anyone Can Do: Easy, Practical Projects Using Basic Tools and Standard Materials

A Note to Our Readers

All do-it-yourself activities involve a degree of risk. Skills, materials, tools and site conditions vary widely. Although the editors have made every effort to ensure accuracy, the reader remains responsible for the selection and use of tools, materials and methods. Always obey local codes and laws, follow manufacturer instructions and observe safety precautions.

WHAT IT TAKES

TIME : 1 hour

SKILL LEVEL : Beginner

T heres a whole lot of unused real estate above most closet shelves. It seems logical that if one shelf is good, two would be better. And that upper shelf could be 15 in. deep instead of 12 in. because theres no closet rod hanging out below. The deep baskets help with the organization; cabinet knobs make for easier access. We show a two-tier shelf; you can install three if your closets (and you) are tall enough.

Secure blocking to the existing shelf. Buy your baskets, then cut spacer blocks 1/2 in. wider than the baskets are tall. Cut the ends of the blocks at an angle to accommodate the wider top shelf. Screw blocks to the bottom shelf, spacing them 1/2 in. farther apart than the baskets are wide. Then install and secure the top shelf.

Figure A

Closet shelf

WHAT IT TAKES

TIME : One day to build, plus painting

SKILL LEVEL : Beginner to intermediate

S helves and cabinets are great places to store kid stuff, but when youre in a hurry (and kids always are), its nice to just throw and go. Thats why we built these bins. Theyre great for sports gear but handle all kinds of miscellaneous garage clutter.

We wanted something with a little character, so we loosely based the design on a row of bins at an old-fashioned country store. It was worth the little bit of extra effort to build something that brings back good memories yet serves a practical purpose in the present.

Cut the sides, top and bottom from 3/4-in. plywood using a table saw or circular saw. We used BC plywood, which is good enough for paint, but you may want to buy birch veneer plywood if you plan to use stain.

This project requires a full sheet of plywood plus a 2 x 4-ft. section. Many home centers carry 4 x 4-ft., and some even stock 2 x 4-ft., so you dont have to buy two full sheets. However, they charge a premium for smaller sheets, and you wont save more than a few bucks. We bought two full sheets and used the leftover on other projects. The same goes for the 1/4-in. plywoodyou only need a 4 x 4-ft. sheet, but a 4 x 8-ft. is a better value.

The fronts of the bins get the most abuse, so we built them from a solid 1x6 pine board. Solid wood holds up better than a plywood edge. You can rip down the two center boards when youre cutting up the other parts, but hold off on cutting them to length until the top and bottom boards are in place. That way you can cut them exactly to size.

This part of the process seems a little tricky, but its really quite simple if you follow these directions. Hook a tape measure on the bottom front of one of the side boards. Measure up and mark the edge of the board at: 0, 4 in., 15-1/2 in., 19-1/2 in., 31 in. and 35 in. Now go back and measure over 4 in. at the following locations: the bottom, 15-1/2 in., 31 in. and the top (). Its just that easy.

Clamp two side boards down to your work surface. Arrange them so the best sides of the plywood will be on the outside of the bins. Use a circular saw to make most of each cut. (Sometimes its necessary to hold the blade guard up when you start a cut at an angle.) Finish the cuts with a jigsaw (). A handsaw will work fine if you dont own a jigsaw.

Sand the edges with 80-grit sandpaper while the sides are still clamped together (). Use one of the two cut side boards to mark one of the other uncut side boards, and repeat the process.

If youve already chosen a color for your project, now would be a good time to sand and finish all the parts. That way, youll only have to touch up the fastener holes after assembly. Some of the plywood edges may have voids, which can be filled with wood putty or patching compound.

Lay out two of the sides back to back with the good side of the plywood facing down. Using a straightedge, mark lines between the notches to serve as a reference line for the bottoms of the bins. The bottom of the whole unit will serve as the bottom of the lowest bins, so fasten the bottom on the second lowest bin first. Align the board above the reference line.

Fasten the bottoms and the fronts with three 1-1/2-in. brads. Once its all put together, go back and reinforce it all with two 2-in. trim head screws in each side of every board.

Once the bottoms are in place, come back and install the 1x6 fronts (). Align them flush with the outside edge of the plywood. Youll notice a small gap between the bin bottom and the front. This makes assembly easier, especially if your side cuts werent perfect. It wont be noticeable when its up against the wall. Once the first bank of bins is done, assemble the second one.

Fasten the top and bottom flush with the outside edges of the bins. Again, drive three brads into each side board and then go back and secure them with a couple of trim head screws.

Use the 1/4-in. plywood back to square up the project. Start with the two factory-cut sides of the plywood, and start fastening it to either the top or bottom, making sure its perfectly flush with the edge. Then fasten one side, working away from the previously fastened top or bottom, straightening and nailing as you go. Install one screw through the back into each bin bottom for a little extra support. Before you finish the other two sides, set up the project and check that things are square.

Measure between the two banks of bins, and cut your center boards to that size. Pin them in with brads and secure them with a screw. The center boards can be located anywhere you want depending on the type of items youre going to store.

If your project is going to be sitting on concrete, you may want to install a couple of strips of treated lumber on the bottom. Rip 5/8-in. strips of treated lumber and tack them onto the perimeter of the bottom.

You can screw the project to the wall if you know your kids will be using it as a ladder, but its pretty stable as it is. All thats left is to go tell the family that there are no more excuses for throwing stuff on the floor.