Skip to main content
Bunnings Warehouse

Sign in or sign up

No Bunnings account? Sign up
or
PowerPass customer?
Visit the dedicated trade website
Lowest Price Policy^
Free delivery* withOnePass_Icon.svg

How to build a plywood display unit

By Bunnings magazine May/June 2026

A light-coloured wooden display unit with adjustable shelves, holding decorative items, next to a potted plant.

Overview

Bring streamlined Scandi style to living spaces with this display unit shelving system. We used a trim router to cut the slots. It’s a great woodworking tool – and useful D.I.Y. skill – to add to your repertoire. Keep it simple with a clear sealer or a paint colour to suit your scheme.

Why you need this shelf unit

Made from A-grade plywood finished in a clear, matt sealer, this adjustable unit is 1800mm high and 900mm wide. Three shelves can be moved to any of the cutouts, offering flexibility with the size of the items to be stored or displayed. The fixed top and base shelves are braced for safety and to keep the shape. It’s demountable by unscrewing the brace and brackets, plus you can cut more shelves as required.

Steps

1The cutting list

From 19mm plywood:

  • BRACE: 2200mm x 65mm
  • ROUTER GUIDE: 350mm x 65mm
  • SIDES: 1800mm x 400mm (2)
  • SHELVES: 900mm x 450mm (5)
A technical diagram displaying the components, measurements, labels and assembly of a wooden shelving unit.

2Mark the cutouts

On two sheets of plywood, follow the Cutting List (see above) to mark side panels, shelves, a brace and router guide; clamp and cut using a circular saw with straightedge. Follow the diagram to mark cutouts on the sides and shelves using a combination square and ruler.
Hands using a ruler and pencil to mark a line on a piece of plywood.

3Make the cuts

Measure from the centre to the edge of the router plate and use this distance to clamp the brace lengthways as a stopper. Working from the base up, clamp the router guide next to each cutout; centre the router bit between the marks and run it against the guide to make a series of gradually deeper passes until cutting right through.
A hand operating a router to cut grooves into a piece of plywood.

4Sand the unit

Sand the sides and shelves all over, including the cutouts, rounding over the edges slightly to prevent splinters. Wipe away dust with a damp cloth. Use a mohair roller to apply two coats of sealer, leaving to dry after each coat.
A hand using a sander to smooth the surface of a piece of plywood.

5Secure the unit

With the sides facing up, line up the cutouts of the top and base shelves; tap to slide them in and finish flush at the back. Position four brackets under the base and above the top, 50mm in from the front and back; predrill with a 3mm bit and secure with button head screws.
A drill being used to attach a bracket to the plywood display unit.

6Add support

Position shelving face down with the brace diagonally centred over the side panels at the top and base shelf. Mark the angles; cut with a handsaw. At both ends, predrill into the side panel and either side into the shelf; secure with 40mm screws. Move into position, slide adjustable shelves into slots and anchor the display case to the wall.

7Keep in mind...

  • When cutting plywood, work on a flat surface with offcuts underneath.
  • When using power tools, always protect ears and eyes with ear muffs and safety glasses (gloves and mask are also recommended). For sanding or sealing, always wear the recommended safety gear (such as gloves, mask and eye and ear protection). Follow the manufacturer’s instructions and work in a well-ventilated area, covering surrounding areas with a drop sheet.
  • Shelf unit is not for climbing and must be secured to the wall with furniture anchors and fasteners that suit the wall type.

8Want to add colour to this display unit?

Pick up simple tips for how to paint plywood.



Photo credit: Alex Reinders, Stephen Pollitt.

Health & Safety

Asbestos, lead-based paints and copper chromium arsenic (CCA) treated timber are health hazards you need to look out for when renovating older homes. These substances can easily be disturbed when renovating and exposure to them can cause a range of life-threatening diseases and conditions including cancer. For information on the dangers of asbestos, lead-based paint and CCA treated timber and tips for dealing with these materials contact your local council's Environmental Health Officer or visit our Health & Safety page.

When following our advice in our D.I.Y. videos, make sure you use all equipment, including PPE, safely by following the manufacturer’s instructions. Check that the equipment is suitable for the task and that PPE fits properly. If you are unsure, hire an expert to do the job or talk to a Bunnings Team Member.