D.I.Y. wooden storage rack

First you'll need to cut your timber. You can save time by having the timber cut at your local Bunnings. Our cutting list for this project is as follows:

Shelf bases 10mm ply

• 500mm x 500mm x 1
• 500mm x 400mm x 1
• 500mm x 300mm x 1
• 500mm x 200mm x 1
• 500mm x 100mm x 1

Shelf frames 65mm x 19mm pine DAR

• 538mm x 10
• 500mm x 2
• 400mm x 2
• 300mm x 2
• 200mm x2
• 100mm x2

Legs 42mm x 19mm pine DAR

• 1945mm x 2 (rear uprights)
• 2020mm x 2 (front uprights; note: mitre cut at each end on a 16-degree angle)

When you measure and mark the bases make sure you allow extra for the base plate and the width of the blade on the circular saw. The five plywood bases for our shelves measured:

• 500mm x 500mm for the bottom shelf
• 500mm x 400mm
• 500mm x 300mm
• 500mm x 200mm
• 500mm x 100mm for the top shelf

Clamp the plywood for the base to the workbench. Use the circular saw to cut the pieces of wood to size. You might need someone to hold the timber as you cut it.

Use the 65mmx19mm pine DAR to measure and mark the frames for the shelf, our measurements were:

• 538mm x 10
• 500mm x 2
• 400mm x 2
• 300mm x 2
• 200mm x 2
• 100mm x 2

While the drop saw is set up, measure and mark the timber for the legs. The two back legs should be cut straight at 90 degrees while the two front legs should be mitre cut at 16 degrees top and bottom to accommodate the widths of the shelves. Our legs measured 1945mm at the rear and 2020mm at the front.

Use the drop saw to cut the four legs to size. When making the mitre cut for the bottom of the legs, don't forget to set a 16-degree angle.

Now the timber for your shelves is cut to size, it's time to assemble them. Glue the edges of the frames and the ply base then secure the sides and the base with the nail gun. Repeat this to make the other shelves, wiping away any excess glue with a rag.

Measure and mark your preferred shelf positions along the back legs of the frame.From the top of the legs, our shelves were placed at 185mm, 535mm, 885mm, 1235mm and 1590mm to the bottom of the shelf.

Now you've marked the position for the shelves, attach the top and bottom shelves, using the nail gun. Fixing the top and bottom shelves first will ensure a stable frame and make it easier to attach the other ones.

Clamp the first of the front legs into place and secure with the nail gun. Repeat this to attach the other front leg. Before fixing them into place, make sure the shelves are square.

Use the 3mm drill bit to pre-drill two holes on either side of the legs for the top and bottom shelves. 

Drill 2 x 30mm screws at the top and 2 x 40mm screws at the base to secure the shelf. Repeat steps 12 and 13 to attach all of your shelves.

Use the wood putty and scraper to putty up all of the nail and screw holes. Let the putty dry and sand the entire shelf with 240 grit sandpaper. 

You can paint or stain the timber storage rack to suit your décor or keep it raw.