A reader favorite, our wood closet shelving plans are easy to build, easy to customize, and budget friendly! It costs about $20 a linear foot (our 10 foot closet cost $200) to build. You'll love our free step by step plans with full diagrams and lots of reader submitted photos.

Note that this closet is most likely too tall to fit inside doorways and will need to be assembled in the closet (after you make the leg supports). If your closet is really tight, you may wish to shorten the entire closet by a few inches (measure you doorways).
Preparation
PER LEG SUPPORT (You'll need at least two leg supports, and additional leg supports every 3 feet or so)
- 2 - 1x4 @ 8 feet long (for the legs)
- 4 feet of 2x4 for the legs with closet rods and upper shelves, 8 feet of 2x4s for legs with closet rods, upper shelves AND and extra shelf supports
- I'd buy one extra 2x4 for things like supporting the closet rod (if not using the pipes) and for cutting around knots, cracks, splits etc
- 2-1/2" self tapping screws for attaching the legs to the 2x4 ends, two per joint
SHELVES
- 4 - 1x4 @ length of closet PER SHELF
- Additional 1x4s for smaller shelves if using
- 1-1/2" self tapping screws for attaching shelving or brad nails (recommend two per joint)
Wood stain or paint - I stained all of my boards first, before cutting. I let them dry overnight. After completing the project, I touched up unstained areas (cut ends).
PER LEG SUPPORT
- 3 - 2x4 @ 15-1/2" (shelf supports - make sure you measure your pipes first to figure how deep the closet needs to be to work with the iron pipe closet rods)
- 2 - 1x4 @ 81-1/2" (legs - you may wish to shorten these to pass through doorways)
SHELVES
- Per each full length shelf - 4 - 1x4s cut to length of closet
FOR EACH SMALLER SHELF
- 2 - 2x4 @ 15-1/2"
- 4 - 1x4 cut to length of smaller shelf
Please read through the entire plan and all comments before beginning this project. It is also advisable to review the Getting Started Section. Take all necessary precautions to build safely and smartly. Work on a clean level surface, free of imperfections or debris. Always use straight boards. Check for square after each step. Always predrill holes before attaching with screws. Use glue with finish nails for a stronger hold. Wipe excess glue off bare wood for stained projects, as dried glue will not take stain. Be safe, have fun, and ask for help if you need it. Good luck!
Instructions
Step 1
Step 2
I cut all my shelving to the length of the closet. Then I threaded two shelving boards on bottom shelf and two on second to top shelf.
I screwed the shelving boards to the outside leg supports, flush to the inside of the legs (will come back and add the middle shelving boards). Once the two outside leg supports were screwed down, I used a level to place the remaining two legs, with the closet rod determining where the legs should go.
Then I added the remaining shelving boards, screwing those down. Attach the outer shelving boards first, then evenly space the middle two shelving boards. I used 1-1/2" screws here. Once everything was tied in, it was pretty secure, but just for added security, I also screwed the shelving unit to the walls to prevent racking or forward tipping.
Step 3
Step 4
We love the look of the iron pipes, but it is expensive.
Here's a cheaper way that will function just the same.
Add more 2x4 @ 15-1/2" wherever you want a closet rod, but attach so the 2x4 runs tall, not flat and wide.
Then use closet rod sockets and wood closet rods cut to length in between the 2x4s run tall.
It is always recommended to apply a test coat on a hidden area or scrap piece to ensure color evenness and adhesion. Use primer or wood conditioner as needed.
Comments
brookifer86
Thu, 09/18/2014 - 07:41
Wowza!
This closet is SO beautiful! You're right, I can totally see this as a display shelf in an upscale store. Once again you hit it out of the park. Now I'm eyeballing my home wondering if there's a spot to fit this...
vjdoro7
Thu, 09/18/2014 - 10:45
Beautiful
I love the look of your storage unit. I have made similar things in the past. Unfortunately mine do not look as nice because they are loaded with stuff. Looks more like art when it is sparsely used and the clothing is sort of monochromatic. Very nicely done and artistically presented.
dewdrop
Thu, 09/18/2014 - 11:31
Love the look of this!
Maybe I am that one person! I've been debating building your other closet organizer but just haven't been certain I could haul around and install it due to the weight of it. This one will do the trick and I love the industrial look! Thank you!
mike0mike
Thu, 09/18/2014 - 12:19
Noob question
What type of wood 1x4 did you use?
In reply to Noob question by mike0mike
Jacob White
Thu, 09/18/2014 - 12:30
Hi - just those cheapo
Hi - just those cheapo whitewood/pine boards and 2x4s :)
kmatt55
Sat, 09/20/2014 - 18:09
This is brilliant and
This is brilliant and stunning! Love it!
Liam
Sun, 10/19/2014 - 17:51
Lumber Dimensions
Are those true 1x4s or 3/4x3.5s?
Wondering if 3/4" thick would be strong enough, especially once weighed down with items.
And did you just use regular 2x4 studs?
Thanks!
davidduncan0
Mon, 12/29/2014 - 16:17
Dimensions
Liam, I hope it's ok for me to answer.
Any lumber you get from the home stores are going to have the smaller measurements, it's just easier to say "1x4". As far as being strong enough, the plan calls for 4 boards across, so the weight will be distributed, with each board taking 1/4 of the weight. Hope this helps.
David
Backinservice
Tue, 11/25/2014 - 10:53
Nice project
I like it was suprised to see no Kreg pocket holes! But does that mean pocket hole joinery isn't strong enough for storage shelves? If it is, what are the best methods for heavy shelves?
davidduncan0
Mon, 12/29/2014 - 16:22
pocket holes
Back, (or is it Service?)
I think the industrial look to the shelf lends itself to the lack of pocket holes. As far as being strong enough, I built the "industrial rolling shelf" for my garage using the Kreg, and it's loaded to the hilt with no issues. I think this one was designed to be quick and easy. Pocket holes are great but they do add a lot to the time to build. Just my opinion. Thanks, David