Decide on the desired size for the built-in shelving unit and the approximate location on the wall. Avoid placing the unit directly above or below wall switches, outlets, or light fixtures; This will make it easier to avoid electrical wires in the wall. Find the location of the wall studs (typically 16 inches apart); the unit needs to go between the studs.
Use a straight edge and a razor knife to score the drywall. Use a hammer to punch a hole in the drywall within the marked outline. Look behind the drywall to check for wires and other obstacles.
If there are no obstacles in the way, use a drywall saw to carefully cut around the marked line on the drywall. Avoid any electrical wiring when cutting drywall.
Measure and cut the plywood for the shelving. For our project, we used plywood with pre-cut slots in the sides of the unit to accommodate adjustable shelves. Plain 3/4" plywood was used for the top, bottom, and back of the shelving unit.
Cut the plywood slotted so the slots line up when the piece is assembled. If the slots are off, the shelves will be crooked.
Use wood glue and a Brad nailer to put the box together. Add decorative wood trim around the face of the box; this will cover the raw plywood edges and help hide any gaps between the box and the drywall.
Sand the shelving unit and trim, then stain or prime and paint as desired.
The bracket behind the wall to support the shelving unit will depend on the weight of the unit and what you plan to display on the shelving unit. If the unit is heavy, attach 2x4s to existing framing to add additional support for you to nail the shelving unit to. Align the 2x4s to the edge of the drywall opening. If the unit is light enough, slide strips of plywood behind the drywall, flush with the edges of the hole. Secure these to the drywall with screws.
Slide the box into the hole in the drywall. Nail through the sides of the shelf into the 2x4 framing or secure the box by nailing through the front edge and into the plywood strips behind the drywall. Check unit for plumb and levelness.
We purchased a sheet of acrylic that we were able to cut into six shelves. Home improvement stores can pre-cut acrylic for you. Remove the protective plastic and slide the shelves into the slots. Use double-sided tape to adhere small battery-operated lights to the top of the unit to better display your treasures.
