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How can I add extra storage without spending a fortune?

Home » Home Improvement » Home Organization » How can I add extra storage without spending a fortune?

Shelves are one of the most useful forms of storage. They can be placed in the back or sides of a closet, at the end of a hallway, or in the corner of any room. By adding baskets or decorative storage pieces they can hold all the stuff you need access to but don't want sitting out to clutter up the room. A curtain can even be hung in front if you want to hide the contents. Simple shelves are easy and inexpensive to make using wood, plywood, or fiberboard. They can be hung from metal shelving brackets or for a more attractive look you can use decorative brackets. Lumberyards and home improvement centers will cut the wood for you if you have your measurement ready when you go. This saves time and is especially helpful if you don’t have carpenters tools at home. It may cost a little extra but it can be worth it if you are short on time and tools.

Shelves can be made from a variety of materials. If the shelves are going in a closet or utility area where they will not be seen, 3/4-inch plywood or pine shelves can be sanded smooth and then left as is. Plywood or fiberboard sheets are less expensive than solid wood boards. However, they do not come in shelf width planks but are sold in 4 x 8 foot sheets and will need to be cut into shelf width pieces. This can be done by the lumberyard or home center unless you have a circular saw and are experienced in using it. Veneer tape is coated with a heat-activated adhesive and can be applied with an iron to the front and sides of plywood if you want a more finished look.

Consider painting or staining your shelves if you are going to place them in primary location in your home. The shelves can also be made of plywood veneer for a better look. You can also buy hardwood boards of oak or cherry, but these woods are expensive. You get the same look for less with plywood veneer. Melamine-coated particleboard is a good choice when you want to build shelves that have and easy to clean surface. It is usually available pre-cut in a variety of standard widths and lengths.

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