Permanent shelves can be built into any space where storage is needed. The space between a door or window and an adjacent wall corner is often used for built-in shelving.

A shelving unit can be built out of any 1-inch lumber except particleboard, which sags under heavy weight. For heavy loads, like books, a shelving unit should be built from 1 × 10 or 1 × 12-inch hardwoodboards and should span no more than 48 inches. Shelves can be supported from the ends by pegs or end clips.

Tip: When framing the basic shelving unit, build it 1 " shorter than the floor-to-ceiling measurement. This allows you to tilt the unit into position without damaging the ceiling. Trim moldings are used to hide gaps along the ceiling and floor.