DIY Storage Towers

How to Build DIY Storage Towers

1. 1 Cut the MDF

   

   Measure and mark the following pieces on the MDF using a carpenter's square and pencil. Make these straight cuts with your lightweight and cordless BLACK+DECKER 20V MAX* 5-1/2 in. Circular Saw:

   • (4) 42 x 13" pieces for the tower frames
   • (8) 15 x 13" pieces for the shelves

2. 2 Construct the Tower Frame

   

   To construct the first shelf, place two 15 x 13" MDF pieces on their 3/4" edge between the ends of two 42 x 13" pieces so that they form right angles, creating a long rectangle frame. Ensure the edges are square and flush before drilling pilot holes with a 7/64” drill bit in each corner at both ends.

   Secure the pieces together with eight 2" wood screws and your BLACK + DECKER 20V MAX* Lithium Drill/Driver. Repeat these steps to create the frame for the second storage tower.

   

   Depending on what type of screw you're using, pilot holes should be just slightly smaller than the screw.

   The idea is to allow the hole to be big enough for the screw to pass through without splitting the wood, but at the same time, small enough so that the threads grip firmly.

3. 3 Space + Secure the Shelves

   

   Place two 15 x 13" shelf pieces within each tower frame and adjust with a tape measure until each cubby space is 13" tall. Mark each shelf's placement on the frame with a pencil on both sides to maintain the spacing while you work to keep the shelves level.

   Drive in four 2" screws from the side faces of the frame into each shelf to secure it in place.

4. 4 Fill the Seams + Holes With Wood Filler

   

   Apply wood filler to all joints and holes to eliminate any seams before painting. This will ensure a professional and clean finish. Use a putty knife to push the putty into all cracks and scrape off excess.

   Allow to dry according to the manufacturer’s instructions before sanding.

5. 5 Sand the Patched Areas + Cut Edges

   

   When your wood filler has cured, sand down the patched areas with your BLACK+DECKER  MOUSE® Detail Sander and 120-grit sandpaper. Sand any cut or rough edges to ensure a smooth surface for painting.

   TIP: There is no need to sand the faces of the MDF. Their pressed surfaces are already smooth enough to paint and will be unnecessarily scratched by sanding.

6. 6 Paint the Shelf

   

   Apply a coat of semi-gloss interior paint with a clean paintbrush to the interior and exterior of the shelf. Clean up any drips on the edges of the cubbies before they dry, and avoid painting over partially dried paint to eliminate unsightly ripples in the finish.

   Allow this coat to cure overnight.

7. 7 Apply a Final Coat of Paint

   

   After your first coat has thoroughly dried, lightly sand any surfaces that have significant brush strokes or drips with a 120-grit sanding block. Brush away dust with a rag before applying a second coat of the same paint to all shelf cubbies and faces.

   Allow the paint to cure for several days as indicated by the manufacturer before storing baskets and other items on the shelves (to prevent the items from sticking and ruining the finish).