Customizing Your Built-Ins!

Small spaces are no excuse for clutter and unorganized rooms. If you're seeking extra storage space, the solution is right in your home! Built-in storage units are a savior for any home, including small city apartments and grand homes out in the country. Custom-built pieces sit flush with your existing walls and furniture, so they're sure to fit any style.

With some help, you can learn how to customize shelves and bookcases, build a window seat, create a recessed shelf, and make a genius custom closet organizer.

If you want to build shelves, you need to consider the type of materials you wish to use. Plywood may be right for some projects, but you should consider walnut, maple, or oak for more load-bearing projects. Molding, fasteners, and other hardware options are also important choices when working on a built-in unit. It's options like these that make projects so easy and fun to personalize.

Every homeowner should have a basic knowledge of carpentry skills, especially if they want to dabble in custom storage units. Mastering these skills means doing it the right way, every time. It all starts with careful measuring and marking wood products, followed by making angled and precise cuts. Also perfecting your drilling and chiseling techniques are a must so you can be confident in your handiwork.

The process of assembling a project's wooden parts and subassemblies is called joinery. It's among the most complex aspects of woodworking and demands a thorough understanding of the properties of wood and precision craftsmanship. The wide variety of joints includes edge joints, butt joints, rabbet joints, and groove joints; also knowing the importance of clamping and how to make reinforced joints is important.

Finishing wood is just that—giving your project its finishing touches. It's most often done after assembly, though you can do it before if necessary. To give your project a perfectly polished look, you want this step to be done right. Research everything you need to know before beginning- including preparing the wood, choosing the paint or stain, and applying the finish to the wood.

If you look around, you'll notice that shelves are everywhere and in every form. Open floating shelves look great in the kitchen, while modular boxes are ideal for bedrooms. With so many options, shelves are a great way to utilize custom storage units and built-ins. Start with learning how to build simple display shelves and work your way up to building desk hutch shelves. Remember it is wise to keep a professional on hand!

 Building a Bookcase

Bookcases are commonly built custom storage units and for good reason. There are so many ways to personalize them to fit your space and your needs. Bookcases with adjustable shelves are genius solutions for ever-changing spaces, and a DIY bookrack is a safe, smart addition to any kid's room.  Start planning your next weekend project now! And remember:  I'm rooting for you to be challenged!