How do I install shelves in a linen closet?

[DIY5]

Hi all,

My linen closet currently is just a big empty space with no shelves. I am thinking of installing some myself. I'd appreciate some advice on what material to get, how the measurements should be done etc.

Thanks!

[EricL]

Hello @DIY5

Welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community. It's fabulous to have you join us, and thank you for sharing your question about adding shelves to your linen closet. 

I suggest grabbing pen and paper and drawing out the size of your linen closet. If you are still using the clothes rail, I suggest getting a long-sleeved shirt and hanging it on the rail. This will now show you an approximation of how much space you can actually use for your shelves. 

For example, let's say that the shelf at the top is 1700mm high. Your shirt occupies a space of 900mm plus the gap at the top and bottom which brings it to 1000mm. This leaves you with a space of 700mm to use. If you were to divide the space by three, each gap would be around 234mm. You would only need three shelves to accomplish this with one shelf at the very bottom so that your clothes don't touch the floor.

The general steps are to measure the depth and width of the inside of the linen cabinet. I suggest using a melamine panel that you can cut down to produce three shelves and two sides. You can screw them together using Zenith 8G x 35mm Gold Passivated Countersunk Rib Head Chipboard Screw - 30 Pack. This will save you the effort of having to mount them on the wall. I've placed an image below to give you an idea of how to put the shelves together. Please have a look and tell me what you think. Please note that the measurements I've placed are for reference only.

If you need further assistance, please let us know.

Eric

[Remarka6le]

Hey @DIY5 , as @EricL  has suggested, Melamine will be your friend! We started off using it for our linen closet project, loved it so much and placed it into two more of our bedrooms. The stuff is easy to work with and has a nice smooth surface. Eric has drawn up an excellent example for shelves, just change the measurements around to fit your area