Let's face it: At least one room in your house could use more shelving. This week, Renovator's Place takes you step-by-step through the basics of building a recessed wall unit for any room in your home.

Step 1: Measure the Shelving Area

Record dimensions of the space where you want to put your recessed shelving unit. Determine the angles of corners. Write down whether the floor is level, the ceiling is flat, or the walls are irregular.

Build the recessed wall unit 1" to 2" smaller than the opening. Trim exposed areas with moulding after installation.

Step 2: Sketch a Wall Unit Design

While the American Hardwood Association's sample built-in bookcase employs a cabinets-and-shelves design, the type of recessed wall unit you build will depend on your specific project needs.

Note these basics in your wall unit design:

• Placement of shelves
• Cabinet doors (if applicable)
• Length, width, and height of each element of the wall unit

To avoid sagging, keep in mind shelf-span and load-bearing capacity. Average shelf spans are 30" to 36" long, 8" to 12" deep. Maximum shelf span is 42" long and 18" deep.

Step 3: Build the Frame

Dado and rabbet joints will bear the brunt of the weight of your wall unit. Use dado joints mid-board, on cabinet tops, and for permanent shelves. Rabbet joints occur at ends of boards and the top of the wall unit's frame. Use wood glue to hold joints together. Choose #5 or #6, 1.5" screws. Cross them down from top to bottom and in from the sides.

Add a 1/4" backing fastened with wood glue and screws situated every 6". Attach a 3.5" toe kick to the bottom.

Step 4: Install the Shelves of Your Recessed Wall Unit

At the dado joints near the frame's mid-point, secure the permanent shelf with glue, and diagonally placed screws entered from the bottom.
Adjustable shelves should be 12" to 15" apart. Using a standard drill template, pre-drill, 1/4" diameter pin holes before finishing the wood.

Step 5: Sand and Finish

Select sand paper and wood finish based upon your materials. Allow finish to dry before installing your wall unit.

Step 6: Anchor Your Book Shelf or Display Case to the Wall

For bricks and stones, use masonry anchors. For studded walls use screws. Place screws or anchors about 18 inches apart, in vertical rows 3 to 4 feet apart.

Regardless of where you decide to build a recessed wall unit, this is one home improvement project you can enjoy for years to come. Check back with Renvovator's Place next week for tips on how to choose the right woods and finishes.