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How to build D.I.Y. wooden bathroom shelves

Timber wall shelves with towels and bathroom products sitting on them.

Overview

You can never have enough storage space in your bathroom. That’s why these wooden towel shelves are the perfect addition to any bathroom. They’re easy to make and we’ll show you how.

Steps

1Have the wood pre-cut

To make the job even easier, work out the length you want your shelves to be and have timber cut to the right size at selected Bunnings stores. Our shelves are 700mm long.

Various tools and materials needed to prepare and install timber wall shelves.

2Cut the timber to the correct depth

Use the square to measure and mark the depth of the timber, which in our case is 200mm from a 290mmm depth. Use your spirit level to draw the line you'll be cutting along. Clamp the timber in place and use the jigsaw to cut it to the right width.

Person cutting bit of timber with circular saw.

3Cut the reinforcing bars

Clamp the reinforcing bars to your workbench. Put on your safety glasses and earmuffs. Use the grinder to cut the 12mm reo bars into the correct length, which in our case is 150mm. You will need six bars, two for each shelf.

Person cutting bit of timber with handheld saw.

4Varnish the shelves

Use a paint brush to apply a marine grade varnish to the shelves and leave them to dry. This will help protect them from the moisture in the bathroom.

 

Person painting timber wall shelf with varnish.

5Find the centre of the studs

Use the stud finder to locate the centre of your studs where you're going to mount your shelves. You will need to mark two studs per shelf. Because we are making three shelves, we have made six marks. When measuring and marking, it's a good idea to use a spirit level between studs to ensure your shelves will be even. 

Person holding a stud finder against a wall.

6Drill the holes for the reinforcing bars

Use a 12mm spade bit to drill the six holes in the wall and into your stud, which in our case is a depth of 70mm deep. Use a rubber mallet to insert the reinforcing bar into the holes. Make sure you leave enough of the bars sticking out so you can attach the shelves to them.

Person drilling a on screw into white bathroom wall.

7Drill the holes in the shelves

Place your shelves on the bars to work out where the holes should be. Make your marks on top of the shelves, and transfer those measurements to the back of each. Clamp the shelves to your workbench and drill in the holes deeper than the wall to fit the bars, which in our case is 80mm. Make sure you drill straight, so that the shelves will sit level.

Person creating a hole in a bit of timber using a drill with spade bit.

8Mount the shelves

After drilling the holes in the back of the shelves, insert the reinforcing bars into them. If you need to, gently tap the shelves with a rubber mallet so they are flush with the wall.

Long screws sticking out of a wall and a person about to slide a timber shelf with holes onto them.

9Place your items on the shelves

Now that you're finished, all you have to do is place your items on the shelves. They're great for towels, toiletries and even plants.
Timber wall shelves with towels and bathroom products sitting on them.
Health & Safety

Please make sure you use all equipment appropriately and safely when following the advice in these D.I.Y. videos. You need to be familiar with how to use equipment safely and follow the instructions that came with the equipment. If you are unsure, you may feel it is safest to consult an expert, such as the manufacturer or an expert Bunnings Team Member.

Grave health hazards are linked to asbestos, which may be in homes built up to 1990. Health hazards may result from exposure to lead-based paints in older materials and copper chromium arsenic (CCA) treated timber. For information on the dangers of asbestos, lead-based paint and CCA treated timber and tips for dealing with these materials contact your local council's Environmental Health Officer. You can also use a simple test kit from Bunnings to indicate the presence of lead-based paint.