How to Create Recessed Shelves in a Wall

For this HouseCall, Ron takes us to Mechansville, Virginia, located just outside Richmond. Steve and Katie Gorman-Love have invited Ron to their home to help with some shelves they would like to install in their children's arts and crafts room.

Steve and Katie don't have any building experience but after one look at the room that they will be working in, it is clear that they don't have any shortage of creative ideas.

Click here for a list of what you will need in order to complete this project.

1. Locate wall studs

• Rather than remove wall studs to create recessed shelves, the Gorman-Love family wanted to build shelves into the spaces between the studs. The plan was to locate the wall studs, cut open the spaces in between and then build individual cabinets to fit those openings.

• Use an electronic stud finder to locate the wall studs. For confirmation, Ron recommends driving a nail into the wall every ¼" or so until the exact edge of the stud is located.
• After determining the exact stud locations, draw their positions on the wall so you will know exactly where to cut the opening.

2. Inspection hole:

• Before cutting the entire section out, you will need to make a small inspection hole. This hole will allow you to peak inside the wall, and discover any potential surprises such as a hidden pipe or wiring.
• Using a hand held wallboard saw, cut the edges of the inspection hole on a 45-degree angle at the center of the section between the studs. The 45-degree angle will prevent the cutout from falling into the wall and also wallboard section can be replaced as a quick patch if the inspection reveals a problem.

• After you have completed your inspection hole, put your hand in the hole and reach around inside. If there is any significant plumbing, for instance, you will need to reconsider your plans.

• After you have located spaces free of plumbing or extensive wiring, it is time to cut the openings between the studs. For this type of cutting, it is best to use a wallboard saw rather than a power saw because it cuts quickly, creates less dust, and lessens the risk of accidentally cutting through some hidden plumbing or electrical lines.

• If you discover electrical wiring in the way, you can remove the electrical box, run the wires up through the wall stud and down the wall on the other side of the stud. A new electrical box can then be installed in the next wall section.

4. Build cabinets:

• Once the wall is prepared, it is time to start building the new cabinets. These cabinets will consist of a top, bottom, sides, back and shelves.

• First, rip cut all the shelving pieces to the same width using the table saw. Then use a power miter box to cross cut the pieces to length.

• Lay out the cabinet on a worktable and use various items that might be placed on the new shelves to help determine the best spacing. Once you have done that, mark the shelf locations on the top and the bottom of both sides.

• Begin the cabinet assembly by applying wood glue to the end of the shelf. The top, bottom and shelves are placed in between the sides, held into position temporarily with adjustable clamps and then secured by nails using a pneumatic nailer and 8d finish nails. Apply a bead of wood glue to the shelf edges to attach the back of the shelf, making certain it is flush on all the edges. Once in place, the quarter inch plywood backing is attached with nails.

5. Secure cabinets into wall:

• Insert the newly constructed shelf into the opening and then clamp it to the wall stud making sure that the face of the shelf is perfectly flush with the face of the dry wall.

• After drilling a pilot hole and countersink, attach the shelf to the stud with flat head screws. Use shims where necessary to keep it level and plum.

6. Design and create trim:

• Katie wanted the shelves to have a whimsical frame with sweeping curves. To design a frame of your own, first tape paper on the wall around the edge of the shelves, then sketch the frame outline.

• Carefully take the paper down and surround the shelves with quarter inch thick strips of plywood. Because installation is temporary, tack the plywood in place with just a few small nails. Apply spray adhesive to the plywood and then temporarily attach the strips of paper to the plywood.

• Trim off the excess paper, remove the plywood and use a jig saw to cut out the shape using the paper pattern as a guideline.