Wood Shelf Covers over Wire Shelving Brackets and Tracks
Using inexpensive wire shelving tracks and brackets and pinewood boards, create beautiful and strong wood shelving the easy way! The original shelf cover tutorial.
What you need
- 1-1/4" brad nails or pocket hole screws
Vertical Shelf Tracks (sometimes called standards, I used one track per every other stud)
Shelf brackets (11"-12" long, for under the shelves, one per intersection of shelf and vertical track)
Optional horizontal hanging track to assist with hanging the vertical shelf tracks
Per Each Shelf, one 1x12 and one 1x4 in the desired length
Short wood screws for securing the shelf brackets to the shelves
- measuring tape
- pencil
- safety glasses
- drill
- circular saw
- nailer
- sander
Step by step
Step 1
Optional: If you'd like to paint the wall tracks to match your walls, simply spray paint and let dry first. For white walls, you can purchase white tracks.
Hanging Tracks on the Wall
The vertical tracks, sometimes called "standards", need to be secured to the wall. For the wood shelving, standards can be hung every other stud. For heavier loads, install tracks every stud appart. Tracks can be hung on the wall in two different ways. Method 1: Direct to Studs (less visible and less parts, but must be hung on studs in wall) • Locate the studs in the wall and hang the tracks directly to the studs in the wall. I spaced mine every other stud, with two screws per 48" vertical track (one screw near top and one near bottom) • The tops of the standard tracks (hung vertically) should all be level, at the same height, I recommend the height be the same as your top shelf desired height Method 2: Hang Track (more beginner friendly and more flexible) • Use a Hang track that is installed across the top • Standards are then hung from the hang track • This is an easier method, but requires purchasing of the hang track and the hang track is visible Here's a video of installing with the hang track:
Install Shelf Brackets
Clip the shelf brackets into the vertical tracks wherever you'd like a shelf.
Wood Shelf Covers Construction
The wood shelf covers are made of 1x12 pine boards, cut to the length desired, and a 1x4 board on the front. Simply nail and glue the 1x4 to the front of the 1x12 board with 1-1/4" brad nails. You can also use hidden 3/4" pocket holes with 1-1/4" pocket hole screws for a more polished look. Paint or stain the shelves as desired.
Secure Shelf Cover to Brackets
Use short screws to secure the wood shelf cover to the brackets. The length of the screw will depend on your bracket type. Most brackets have a hole in the end already drilled. The screw should secure into the wood shelf cover by about 1/2".
Step 6
Once complete, the shelves should be level and secure - no wobbles or movement when using.
Finishing
Sand all surfaces, starting with a medium grit and finishing with fine. Wipe off the dust, fill any holes or gaps with wood filler, and sand smooth once dry. Apply primer if you're painting, then finish with your choice of paint or stain and seal with a durable clear topcoat. For outdoor projects, use exterior-rated primer, paint or stain, and sealer so the piece stands up to the weather.
