Turn Scrap 3x3 Wood Into Easy-To-Make Shelves

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If there's one complaint that nearly everyone has about their homes, it's that there's never enough storage. Some might want to organize their closets on a budget, while others would rather have a large cabinet or bookshelf that holds a wide variety of items. For others, a few extra shelves would make all the difference, and for them, the solution may be hanging out at their local hardware store or even in their scrap wood supply. All you need to make your own floating shelf is some scrap 3x3 wood, sandpaper, a handsaw, and some paint or finish.

To create your own shelves, first measure the space where you want them to hang and determine how long the shelves should be. Once you're set, cut the wood to your preference using your handsaw and sand it down with some sandpaper so that it's nice and smooth. Some might like to leave the wood unfinished, so if you're ready to hang your shelves, then you'll need brackets. These simple, black brackets from Joyangy are made for heavy lifting, ideal if you plan to put those shelves to work. For a more industrial or rustic look, SOGAL's four-pack of brackets has additional support beams to ensure everything stays up.

You don't have to leave your shelves unfinished. You can stain them in a shade that will match the rest of your space. For a painted, sleek look, Sherwin-Williams' In the Navy looks understated yet elegant, and you can't go wrong with Extra White. For a more rustic look, sand the wood a second time after you paint it to give it that vintage, worn feel.

These 3x3 scrap wood shelves won't solve all of your storage needs, but they'll give your storage game a boost if installed strategically. In the kitchen, these shelves can be turned into a simple spice rack. This DIY shelving idea that'll give your kitchen the extra storage space it needs will help declutter your countertops and make it easy to reach for your favorite spices as you cook. Place these shelves above your prep station or near your stove, but keep them away from open flames.

Floating shelves could also provide more storage for gardeners. When hung near the back door or in a shed, these organizers can hold tools that will make getting to work easier. Seed packets, small watering cans, and garden shears can sit on these shelves, but if you want to maximize their storage capabilities, then consider adding hooks to the bottom shelf. NearMoon's stainless steel under-shelf hooks can hold a variety of small tools. For something that looks fancier, these brass double hooks from Hillman could hold a light jacket if your shelf has enough support.

Homes using these DIY closet shelves to make the most of your storage space could benefit from adding hooks underneath or even knobs across the front of the shelf. This serves as a great space for storing tote bags, hats, and scarves for easy access. For this use, one shelf would be enough, and it would be better to keep it a little longer. Kruodop's stainless steel heavy-duty hooks come in several finishes, including matte black, gold, silver, and even two-toned black and gold. These can be installed along the front of the shelf, making it easier to grab a tote before grocery shopping.