DIY Built In Shelves Tutorial Part II

-- Supplies & Tools --
1. Hardware / Cabinet Pulls: amzn.to/2uF5rwN
2. Chanel: Collections & Creations: amzn.to/2pW8mN3
3. The Kinfolk Home: Interiors for Slow Living: amzn.to/2IiaN2Y
4. Monochrome Home: Elegant Interiors in Black and White: amzn.to/2GqrgBP
5. LED wire: amzn.to/2GM8isU
6. LED dimmer: amzn.to/2EcN8ie
7. LED Power Supply: amzn.to/2GI9pK7
8. LED Strips: amzn.to/2IpeG6C
9. Solder Tool: amzn.to/2H30pgc
10. Ryobi Impact Driver: amzn.to/2EewTkK
11. HomeRight Paint Sprayer: amzn.to/2EeXe1V
12. Tablesaw: amzn.to/2IH25vG
13. Drill: amzn.to/2GP3AqR
14. Brad Nailer: amzn.to/2GODJDM
15. Circular Saw: amzn.to/2HoCVlP
16. Can Do Clamp: amzn.to/2GS13MP
17. Leveler: amzn.to/2GOFIYt
18. Wood Glue: amzn.to/2IM8uWp
19. Liquid Nails: amzn.to/2ECxpcl
20. Caulking Gun: amzn.to/2qoRPjR
21. Stud Finder: amzn.to/2GP5ImC
22. Tape Measure: amzn.to/2GPRthp
23. 2.5" Wood Screws: amzn.to/2IJzHJ3
24. 2" Wood Screws: amzn.to/2GPBdwL
25. 1.25" Wood Screws: amzn.to/2qp3hvX
26. Kreg Jig Pocket Hole System: amzn.to/2GQsY3M
27. Kreg Screws: amzn.to/2IKcBCb
28. Clamps: amzn.to/2GTv7eM
29. Hearing Protection: amzn.to/2qnAtEg
30. Jigsaw: amzn.to/2GT3dQk
31. Square Clamp: amzn.to/2F0K7C7
32. Polyurethane Spray: amzn.to/2vuyFyY
33. Hot Glue Gun: amzn.to/2HeO0VD
34. Sand Paper: amzn.to/2HN2cXf
35. Orbital Sander: amzn.to/2qMkM9K
36. Wire Stripper: amzn.to/2JaKyvP
37. www.lowes.com/...
38. Cabinets: homedepot.sjv....
39. Cabinets: homedepot.sjv....
DIY Blog: www.PaulTranDIY...
Essential Safety Gear:
- Safety Glasses: amzn.to/2Ma9A4I or homedepot.sjv....
- Hearing Protection: amzn.to/2QvPy39 or homedepot.sjv....
- Dust Mask: amzn.to/2WnzMNj or homedepot.sjv....
- Respirator: amzn.to/30IZ3AR or homedepot.sjv....
- Video Equipment --
- Compact Camera - amzn.to/2eA2NxE
- Mirrorless Camera - amzn.to/2TGE0tR
- Small Tripod - amzn.to/2w1zmL5
- Regular Tripod: amzn.to/2UYmnap
- Slider - Konova Camera Slider Dolly K2 60cm (23.6 Inch)
amzn.to/2iXHOtD
- Drone - amzn.to/2HJfcQk
- Lighting: amzn.to/2YKXBvY
-- Social Media --
Instagram: / paultrandiy
Facebook: / paultrandiy
Music: www.bensound.com
Music by HookSounds: www.hooksounds.com
Disclaimer: These videos are intended for entertainment and inspiration only. Woodworking and making stuff is dangerous. Always seek professional advice and training before using any power tools. If you have any uncertainty before performing any woodworking or fabricating procedure, stop and learn a safer method. Do not attempt anything simply because you saw it in one of my videos. Summary: be smart, use common sense, and respect your power tools.
This description contains affiliate links. This helps support the channel and allows me to make more DIY videos. Thank you for the support!
Items I received at no cost / sponsorship include (some of which I may not use in the video):
1. Ryobi Power Drill
2. Ryobi Router
3. Ryobi Circular Saw
4. Ryobi Impact Driver
5. HomeRight Finish Max Sprayer
6. WeatherWash Oaked Stain & Maintenance Oil
7. Ryobi Belt Sander
8. Ryobi 12" Sliding Miter Saw
9. Ryobi Wet Saw

[@bradlucky6263]

I'm 55. Thanks to Paul T. and this video, I took on my very first woodworking project. Used 90% of this plan, with a few tweaks (e.g., used wood flooring planks for my work top. #truth Nothing wall, corner, ceiling related is 90 degrees :) So be prepared to be creative. Paul, thank you! Sincerely, Brad Lucky

[@RitzaM_1965]

You are SO much more than just a "DIY'er my friend!! Excellent instructions! AMAZING built in!! God bless!

[@mattmayo3539]

I have a similar led light setup in my kitchen. Do yourself a favor and get a smart plug for the outlet that powers the lights. Then you can tell google to turn them on or even have them timed to come on and off. Mine are timed but can be overridden by verbal request.

[@lynale990]

very well-designed and meticulous, I 'd pay extra for such a carpenter's quality

[@dorothycook3490]

This was exactly what I was looking for! I went through many videos for built in shelves, yours was by far the most clear and direct! Thanks!

[@thichapornpolsorn8825]

I strongly agree with you! :D time for DIY

[@dexaler9008]

I love the way you list everything you used including video equipment. I would add "Fantastic Effort" to the list. Also, for the cover of the wiring rather than nailing next time consider magnets. If you ever have to take the cover off to replace a wire (due to damage) or to add more lighting this makes it a bit easier. Pretty much any magnet you can get on the web will do that is round and flat. You can either glue magnets to both surfaces or if the magnets are particularly strong drive screws in the opposite side as a metal place for the magnet to magnetise to. Anyway, I had to post a comment at least to tell you how great it looks, how great the video was, and how much I can appreciate the thought that went into the whole process and project.

[@PaulTranDIY]

thats a great idea!

[@hallhouse5098]

I built several islands and built in units in my home as well as a full cabinet/sink system to finish my basement as an in-law suite. I went a little crazy and instead of painting I used home depot birch 3/4” plywood for all my cabinets and sanded them finely then applied a weathered gray stain then sanded fine after drying for a week. I then applied a polyurethane coating , let dry till the smell went away (the key to knowing its dry). I then fine sanded the poly (crucial to make the first coat perfect.) I then applied several (about 15 coats) of polyurethane and fine sanded each coat before applying the next. The end results were absolutely incredible so much that I’ve had several people ask me to build their cabinets and islands for them. I’m a DIY’er as well and I’m a mechanic by trade. Another thing I like to use when attaching shelves is to cut dado slots in the sides (uprights) where the shelves rest unseat if butt joints. I also dado the backing panels and it all locks together and will never move but the way you did it will be fine with glue and screws on butt joints. I also finished my face edges of the shelves with iron on wood edge banding that you can get in rolls of different widths. I absolutely refuse to use any prefab cabinets unless they’re quality made with real plywood (Not MDF or other glued-particulate) board. Any drawers have ball bearing rollers and doors have quality hinges . I also like to use plexiglass or equivalent to make see through cabinet doors and they’re super easy to cut if you use one of those angle head oscillating tools that are for cutting baseboards, door jambs, sheetrock, etc. Those tools are invaluable for woodworking and DIY projects. You’d be surprised just how nice you can make raw wood look with some simple stain/poly and a lot of elbow grease. I’ve had some of my projects covered with custom granite tops and the installers were absolutely blown away when I told them I built it myself and it was the first time I’ve ever done such a thing. I’ve since been working in a cabinet shop part time as it seems I’ve developed a love for woodworking. Yeah man...youtube is definitely the place to go to learn skills you thought you’d never acquire. I really enjoyed your video and your execution of the editing to make it easy for the beginners to have the confidence to tackle it themselves......all without dropping F bombs and drinking beer...lol. Great project and put me down for another subscriber.

[@michaelmallory5060]

Paul, this was the best tutorial I could find on KZbin. You’re a wonderful teacher. I was building an entertainment wall so I had to modify your design a little bit but otherwise I followed your tutorial pretty religiously. It turned out awesome! Thank you!

[@PaulTranDIY]

Thats great to hear! Would love to see a photo if you have one. DM me on Instagram if you have one.

[@michaelmallory5060]

Paul Tran DIY I sure do! Just sent a pic to you via Instagram.

[@WAY-wr6ur]

You should prime one coat before you caulk to prevent the wood from drying out the caulk over time. Thanks for sharing. Loved the videos

[@PaulTranDIY]

Thats good to know, did not know about that!

[@andrew21o]

yeah..that happened to one gate I painted white

[@WAY-wr6ur]

@@BrightthgirB has nothing to do with wood swelling. Wood pulls the moisture from the caulk causing it to crack and disappear. Priming before caulking is always best.

[@TommieJennings]

Finished my book shelve using your tutorial video, made a couple of changes we had a larger room.

[@janetbruns177]

Best DIY I have ever watched. Thank you for sharing your talents. I am inspired.

[@FunkyMoneky]

Not sure if anyone needs it but in case you're wondering how to match the paint to the false fronts or to the bookshelves to match the cabinets, the answer is: laquer. Get a quality laquer paint tinted to match the cabinets (not a big box store, go to a paint store). You'll also need a paint spray gun similar to what Paul used (I have a Wagner Flexio 4000). Sand the wood to 320 or 400. Apply a laquer undercoat (primer). Set to dry. Apply two coats of laquer paint. Did it to my own built in shelves, no one can believe that i painted it myself because of how good the finish looks. (Btw these cabinets were a satin finish)

[@benjaminbrown8593]

Really like this! My wife is obsessed and telling me that she wants this in our house. 😁 Thank you for the step by step! Just a heads up. Although soldering is spelled like that, the “L” is actually silent and the “o” is pronounced “ah” (as in “hot”). Phonetically it would be sahdderring (sorry for poor representation. 😅 I don’t have the right symbols on my phone). Love the video!!!

[@adamkuczma2012]

Great job! You made the crown moulding look extremely easy! Will be tackling something similiar to this shortly. Thanks for the informative video!

[@GotCamel]

Watching this in 2021 and thinking, "wow, this must have cost a fortune to build".

[@Kang.design]

I’m watching in 2022 thinking the same thing

[@82RCP]

Me in 2023 thinking the same.

[@ericveiss4959]

Hahaha me in 2024 thinking the same

[@chateaux-capristovall2048]

This is now my new hyperfixation for my sitting room and maybe even my bedroom. 😍😍😍😍

[@jamesp7623]

Nice job. A little tip for soldering is use flux paste. The solder flows better.

[@Elpinio]

Great list of things you used. Would love to know what paint as well.

[@davemeiser521]

Next time you want a better surface finish I suggest you build face frames using pocket screws, saves on all the filling and imperfections/adjustments with single stick framing

[@asifhaqueHAQUE]

Thank you for this detailed tutorial. I was able to replicate as close with some little tweaks. Thanks again.

[@phobos2k2]

7:33 "it only cost me about a hundred drrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr."

[@corayye4099]

I came to the comment section just for this lmao.

[@onemorecanuck]

i'm not sure what was better - your finall project or your dancing in pt 1... thanks for making the vids, i'm using them to guide me as i do almost exactly the same project. thanks!

[@Jiangster]

This looks amazing! How much did you spend on this project? Can you give us a breakdown?

[@dewanshipatel-mehta1569]

Absolutely love your way of explaining and your precision. Would loveeeeee to see a tutorial on mudroom furniture/bench/shelves!!! Pleaseeeee!

[@zacd4064]

Love the detail you put in this. Your video editing along with built in project are extremely well done.

[@axnyslie]

Your wiring technique is brilliant! I'll be applying that to my planned built-in shelves.

[@Danionna]

I am so glad I started looking into the next project and found your videos! We're making window seats with drawers and your hardware template made out of scrap wood idea will help so much. Thank you so much for taking the time to make this video and explaining through the processes. I'll definitely be using your links as I work on our projects!

[@johnbarrierwilson]

This is fantastic Paul! I've been referencing your work here to install the LEDs on the builtin I'm finishing up now. Super clear and helpful. Thanks for taking the extra time to compile and edit the video!

[@heatherhildreth5395]

'Believe You Can Build It! (Slogan Idea) Thanks so much- super great video!

[@kristineb3709]

You make it seem so do-able. Thank you so much- one question- I want to do this in my dining room, however I am not ready to redo my floors- but it's in the 10 year plan- so what happens when I get them done? Should I wait to build the shelves and get the floors done first? Or can I build the shelves nd have flooring done down the road? I don't want to wait on the building project.

[@daryl0071]

Amazing build and thank you for posting this! Couple of questions, 1 - What is the width of the cabinets that you used? 12 foot wall with 11.5'" of extra space = 33.125" width of cabinets? 2 - I noticed that your baseboard trim was greater than 5.5" in hight. Any particular reason the platform was 5.5" in hight and did not match the base board hight? 3 - what was the total hight of the wall.. the width was mentioned (12 feet) but not the hight..

[@blackstonestandingwolf1276]

Wow Brother, great job. I work for a furniture upholstery distributor company in NC, and today I was told by my manager that because of a fireplace mantel with surround I had built, along with other furniture with old barn wood, the co-owner and new office manager wanted me to build a wall unit to display the different patterns for the sales people in the inspection room before market which is at the end of April. Until I watched your video I had a hard time figuring out lighting for each cubby. In the past the wall units had excellent room lighting and cabinets I've built in the past had glass shelving, one light was sufficient. Your dead space idea was like a duh moment for me. Before we left the warehouse she, my boss, also mentioned that if they like what what I build, even though its just the sales people that's going to see it I should get my crew together to revamp the show room. PS, I have an idea for your slogan, If Tran can, so can you. By the way, have I already said, WOW

[@PaulTranDIY]

Thanks Gabe! An electrician on here told me the switch cannot be hidden for code reasons? I am not 100% sure but just in case might have to look into that before you do it!

[@raymondmcgee4491]

@@PaulTranDIY Yes, that's correct. Any termination point of conductors (such as in a plug or switch box) must stay accessible for future issues. That void is borderline okay because you can reach the plug, but it would be frustrating if any problems happened. I suggest a hatch cut into the back of a cabinet like the one already there, but bigger.

[@PaulTranDIY]

@@raymondmcgee4491 Thanks Raymond for the clarification!!

[@zubairsahsan]

"If Tran can, so can you!" 😂 Good one!

[@adamcochran7950]

This is so great, dang! Definitely going to be referencing this later, now that I'm house hunting, with eventually building a library in mind.

[@susanfrombflo8368]

Researching for my own built-in project and your plan and tips are much appreciated. Your wall unit came out fabulous!

[@kylatiese3741]

I am blown away. This was so well done. And the first DIY of yours I saw. I subscribed after this. I absolutely will be watching your other videos!

[@bliss9745]

Excellent job and video. Since you're open to constructive ideas I had the idea that you could have saved a whole 1.5 sheets of plywood by just cutting four strips (2 each side, front and back) instead of using full sheets at the extreme ends to make the end widths match the rest. Seems a full sheet each end was unnecessary.

[@cristinas.5108]

Your shelves turned out AWESOME!! They’re absolutely beautiful.

[@gsh319]

Hey Paul, get yourself a router for some of those joints. Rabbiting and Dados will make your projects a little easier to set up. Your skill deserves the tool. Your projects looks great. Nice work my friend. P.S. turn up the heat, ya buddy is dressed like he's going snowboarding!

[@PaulTranDIY]

hahahaha thats my brother. This was built in December I believe and it was cold in the garage. Yeah I bought a Dado blade not too long ago. I wanna try it out soon!

[@Wvillegas816]

Wow a great series of videos. I am going to try your instructions to build these next to my fireplace. The final product looks amazing. Thank you.

[@cherigreen4471]

This turned out beautiful and I love the way you showed the the step by step process! Great job!

[@Saved-qv2ow]

Strength Rejoices in a Challenge! You have a new subscriber. 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻 Absofreakinlutely Gorgeous!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@mystuff9061]

Amazing results! Great job... I do have one question. Did you paint the cabinets so the white color match the shelf?

[@jean-philippeblouin5388]

Same question i was wondering...looks like melamine so i assume not..

[@austinbell1295]

Is there a separate video where you demonstrate how you connected the LEDs together to the dimmer? (i.e. all the reds go into some kind of communal clear plastic hookup and all the blacks). Thanks and great job!

[@lolthien]

Absolutely love this series! Great work and I found it because I'm looking to install my own built in shelves as well. And hopefully this doesn't come off rudely, but for future reference solder is pronounced 'saw-der' since the 'l' is silent. But regardless, LOVE this video and will be using these ideas myself and finally getting a project I've been promising my wife for three years done!

[@shannynzell3296]

Lots of great ideas. Thanks! Slogan idea for you: Paul Tran Can!

[@davidestrada3939]

Not only is the final product amazing but your explanation and video production is by far one of the best I have seen in the DIY woodworking community. You my friend have just found another subscriber. Keep up the amazing work and I can't wait to see what else you have on your channel. Will be doing this in the den of my home.

[@CheyenneJWoods11]

Hi Paul! Can you share how much this project cost in total? Maybe even a breakdown in the cost? Thanks!!

[@telosfd]

Nice job i like it. Next time for the soldering you have to buy a soldering paste, help for easier attache to the cable! Many videos to see in youtube.

[@PaulTranDIY]

Thanks!! that would make it so much easier

[@user-eq2xx4vh4x]

Paul, great video. Did you prime the shelves before spraying? If so, what primer did you use?

[@chrisharmon2682]

Wow, when you make a list in the description, you make a list! Very informative! Thanks a lot!

[@emsu_dharma1272]

Thanks Paul

[@charlybora73]

Exactly what I want to build in my home, thank you for the ideas!

[@russell311000]

Did you build it?

[@theresap123]

Very thorough instructions! Thanks

[@silvereagleranch7352]

looks great-- great job!

[@AndSheDoesItAgain]

You're a 'professional' DIYer then 😁. Excellent job!

[@Wvillegas816]

I have watched your video 200+ times, it is great and very detailed. Thank you! I have bought about all my supplies to do this project. I have two questions if you may: 1) for the Poplar used, did you use a router to make it rounded, not sure if just comes as is from the store and 2) did you use one led stripe per shelf? thank you

[@johngreene6414]

Excellent work Paul, I enjoyed both videos.

[@bmcginnis6543]

Gonna build this over the winter! Amazing guide! Thanks

[@hayls888]

Fantastic video Paul! As a new DIYer it is a very daunting project but I appreciate the simplicity in your explanations as often the lingo and pre-required knowledge is to great for me. Thank you for this. The end result is just beautiful! I just have two questions; 1. Do you have the cost of materials/total cost of the project? 2. Do you have the plan/dimensions of the completed unit that you used so we could then apply to our spaces?

[@djmarc]

Great video and tutorial on building built ins. Nice job friend!!!

[@jayle5533]

Nice job!

[@9livesmarketing124]

Hi Paul… Great tutorial! Did you paint the lower prepainted cabinets with the paint sprayer or just the wood filler sections you installed between the cabinets? I am working on a similar project and your answer will be very helpful. Thank you…

[@miakaite5281]

Perfect video, I’m so happy I stumbled upon it!

[@BrockGrimes]

Nicely done.

[@led6244]

Absolutely stunning work!

[@jessijuniper7687]

This is a crazy diy. Looks amazing!

[@rmoran1]

First off thanks for the video(s), it has given me inspiration for a current project I am working on. Quick question though, did you secure the bookshelves to the cabinets in any way?

[@reidcross9051]

Nice tutorial. This helped me figure out my library. Thanks,

[@debbieeckels25]

Good job. I like the lighting.

[@rustyrichardson1242]

Beautiful work my friend. Thanks for sharing

[@knowledge14]

This is a brilliant video, I’m very inspired to try and build a similar shelf. Thanks for the great tips

[@jaywhi20]

Paul, what species of plywood did you use for this project? Looking at the big box stores, recommended plywood for built-ins run $50 per 4x8 sheet. Great video by the way, I am using your tutorial as a guide for our project. Let us know once you have a chance.

[@richespiekrys]

Hello Paul, thanks for video. I have started building my own on each side of my fireplace using your design. One question, you didn't clearly show how you attached the bookshelves to the wall. Did you fasten them at the top where you left that open space before you attached the molding? And if so, was that the only place where they are fastened to the studs? Seems logical, just wanted some clarification. Thanks.

[@PaulTranDIY]

Yeah I fastened it to the studs using 2.5" wood screws. I only used 1-2 per bookshelf, then fastened the bookshelves together. You will have to measure where the studs are before you put up your shelves. You could also attach it in the open space above too with l brackets or some other way to secure it. I covered the wood screws with wood filler before sanding and painting to hide them.

[@joelt8915]

I was wondering if you had to wire in series. For instance If I took a single run and wanted to power two different shelves. With only a foot of lighting each. Could I use that same wire and tie into it for power? Or does each shelf need a single run to the supply?

[@ARMYROADDOG]

Thanks for the video it inspired me to build my own shelves.

[@la196]

Turned out incredible, great job. You saved a lot of money but most importantly you have the pride of your accomplishment:)

[@joefox2508]

I wondered if you painted the cabinet doors again or did the paint you used match their factory finish well enough? Also, what type of edge is on the front of the counter top? Is it routed, rounded or just squared as installed? Great job. Thank you in advance!

[@malloryjohnson6192]

Looks SO SO good! Nice job

[@Pure3nrg]

Great videos...I like your style. You didn't say/show how you secured the shelf boxes to the countertop. You didn't use dowels, did you screw from under the counter?

[@andytherockstar1]

Hey what kind of plywood did you use ? I know it was 3/4 but it looks smoother than regular plywood..

[@leslievalenciano-lopez8887]

WOW!!!! That turned out beautifully!!!

[@mrbesa]

Absolutely amazing job with this project. Did you paint the the premade cabinets (inside and out) as well to match the rest of the paint? Can't see this in the video. Thanks

[@joefox2508]

Very well done again! I noticed prior to painting, you had the cabinet hinges on the bases. I wondered if you just removed them and then painted the entire cabinets including the doors?

[@joefox2508]

Also, if you recall, what paint did you use on your project? Thanks again

[@leonardrussell3093]

WOW! Beautiful and so professional.

[@OlgaRykov]

Love the slogan! It's a keeper

[@thallikar]

Fantastic work! Looks great and thanks for the amazing detail

[@rebeccabrown6562]

One question - when stringing the LEDs, you use one strip for two spaces: did you drill a hole between the two spaces to thread the LEDs through?

[@glencoewhite6939]

Dude this turned out great. Looks awesome!

[@shauntanaka7908]

Loved the video. Great results. Curious what the approximate budget was for this project?

[@polgara28]

Amazing job! They turned out beautifully. 💗

[@orangeman5424]

Paul can you provide a list of how many piece of plywood and the type of plywood? Thanks

[@infantryman1230]

Awesome DIY video Paul!!! I want to do a similar project in my house and I will now be using your video as a guide.

[@desahianderson1379]

Amazing job! I am almost complete following your great work! . 2 quick questions: What color did you use for the bookcase top to match the pre painted bottom? What type of board did u use under the crown molding on top of the bookcase? Thanks for your help. Looking forward to completing this soon!

[@PaulTranDIY]

I used www.lowes.com/pd/EverTrue-5-5-in-x-8-ft-Interior-Primed-MDF-Baseboard-Moulding/1000446163 I believe I used a 3.25 or 3.5" and a 5.5" MDF baseboard Moulding The color I chose did not match spot on, so I ended up having to paint the cabinet doors too. Not sure if they will peel. I sanded them and primed them but its not real wood so we will see how it holds up.

[@desahianderson1379]

Thank you for all of your help!

[@laurastinton7519]

You have done and amazing job.

[@nocapguy7380]

Beautiful 👌

[@brysonhopkins99]

Great video Paul! What would you recommend if I need deeper cabinets without building from scratch or breaking the bank? Thanks for your insight!

[@HienNguyen-dp3yv]

Thanks for sharing such an informative video, Paul. I learned valuable points from it. Keep up the good work.

[@jonathanfosbre4257]

Paul, pertaining to the shelves. How high or low from the top did you put the top shelf & what size molding and crown molding did you use? BTW-love your shelves, I am done with my base and now onto the shelves over the next few weeks!!!

[@midgedunne1223]

Where is the description of products please?

[@BenDebayle]

Amazing! Total project cost?

[@freefratellis]

Well, the lights cost 100 *glitch in the matrix*

[@walterdoku3020]

@@freefratellis I was thinking the same lolol