How to Build Easy Workshop Shelves from 1 Sheet of Ply

With the cost of timber these days I've designed a set of workshop shelves that uses a whole sheet of 12mm ply to it's fullest while still being strong and durable.
Proper DIY Patreon Page: / properdiy
🧰 The tools and equipment I use: www.amazon.co....
Amazon links to the equipment used in this video...
UK Links:
► Katsu Router: amzn.to/3j2ozel
► Marxman Marker: amzn.to/3BWxHK3
► Tacwise Nailer: amzn.to/3lfraEd
► Dewalt Circular Saw: amzn.to/3ldRrmG
► Dewalt Impact Driver: amzn.to/3tvYFmq
► Dewalt 18v Combi Drill: amzn.to/2MiM71A
► Titebond 3 Wood Glue: amzn.to/3A2B5C6
US Links:
► Budget Router: amzn.to/377bE58
► Dewalt Circular Saw: amzn.to/3fvUF1d
► Dewalt Impact Driver US: amzn.to/3xwcpQe
► Dewalt 18v Combi Drill US: amzn.to/3q7uzW7
► Titebond 3 Wood Glue: amzn.to/36WTeEg
The Amazon links above are affiliate links. It doesn't cost you anything to click on them but I do earn a small commission if you do. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

[@r.d.1991]

Another darn fine project. Head and shoulders above other channels that have been around for a while longer. 👏

[@ProperDIY]

Well thank you very much - maybe the extra time and effort I put in makes a difference.

[@stephenmcgeown]

@@ProperDIY It does - you are really, really good at this - should be on the telly!

[@howardbecdove9780]

You know sometimes, when demonstrated, a simple idea can seem so obvious, that you can’t believe you didn’t think of it yourself. Doing a test run with the router and guide to measure the offset is a classic example. Brilliant! My method from here on. Thanks for that.

[@ProperDIY]

Glad you like it

[@TargetBreaker1234]

100% agree on the katsick router, brilliant value and really handy for loads of work!

[@johnm3413]

Though I note the link is to a 110volt unit.

[@ProperDIY]

Got that - updated the link

[@plunder1956]

Looks stronger and stiffer for half inch than I expected. Some nice ideas that I will use later. Those wall hole position markers are a great tool. Really well sorted storage is such a joy. I always need more and it's a liberation to keep the working surface clear.

[@mikeZL3XD7029]

Stuart, You are a very switched on guy. I picked up so many tips and ideas from this video alone, especially the one regarding finding the cutting distance from the edge of the router base and the cutter, with a simple test cut. Brilliant project all round!

[@teresabell1014]

Great shelf, like that it wasn't deep so things don't get lost.

[@fetabrown]

Thanks especially for that tip about how to measure distance from router bit to edge of router, will use that!

[@john6203]

I have the same Router for about a year and I must say it's great for something as inexpensive as it was. No complaints at all. Again great stuff really enjoyed the build thanks.

[@ProperDIY]

I'm glad it's not just me then! Thank you.

[@hughhennessy7912]

me too !

[@joed691]

Very excited to see this in my feed. My favourite KZbinr

[@ProperDIY]

Well thank you very much - very kind

[@donkey1007]

Yes, an absolute corker of a video Stewart. Full of useful tips as always. I think anyone stumbling across your channel/videos must get hooked. They are a joy to watch..

[@ProperDIY]

I'm glad you are enjoying them. I hope others see them as well and this type of comment helps make up for the effort involved - thank you.

[@leslieaustin151]

I’m very much enjoying the channel and learning a lot. My next project is to insulate my cold brick-built garage workshop so I can carry on fiddling with my motorbike and building a small steam loco through the winter. Your ‘garage door’ project was especially helpful there. But... I was really alarmed in this video to see you reaching up above your old shelf unit for hammers and an axe (I think). Look at yourself as you do that and you’ll see you are looking straight up... ready to receive a face-full of said hammers (or axe). As well as a face-full of dust off the shelf. Take care. Please. Les

[@kevinwillis6707]

i like your clear presentation, so im subscribing for support rather than to learn

[@ProperDIY]

Thank you

[@barstad-9591]

Job well done. You solved a problem I have. 😊

[@bobbysilver272]

I don't have enough ply lying around at the moment so I am going to shelve the idea.

[@ProperDIY]

I see what you did there!

[@robmarriott6348]

Another great video! I have the same router and really pleased with it. One piece of advice to add, you routed right to left on one cut, this is a climb cut which makes it harder to stay on your guide, always route left to right when your router is closer to you than your guide timber.

[@ProperDIY]

Thank you. Does it really make a difference if you are going 'through' timber (on both sides of the bit) instead of just working on one face?

[@robmarriott6348]

@@ProperDIY It does because the cutting blade of the bit is pushing you away from your guide, deeper cuts and bigger bits makes it worse. If they are little and shallow and you’ve had your weetabix you won’t notice.

[@ProperDIY]

@@robmarriott6348 Good point. I'm always carefully ensuring I'm going the correct way when trimming normally. I didn't notice any difference because as you said it's a very shallow cut. I'll have to remember next time

[@1945sas]

@@ProperDIY Take right hand and make a pistol from thumb and forefinger. Thumb points towards fence and forefinger points in optimum direction of travel that Rob Marriot has described.

[@thomasbrown5081]

Outstanding job stu stay safe 👏🙏

[@ProperDIY]

Thank you, I will

[@tympt1]

Bob on. Like it!

[@ProperDIY]

Thanks

[@steved8038]

As we have come to expect a good project well explained and completed.Thank you

[@ProperDIY]

So nice of you

[@JohnJones-wo1bc]

Very informative and enjoyable videos. Loving this channel! Thanks for the hints and tips.

[@ProperDIY]

Thanks for watching!

[@jonty2020]

Great video.. and timely as I was thinking of replacing the IKEA bookcases in my garage!

[@ProperDIY]

Thanks - nice one

[@simonmiddleton4977]

Loving the video’s, and enjoying the humour too. 😃👍

[@ProperDIY]

Awesome, thank you!

[@originalhotrodder4337]

Love your channel. Your pace is perfect and it's great that you add the US customary system (sure wish the US would go metric like the rest of the world) and metric. Watching you work and explain things makes it feel like we're there with you in your workshop. By the way, really like the last song "Show me your soul?" Mind if I ask the artist and name of the song?

[@ProperDIY]

Thank you very much for your kind comments. In professional construction metric is the way to go but even here in the UK it's common for anyone over 50 to still refer to inches like ... I want a 2x4, 1.5m long!?!? The music (which lots of people complain about but will need to get used to it) comes from Epidemic Sound which I have to use for copyright reasons so prob not on the open market I'm afraid.

[@originalhotrodder4337]

@@ProperDIY thank you. I'll see if I can find it, great choice in my opinion anyway.

[@ProperDIY]

@@andymerrett I would agree with you on each count.

[@Guitars-n-Stuff-75]

Excellent!!

[@ScreamingEagleFTW]

well done!

[@fabbouaziz129]

Brilliant mate

[@ProperDIY]

Thanks

[@worstuserever]

Another well timed project. Trying to decide how to organise my fledgling workshop and thought about filling an alcove with shelves exactly like this to make the most of the space. Only question I had was if such shallow channels in side uprights would provide enough support by virtue of contact all along the edges, which you've shown to be fine. Thanks!

[@ProperDIY]

Thank you. Unless you are really going to load the shelves with heavy stuff then this works fine

[@lesthiele4921]

That is a great looking set of shelves, thanks for sharing your work, you have another subscrber, best regards from a Kiwi living in Australia, keep safe and well in this crazy Covid world.

[@ProperDIY]

Thanks and welcome. Kiwi living in Australia, you have my sympathies

[@DjGiluk]

I learn so much from your videos and you present them so well. Keep up the great content - roll on next Friday!

[@ProperDIY]

Thanks! Will do!

[@richard21995]

Thanks for another great video, in the intro it shows you cutting brickwork with a disc cutter. Is there a video on how you do this?

[@nicowilson]

Nice job. Nice video

[@ProperDIY]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@feroxvenom5082]

Brilliant them 👌🏻

[@ProperDIY]

Thanks

[@maxwellmc9734]

Fantastic 👌

[@ProperDIY]

Thanks

[@keithl4779]

Interesting and helpful. Thanks

[@ProperDIY]

Glad it was helpful!

[@danielsandell688]

Great job 👏

[@ProperDIY]

Thank you! 😃

[@dazjones569]

Another great video good sir 👏 perhaps if possible could you do some more pallet wood videos? keep up the fine work 👌

[@polderfamily442]

Hi Stuart, make a coffee mug holder out of that small piece of scrap plywood that’s left over. It will become less annoying as you either drink your coffee (or tea) in your workshop… :)

[@lewisbrown51]

Brilliant!!!

[@ProperDIY]

Thnaks

[@verngriffiths5933]

I have grand plans for a library in my front room, and need a whole lotta shelves, price of timber and wanting a mid-century feel, I've half decided to use ply, so this vid has been really useful. I want the uprights to be every metre, should I go for a thicker ply to avoid sagging, do you think?

[@ericpetitclerc5519]

Another great video! Watching going from the metric system to the @#@$#& inches and fractions of an inch is truly amusing. French-canadians have thrown out most of the feet and ounces, only my pool's temperature is in Farenheit...

[@ProperDIY]

Thank you. Being so close to the US though you will still have a pull to the old system I'm sure. We in the UK are a bit confused - metric for measurement except for roads where all distances are in miles and mph - metric for weights although everyone over 50 still talk in pounds and ounces!!!

[@alpachino468]

As an absolute novice, I bought a Katsu router a couple of years ago along with a Makita plunge base to try and route out a groove into a wooden frame. Suffice it to say I didn't know how to use the router and ultimately ruined the project, and the router's been sitting on my shelf ever since...

[@graham8854]

Fantastic! I was laughing the whole way through :-) Keep 'em coming.

[@ProperDIY]

Thanks. I glad you are enjoying them.

[@R-11034]

Another really useful video again - thanks. I like the music too - what is it please?

[@ProperDIY]

Thank you. All the music I use comes from Epidemic Sound so the royalties are paid so you maybe will find it hard to find anywhere else.

[@bill8784]

Nice one!

[@ProperDIY]

Thank you

[@alexrutterford6358]

Could I ask what size screws you use for 12mm ply? 🙏

[@essexbarnworkshop8578]

Great video, can i ask what it was you used to mark the drill holes on the wall? Was it a little spray pen or something?

[@mrb4408]

P..S. make the leftover bit into a coaster for ya cuppa.

[@ProperDIY]

Now that's a good idea!

[@timsumner7907]

Wht drill bits do you have for your impact driver?

[@alicewei5794]

Another great vid! Does anyone know the ending song? Really catchy☺️

[@ProperDIY]

Thanks. The music I use comes from Epidemic Sound (so royalties are paid) so not generally available to the public unless you subscribe unfortunately.

[@mike1968442]

I prefer 3/4 to prevent sagging.

[@adamwright7557]

Hi another good video spot on. I could do with some advice on a project if you can spare a couple of minutes? Thanks Ads

[@ProperDIY]

Thanks. Send me an email and I'll help if I can.

[@adamwright7557]

@@ProperDIY thanks what’s the address?

[@ProperDIY]

@@adamwright7557 [e-mail]

[@husseinhashim1973]

It is a good chance for getting subscribe to your channel today .. peace

[@philrockabilly]

Brilliant, now another project for me to do this weekend. By the way, a leftover piece of ply....you know planning counts. 🤣🤣🤣🤣 This reminds me when I needed to walpaper my living room last year and my next door neighbour had the same size house and just completed his living room, so I asked him how many rolls of wallpaper he bought to do his, "9 rolls" he said, So I bought the 9 rolls and started to work on my room. When I had finished, I had 2 rolls left over, so I went next door and told him I had 2 rolls over, then he tells me, he had 2 roll left over as well.... 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣 All the best.. phil

[@ProperDIY]

Thank you. Nice story - your surname isn't Trotter and live in Peckham do you?

[@dantovey2785]

A really nice job, the shelves came out great. Saw a very useful tip from Norm Abrams when you're adding screws through a rebate. To ensure you get them centralised in the channel, simply pre drill from the cut side and you have the holes marked once the shelves/partitions are placed. You can then pre-drill again knowing you'll hit the centre of the shelf.

[@bobjohnston3984]

Ive just discovered your channel I love the way you are so calm during your projects.....Im learning great DIY skills and also training my temprement to enjoy the journey Thanks mate

[@jimlad01]

Nice tip

[@tonkatoy200]

That method pre drills out onto a visible side. If you get tear out, as you often do with plywood, it'll look a bit of a mess. A pencil marking out the middle of each shelf is simple enough

[@dantovey2785]

@@tonkatoy200Generally not with a decent pilot bit but get your point. A pencil line down a finished side not always preferred either

[@kajem575]

*A-B-R-A-M.* No ess. NORM ABRAM. 🙂✌❤

[@stuartedwards9]

Love the video's (and the humour!) keep it up :)

[@ProperDIY]

Thank you- will do

[@projectgaming3364]

Excellent content as usual.... Why not glue and screw the spare ply onto the side of the shelving unit as a place for your brew to sit!! You could even use your router to groove out a seat. ☕😇

[@danielcookeb90]

Maybe router the edges of the unit to get rounded edges? Save your hands and fingers, and looks nice too?

[@ben2e0omr]

Ahh, One sheet does plenty!

[@ProperDIY]

Yep

[@mjremy2605]

Your repeated use of music blasting my ear drums in every video is just infuriating. Why do I need to go deaf to learn how to build a shelf. This is stressing me out and makes watching your videos intolerable and unwatchable. You have great videos, so well explained, documented, illustrated, with good audio, clear visuals, but then.. you add music noise and ruin it. Adding music noise on a DIY demo, tour, wildlife, cooking video is like spraying graffiti on a museum painting. Please remember that. You add NOTHING and you subtract EVERYTHING, rendering the video unwatchable. The only people who don't seem to mind are other men who have long since gone deaf from blasting music into their ear drums for decades. You have deaf viewers.

[@spongefactory]

Such a waste with all that timber left over, sell the spare piece to recoup some costs?

[@ProperDIY]

I was think of next week building a garden set with it

[@shanghaiwinman4577]

What you've been looking for the PU Chemical for your this waterproof junction box gasket foam with Waterproof and fireproofing function, should be here kzbin.info/www/bejne/mqSVmptugruAjK8

[@icarossavvides2641]

Yes, just shows that everything doesn't have to be 'cabinet' quality to be good and useful. A couple of obs, I'm surprised you didn't check the diagonals, you could have routed the shelf grooves on a wider sheet then ripped it down the middle for the two sides and nice to see you using metric measurements BUT you did let yourself down early on by mentioning an eight FOOT sheet! Shame on you!!!! :-)

[@ZychuZychu]

What size screws you use for 1/2" plywood? Im building a camperbox for my car out of 12mm plywood and Im wondering if 3x30 or so are going to be enough for glued butt joints. Also, thanks so much for the (obvious) tip on measuring the router-guide distance. I feel so embarassed now cause I was thinking about this few times now and didnt think of simply making a cut and then measuring the distance :D

[@estoforte388]

The details like the routing and turning the shelves over above eye-level make all the difference. I'm an inexperienced DIYer, but have learnt a lot of great tips from this channel.

[@lesblack413]

Damn battery tools often run out of juice when you don't want them to. Maybe that's what the battery state of charge (SOC) indicator is for. Hmmmm?? Great job mate and a way of using up your surplus ply and timber in the racks. Cheers from the Sunny Coast in Queensland Australia.😀

[@rustyrob]

Hi great channel just subscribed,could you let me know what size router bit you used,I will be making these shelves with the same ply,Thanks.

[@R1chardH]

I wanted to build my own but couldn't justify the cost Vs the shelving units at Halfords for £29

[@rocketguy748]

Fantastic! What router bit was used? This has really helped me, was planning to do something like this and now have a firm plan

[@boatrabbitchannel4630]

I love the clarity of your presentation and the quality of the audio and the video. The project hits the sweet spot for beginner DiYers like me. Keep up the good work sir.

[@ProperDIY]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@vincepowder7321]

Hi im thinking of making a floating tv shelf. What is the best wood to use please? I will be staining the wood to a dark oak. Thanks Hope to hear back from you soon Vince

[@danielshetler123]

I was planning to “thumbs up” anyway, but the dead jigsaw battery really set this one apart ;-)

[@baggiemad]

Would love to make this for my loft, but don’t have clamps or a big bench sadly

[@sevenodonata]

Router and clamps in my Amazon basket, thank you! :D

[@ProperDIY]

Thank you

[@manceconomist]

Any particular screws recommended for screwing into the end of plywood?

[@ZetaReticulian]

Useless for the majority of the viewers without imperialist measurements 😉

[@mattbandura9015]

Top job, I did mine from materials found at IKEA free wood corner, mainly MDF but stil more that adequate for a shelf and I didn't pay a penny. Always plenty of free stuff at IKEA Bristol

[@ProperDIY]

Thanks. Now that is funny as my local B&Q has free wood although most people don't believe me. It is possible if you have a sharp eye and willing to see the potential in things.

[@chrisbuckley7978]

Why not drill pilot hole through rebate before adding shelves, then put screws in from other side where they come out, no need for guessing or where to put screws. Love the show watch as soon as new ones come out and look for stuff when need some some ideas

[@grahamethomas6018]

What is that thing called you used to mark the wall for the fixing screws.

[@johannes.f.r.]

Then you can still add a little shelf for batteries above the charger.

[@ProperDIY]

Thats a good idea and I probably will

[@arthurharte7064]

DOES ANYONE KNOW THE BACKGROUND MUSIC WHO IS THE ARTIST.

[@greensquare5285]

This video changed my life in many ways that I can not explain.

[@MoranGuyVideos]

Hi , what size of straight bit you used here ? Can you provide a link to it ?

[@Dreadepic]

Really only discovered your channel this evening and I'm loving it! Very well-presented, funny, very informative. I'm in England and just starting out in a 10x8 shed in my parent's garden, had it a couple of years and been tinkering for a few now but currently off work with injury so trying to spend as much time in there (doing what I can!) setting it up so next year I can really focus on it! For these reasons I'm doubly glad I found you. Keep up the great content!

[@ProperDIY]

Excellent, I'm glad you like them. 10x8 shed is where I spent most of my DIY life!

[@satcomhdtv]

very cool video, lots of handy info, thanks!!!

[@chrisharrison6532]

Decent job again good use of things you fall over I also have stuff too good to throw and no good for a job

[@ScreamingEagleFTW]

it must be nice to use the metric system, maybe I should change over.

[@thevjoiners]

You coulda made a handle for the pull down door with that offcut 😉

Oh man, such a large piece left. What a bummer.

[@roverboy4244]

Cut your spare piece in to 4 or 6 coasters for your brew mugs.

[@1701_FyldeFlyer]

600mm by 300 by 1600 shelving unit, 19 quid from B&Q. Isnt worth getting a sheet of 12mm ply.

[@ProperDIY]

Got for it! If you don't see the advantage in building your own 2.4m high timber shelving unit and would rather buy some piece of plastic then probably best to avoid any DIY or woodwork.

[@Weepecket]

Yikes! Loose hammers stored above your head!

[@homewurks1]

An offcut that size I would take to the Fretsaw

[@johnmorris7899]

I used the same method for building a bookcase out of MDF 10 years ago and it's still holding strong.

[@ProperDIY]

Thats good to hear

[@mgabbard]

Way too much off-cut leftover... And you want people to think you're a pro? 🤣 Well done on a very functional workspace!

[@ProperDIY]

Thank you

[@awantamta]

A very good shelf indeed. I would have liked to have seen the extra boxed shelf that you sneeked in, being constructed as well but some more great ideas. Thank you.

[@ProperDIY]

Thank you

[@TheChief-vy3wy]

Have you plans for this ?

[@rowey1992]

I see the UK ply is as crappy as the stuff we get in Aus.... and probably just as expensive.

[@ProperDIY]

This wasn't the good stuff but yes - all is expensive - if you can get any these days!

[@max28xl83]

Glad to see someone else questions which way the finished side of the plywood faces. 🤔 The tools don't see it, I do.😒😆😆 Great job with just one sheet. Love the cabinet for the camera. 👍👍

[@ProperDIY]

Thank you very much - no point in it looking at the sky!

[@dougsaunders8109]

Two DeWalt 5ha batteries £99 delivered on FFX at the moment. You will not regret it

[@ProperDIY]

That sound a good deal

[@dannymurphy1779]

I like the way you keep things a simple as possible and don't over complicate things!

[@ProperDIY]

Thats good - I do it that way so even I can understand it!

[@jeffcowles8274]

Very nice. But in the end you still had lots of stuff all over your workbench! Hahahaha

[@ProperDIY]

It's all gone now!