Free Standing Shelves - How to Build in Your Kitchen or Conservatory

Watch as I show you how I built a set of free standing shelves for my kitchen conservatory that are not fixed conventionally to the room in any way meaning I can remove them whenever I need to without any damage.
How to Paint MDF - Gosforth Handyman: • How to paint MDF - DIY...
Amazon links to the tools used in this video...
UK links:
►3M Hook & Loop: amzn.to/31eu8B7
►Dewalt Circular Saw : amzn.to/3bljxpI
► Cordless Drill (Dewalt): amzn.to/3k0GEeX
US Links:
►3M Hool & Loop: amzn.to/3vXu0RA
►Dewalt Circular Saw: amzn.to/3jKuBRS
► Cordless Drill (Dewalt): amzn.to/3qWFgLy
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.

[@10MinuteWorkshop]

I'd say... "Flippin' heck, I wish I'd thought of that - give me 10 minutes and I will have done..!" 😂 Great idea, great job and sweet scribes, Stuart! 👌👍 🙌

[@ProperDIY]

I don't feel so bad now - thanks Peter!

[@worstuserever]

Oy PM! You've done enough damage for one day. I've been fighting the urge for a premature bandsaw purchase, then you had to post that review of the bargain 10" from Aldi! Try to remember some of us have a spine like the cheapo blade that comes with it. 😔

[@bookkeepingsmes2089]

It is *Proper DIY* after all ☺️ They look fantastic Stu!

[@EmptyGlass99]

Your solutions have 'decades of engineering experience' written all over them. As a fellow engineer, I can only admire.

[@Levantine68]

I love b&q free wood it’s saved me a fortune ☺️

[@c.a.g.1977]

Clever solution, that velcro is quite strong!

[@SCMaffs1985]

The more you show of your house, the more I want to see. Could we have a house tour?

[@meldrew728]

Great job. Nice to have that space to make use of. If you’re missing your spacer check 16.06

[@ProperDIY]

I realised I had lost it when I cleared up at the end and found it there hanging!

[@JonJamesMcCormack]

Wow, they look absolutely brilliant. With so many UK new builds having similar window fittings, I wonder how many of us DIYers will consider giving it a try over the coming weekends! I am certainly tempted!

[@ProperDIY]

Well I hope so. If they only last a year or so before we get fed up with them at least they want leave a lasting mark! It really depends if the plants live or die!

[@andyfarmer759]

l love the concept. That Leyland paint is great, doesn't stink the house out and doesn't yellow with age.

[@ProperDIY]

It's like painting with poster paints

[@andyfarmer759]

@@ProperDIY true its a dream to work with.

[@CrimVulgar]

You'd be amazed how much load Command strips can handle along the orthogonals, they only really budge when you apply a torque. I've used them a ton as they're a bit of a renter's dream with how safe they are on pristine walls. From experience, you could probably have got away with just a few along the top legs against the window frame and it'd go nowhere accidentally - I've used a pair of them to secure a 6ftx1ft oak shelf to a wall and it's solid because of all the advantage they get at the top. Then again putting the whole thing together might have been a bit more painful without something to hold the feet in place!

[@awantamta]

Great job. Love the use of the reclaimed MDF.

[@ProperDIY]

Thank you

[@Upperton]

Your attention to detail and the quality of the work you produce is fantastic. I would love to be able to do some of the projects you have completed but I feel overwhelmed by your meticulous planning and patience.

[@ProperDIY]

Thank you. It comes with practice so start small and work up

[@michaelronan4928]

Well thought out project, makeing the most of available space and with a professional finish. Well done!

[@ProperDIY]

Thank you

[@georgenewlands9760]

Wow, you’re a braver man than me re-using that delaminated MDF. I like free stuff as much as the next man but I would definitely have passed on that. That said, the shelves turned out great, well done.

[@ProperDIY]

I thought I would give it a go

[@alanpervin]

Norm Abram would be proud Stuart 👏👏

[@ProperDIY]

Do you think so?

[@alanpervin]

No maybe not but if he don't like it's aint got to watch🤣🤣

[@SeymourClearly2]

What a great idea, and brilliantly executed. Everything you do on your channel is such high quality. Thank you.

[@ProperDIY]

Glad you enjoy it! It takes a lot of time but worth it when I get comments like yours.

[@ruaraidhmcdonald-walker9524]

Crikey first!! Can't beat indoor plants! Nice one.

[@ProperDIY]

Yes, thanks

[@ruaraidhmcdonald-walker9524]

@@ProperDIY Love the reuse of scrap wood too. Amazing how straight it came out. Lovely! Was that just a pair of compasses you used to scribe out the rebate around the window frames prior to routing?

[@davidtyers4903]

Quality. I like the simple lines and cunning use of velcro.

[@ProperDIY]

Thank you

[@deanwellerassociates]

Excellent project Stuart. Great use of recycled materials and as ever spot on commentary with an undercoat of sarcasm finished off with a "give it a go" attitude. Cheers.

[@ProperDIY]

Thank you very much

[@markhannan5167]

Great idea and brilliant execution very talented guy

[@keefykeef]

Great to see you put those scrappy bits of mdf to use! Nice end result 👌

[@ProperDIY]

Thanks

[@EireFirst2024]

A shelf made man 😂👍👍

[@ProperDIY]

Thats a good one!

[@frankblack1481]

One of your best videos yet, Stuart. You’re nailing this KZbin lark - it’s like you’ve been at it for years. One thing I learnt about laminating mdf is Titebond 3 gives you longer work time and is relatively runny so finds its way into the narrowest of cracks. The ply or mdf does drink it like a sailor on shore leave tho.

[@carllamb6711]

Great job Stuart looks neat and tidy mate and a lovely comment of Peter Millard too 👍👍👍👍

[@ProperDIY]

Thanks. I'm in contact with Peter in one way or another every few days so happy to mention him

[@peterprowse8932]

Another great video and congratulations on the success of your channel! Its inspiring to see how you recycled the delaminated MDF so effectively. Living in London there is plenty of access to free wood lying around in skips if you are prepared to look around and spend a bit of time working on it. I would definitely recommend getting a table saw which will make life a lot easier.

[@ProperDIY]

Thank you. Yes I will be getting one soon but I was hoping a tool manufacturer would feel sorry for me and send one over - still waiting!

[@gillianbc]

Looks much nicer than I'd imagined. I am between greenhouses at the moment as I've just moved and have yet to have one built. I have quite a few tender plants that will need to over-winter somewhere.

[@ProperDIY]

I'm glad to have given you ideas

[@barrywall3333]

Excellent video Stuart, one man's scrap is another man's... As they say

[@ProperDIY]

Thank you

[@felixreali7101]

what a great idea. absolutely love this solution.

[@ProperDIY]

Glad you like it!

[@michaelevans1658]

That was well thought out ,get yourself a Dewalt 745table saw their great .

[@Stu1982]

Proper job. Me ole mucker. What absolute great idea, that’s a 💡 moment.

[@ProperDIY]

Thank you

[@TheFirefighter56]

Nice video and a very good idea for scrap mdf etc.

[@ProperDIY]

Thanks

[@SuperJackandcoke]

Timely video for me - I was trying to sketch out a similar design for a laundry basket holder, and was using just sheet material - it was going to be about £250! Didn't think of using 2x2 or similar for the uprights - duh! I'll save a fortune - thanks!

[@ProperDIY]

I'm glad. I really like the idea that my videos give people ideas they can use rather than just copying what I have done. Good luck and do what is right for you.

[@markirish7599]

Another fantastic video full of tips and tricks 👌

[@ProperDIY]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@stephenpascoe1148]

Another top build...well done !!

[@ProperDIY]

Thank you

[@barryroberts6470]

Great job and a cracking Conservatory that you have. Stay Safe, Barry (Wirral)

[@ProperDIY]

Thanks Barry!

[@beatsandwarts]

Great video again. I can see the channel is doing well as you’ve upgraded the sweatshirt from Slazenger to Nike! 😂

[@ProperDIY]

Thanks. I'm going to find it hard to wear the cheap one from now on!

[@tayred81]

Smart, turned out perfect 👍🏻 good job

[@ProperDIY]

Thank you

[@olliekerslake3296]

Another great idea and video. Well done.

[@ProperDIY]

Thanks

[@dougsaunders8109]

Looks good and Peter would like the finish….. Point of order Velcro is a trade name. The 3M command strip is hook and loop. 🙊

[@sammorgan8047]

Good idea and top finish, take a look at 3m dual lock for industrial strength velcro

[@Showing_the_car_]

Another really professional looking finish - I really enjoy your videos, thanks. Shed base next year then? I would wear a mask when cutting MDF or sanding though...

[@harryinhuahin1272]

I always remember Blue Peter for "sticky-back-plastic" - and Peter Purves (and John N., and the lovely Val S.) - perhaps before the advent of velcro...

[@johnchincotta1qwdb15]

Nice job stuart

[@johnnyreggae969]

inspirational ideas another great video brilliantly presented

[@ProperDIY]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@5e34nut]

Great build and very intuitive I always find your videos extremely useful and pleasant to watch Love the shout out to other well respected wood carver's Would rounded dowels at the front have softened the look (just a suggestion) (ie wooden broom handle trimmed down

[@ProperDIY]

Awesome, thank you!

[@JohnJones-wo1bc]

Impressive shelving. I must admit I was slightly dubious about your recycling of some de-laminated MDF, but it turned out to be a great job!

[@ProperDIY]

Thanks.

[@george-1961]

Very clever idea 👏🏻

[@ProperDIY]

Thanks

[@lewisbrown51]

Great video, thanks! Clever and resourceful solutions for the build and fixing which worked a treat

[@ProperDIY]

Thank you

[@thomasbrown5081]

Great video stu stay safe my friend

[@ProperDIY]

Thank you

[@simonmiddleton4977]

Another great job!

[@ProperDIY]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@lindacsmith13]

very impressive

[@ProperDIY]

Thanks

[@cornwallkid100]

Very nice job mate 👍 👌 👏

[@ProperDIY]

Thanks

[@handyjim]

looking good young man

[@ProperDIY]

Thanks

[@SweSuf]

Very nice and neat! A possible concern might be that heat from the sun could potentially weaken the glue of the velcro pads.

[@ProperDIY]

I'll do an update vid in 12 months so we will see

[@Je22345]

Another interesting and very good video 👍

[@ProperDIY]

Thank you

[@dwalsh3469]

Smashing job, again. Thank you. I wondered about the time / costs. You would pay somebody a decent bit of money to make something that would be a more modest effort than you achieved. I was wondering how you view the time and effort, and glue cost, against buying “regularly priced” mdf that needs little further work. I appreciate that this is a value judgement, and that your circumstances include “excellent content”. I would be interested in your thoughts on the time / cost of your approach versus just buying mdf to hit the ground running. For real, rather than proper, DIYers 😇

[@DerekTJ]

Love your videos, but this is teaching me a different lesson; don't use seconds. Thanks!

[@SoundAssault]

Awesome job! 👍🏻

[@ProperDIY]

Thanks!

[@michaelplays2449]

Great video, thanks

[@ProperDIY]

Glad you liked it!

[@BrochanLom]

One of your best and cheap, If I had green fingers I'd give it a go. I just cant get MDF edges to look smooth so I've gone back to plywood or real wood, less hassle. Velcro, Blu tack etc all in my shed don't knock them.

[@ProperDIY]

Thanks. I must admit, I really don't like MDF (only when it's free) - I'm much more a plywood person

[@GeeTheBuilder]

Lovely project as always. 👍 But good luck with that Velcro when the sun sits on that window on a hot day 😬 I used Velcro to stick a blackout blind (all the way around, I don’t mean hanging) for my daughters room when she was little. Worked great for a while but the adhesive melted and slowly but surely it came off. You might well be fine because the Velcro isn’t holding any weight in your design. Anyway, looks very nice.

[@freakeystyley34]

I've used the 'Command' branded strips quite a few times and I think they're stronger and more resilient than a lot of basic sticky velcro. They're rated for hanging pictures so I'd hope they withstand a bit of warmth!

[@ProperDIY]

Thanks. In my experience anything hanging has gravity to deal with so will eventually fall apart (as per my temp curtains on one of my houses).

[@GeeTheBuilder]

@@freakeystyley34 yeah maybe. Although I used some proper 3M stickers to attack a door stop (magnetic) to a door and it failed after 3 days. I think because we have UFH So if that’s 3M stuff then ....

[@martinanthony05]

Nice one big man

[@ProperDIY]

Thank you

[@craigd650]

Great channel!!!

[@ProperDIY]

Thank you!

[@captainredbeard1749]

Smashing job! Could we see a greenhouse build in the future?👍

[@ProperDIY]

Thanks. Maybe - next summer!

[@1955DocBrown]

It looks good. We are currently fostering a horsefield tortoise for my wife’s niece. My wife is currently growing weeds (yes that’s correct, weeds) on our window sill to feed the tortoise. I best not show her this, she will want one…..

[@ProperDIY]

Growing weeds must be easy - they always seem to do better in my garden than anything else!

[@caskwith]

£4.50 for the 38mmSQ, blimey, I used it as slats for a bed build only 2 years ago and it was about £1.50 a length! Shelves looks great though.

[@ProperDIY]

Yes exactly! I'm glad I only need 2 and the worst of the pallet!

[@samuelbeckett4632]

Excellent project; LOVE this idea for a simple & accessible indoor kitchen garden 👍👍 Err.!! What are the shear calcs for these velco tabs; does anybody know a good civil engineer to verify the structural design....?? 😘 Q) With a less restrictive budget, UPVC facia boards (with a little reinforcement on the underside) could offer a really clean solution with a wipe-clean & UV stabilised surface in-keeping with the finish of the window frames.

[@ProperDIY]

No shear clacs here - this is 'suck it and see' engineering! - I'm a contractor! UPVC is a really good option for a good long lasting product.

[@samuelbeckett4632]

@@ProperDIY LOL; is there any other way? +30 years of blagging it, & I still really haven't got a Scooby 🤭

[@musheopeaus4125]

Looks mazin’

[@ProperDIY]

Thanks

[@garvielloken3929]

Super NOOICE!!!

[@ProperDIY]

Thanks

[@Super690Motard]

How’s the gloss paint holding up? I used the same brand in most of my house and it’s gone all yellow after a year which I’m not very happy about as you would expect!

[@larrysullivan6536]

Brilliant love this channel Larrysullivan in london

[@ProperDIY]

Thank you

[@somewhereelse3813]

A lot of great tips for numerous jobs in this one, brilliant. Idiot question! = what's the best way to cut your shelves around the window uprights? I need to cut an mdf bath side around skirting. The velro fixings may be a great way for my Xmas Dec's this year also

[@ProperDIY]

I used a jigsaw and a file. If you are doing it on a bath surround I suggest creating a template first and only touching the surround once you are happy with the template fit

[@somewhereelse3813]

@@ProperDIY Thankyou, appreciate your time to reply

[@worstuserever]

Definitely need a table saw, so useful, and you're not limited to price / availability / condition of standard dimensional lumber then, just buy straight and chunky and rip what you want. Velcro anchors! You preparing for an earthquake or something? Engineers...

[@Newsystem10]

Great job! Any plans to paint your fence? 🤔 I'd recommend Cuprinol cladding and fence paint solvent based from your local Dulux Decorator Centre in black. You're welcome. 😀

[@ProperDIY]

Early next year I will be painting the fences so will remember your recommendation.

[@normancoutts]

Pretty nifty!

[@ProperDIY]

Thanks

[@vic6820]

Very neat job from very un-neat materials.

[@ProperDIY]

Thank you

[@valborchardt3596]

Thanks Stuart, can you please tell me what those sticky velcro things are called? Want to see if we can get here…..you take care

[@ProperDIY]

Yes, they are 3M picture hangers - I've now put a link in the description.

[@valborchardt3596]

@@ProperDIY thanks so much

[@megaman2016]

10/10

[@frankblack1481]

You’ve earnt a table saw. You’ll be glad you did and won’t look back.

[@dawn5227]

Civil engineer using velcro to fix shelves. Lol 😆

[@ProperDIY]

I know, I'm getting soft.

[@WilliamBurnett]

Ah don't do yourself down mate, I'm sure you have admirers out there that long to touch the underside of your shelves.