How to build a custom shelf

1 When determining where you want your shelves, find a space where at least two walls adjoin (Vila built his into an inset, but brackets on two walls should be enough). “Choose a good, strong hardwood,” he says, “so that you can take them with you if you move.” His are made from oak, though pine and poplar are perfect subs. “Measure well so that you can have them cut at the lumber store and save yourself a mess at home.” The oak pictured ($14 a foot) came from Metropolitan Lumber and Hardware (175 Spring St between Thompson St and West Broadway, 212-966-3466).

2 On a drop cloth, apply one coat of stain (two if you don’t want to see the grain of the wood) and let the wood dry (this can take up to a day).

3 Use a hacksaw to cut metal brackets to the required length (Vila’s shelves are 2"x 7"x 5'). Don’t cut on your counter or floor—use a piece of scrap wood.

4 Take a power drill with an ⅛" bit and make holes every eight inches in the bracket (again, place the bracket on scrap wood).

5 Using a level, hold the bracket against the wall at the desired level and mark holes with a pencil. Then drill into the holes and hammer the anchors in until they’re flush. Finally, drill screws through the holes in the bracket and into the anchors.

6 Once brackets are installed on all three sides, slide the shelves in. The brackets should come with small, premade holes at the top. Drill wood screws (about ¾") into the holes, securing the wood to the bracket. “Just make sure that it stays put,” Vila explains.

Tool kit
· Level
· Power drill (the Vilas make a lightweight, easy-to-store ergonomic version for $50)
· Metal brackets (size depends on shelf size)
· Screws and anchors
· Hacksaw
· Foam brush
· Drop cloth
· Minwax Ebony Stain #2718
· Wood planks