Freestanding shelf

This sturdy, space-saving shelf fits inside a cupboard to create useful storage.

It's made from scrap MDF and some recycled IKEA shelf batons.

To build this project I used the following tools:

A bench hook (home-made)
Two wooden clamps (home-made too)
A saw
A chisel
A plane
A drill
A marking gauge
And a sharp pencil

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Step 1: Cut stock for base

The size of this shelf was determined by the space in the cupboard and the width of the MDF plank I had (20cm).

The finished shelf dimensions are 50 x 40 x 20cm

The IKEA baton was cut into strips (ignore those random holes):

4 x 20 cm - legs
2 x 40 cm - rails
1 x 50 cm - stretcher

(If you're not using a table saw I'd only cut the top of the shelf after the base is constructed, in case of any inaccuracies)

Quick-tune says: Feb 16, 2013. 11:07 AM

OK, its a shelf... (on legs).
(From your own link: "It is raised off the ground and usually anchored/supported on its shorter length sides by brackets")

matt byrne (author) in reply to Quick-tuneFeb 16, 2013. 12:24 PM

From Wiki: ..." It is raised off the ground and usually anchored/supported on its shorter length sides by brackets. It can also be held up by columns or pillars."

Yes, it really is a shelf, or more specifically a "freestanding shelf" as I put in the title.You know, just like the ones you might buy in Ikea, but in this case with a single shelf.

Hope that's cleared up any confusion.

MB

ArtisanEclectic in reply to matt byrneMar 2, 2013. 8:11 PM

I tend to agree with Quick-tune that it's a table. Not that it really matters much, it's still a great project and a very useful item. It also illustrates the blurry lines in the world of furniture.

For instance. This item could be used a shelf in a cabinet or on top of a counter to hold a small appliance or a desk to to hold a printer. It could be used on the floor as a step for a child to brush their teeth. If you flipped it over and put sides on it you could call it a crate, or add a top and call it a box. You could stand it on it's side, put drawers in it and call it a dresser. You could even call it a table. Set it on your desk and put your laptop on it and you have a stand up desk. It looks like something with no shortage of uses.

Quick-tune in reply to matt byrneFeb 16, 2013. 12:35 PM

I'm not the slightest bit confused... Its a table, - deal with it!

matt byrne (author) in reply to Quick-tuneFeb 16, 2013. 1:17 PM

Thank you for your interesting and constructive comments.

Quick-tune in reply to matt byrneFeb 17, 2013. 11:11 AM

You're very welcome my friend :)

Quick-tune says: Feb 15, 2013. 1:39 PM

It looks good, but is it not a table as opposed to a shelf

matt byrne (author) in reply to Quick-tuneFeb 15, 2013. 2:50 PM

Yes, it is a shelf.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shelf_(storage)