Building the Shelves
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Measure the area where the shelving will be erected. Decide the best length and width of the shelves and how many shelves you'll need.
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Purchase the particle board according to the desired width and length. If you want 4-foot long shelves it is more cost effective to purchase an 8-foot length of board, and cut it in half. Keep this in mind when purchasing the boards.
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Using a tape measure and square, mark off the length you need on your piece of particle board. Draw a straight line on the board where you will cut it.
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Suspend the board on saw horses or any other available support. Put on eye protection. Using a circular saw cut the board along the penciled line. Do this to any other pieces of board you have.
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Apply paint to the shelves and allow them to dry.
Installing brackets
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Position brackets 3 inches in from the end of where each shelf will rest. If the shelf is 6 feet or longer use three brackets. Use a level to correctly position the bracket. Then use a pencil to mark the screw holes on each bracket. Put the bracket aside.
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Place a bit on the drill that is as wide as the widest end of your wall anchors. Drill holes in each place you have marked.
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Insert the wall anchors. Lightly tap them with a hammer until they are flush with the wall.
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Install each bracket by inserting screws into each hole in the bracket, and screwing them into the corresponding wall anchor. Make sure the screws are snug.
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Place each particle board shelf upon the appropriate brackets. If desired, anchor the shelves by inserting one or two screws per bracket into the underside of the shelf.
