Wire Basket Bookshelf DIY

 

When I saw a wood and wire basket bookshelf at Pottery Barn, I knew I had to use them in our client's playroom.

but…

I figured, hey! I could make those for a fraction of the cost (it's sold for $129). This knockoff version costs about $40 for a two basket shelf that is roughly the same size.

What you’ll need

 

 

1) 2 Wire storage baskets: I bought mine from a local store, but these on Amazon are perfect! Just have to remove the hooks that are made for a pegboard.

COST: the 15" ones are the right size, and not a bad price either at 12.99 each.

2) 1 x 12 fir plank, cut to 27" long: this means it's 1" thick and 12" wide. To accommodate 2 baskets, have it cut to 27". You can buy a piece yourself and cut it down, or you can ask the nice employees at the hardware store to chop it to size.

COST: about $3-$5 per square foot ($9 for a 3 ft. piece). If you decide to go with a reeeaaally nice finished piece of oak, it can run about $11 per square foot. I used basic fir on the cheap.

3) Stain: you can pick any shade and brand you like depending on your style, or even paint it a color you love. I like Minwax, and for this project, I used Dark Walnut stain. I prefer to wear latex-free nitrile gloves and apply the stain with a rag or paper towel.

COST: you'll only use a small amount from a quart that runs about $7.50. Use the rest of the stain on all the amazing things you'll make in the future.

4) Four 2" long screws: for attaching your shelves to the wall

5) Four 1" long screws with four dome head acorn hex nut

. You can buy them individually at your local hardware store, but I provided a link so you'd know what to look for. This is what you'll use them for.

 

How to make it

 

 

+ Give your fir plank a gentle sanding so that there are no splinters to be had, then put on a nice coat of that Minwax stain.

+ While you wait for it to dry, have a snack and put your feet up. Or, if you're anything like me, put that first coat on and then don't come back to do the next step for a week or so because life happens.

+ Measure in 3" from the outside of the board to your basket, and mark where the screws will go. Use a drill bit to drill all the way through the board, then attach your basket to the wood with the 1" long screw and acorn hex nut. Repeat this on the other side of the board with your second basket.

+ Attach it to your wall using the 2" screws, in a stud if you can. Otherwise, use drywall anchors.

Voila!

I’m so impressed with your tool-wielding skills! Now your kids’ books have a home other than the playroom floor.