How could I have done this better?

Submitted by glycinedream t3_11dcyiq in DIY

Would like feedback for how I could do this better next time. Pantry style shelves in a closet, screwed the supports into the plaster (no anchors but thinking that’d be upgrade #1), and then the walls aren’t square so there’s a lot of gaps when I put the shelves in themselves. I do flooring and I know how to trace for difficult cuts but this was not making sense to me. It’s fine for a closet that no one is going to go in but I want to get better at craftsmanship. Here’s a link of the install. https://imgur.com/a/rAVUe3U

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9yr0ld t1_ja7vije wrote

caulk?

for nicer cuts, measure tight. you don't have to cut square if walls aren't square. put a slight bevel on the edges (so the underside of the board is slightly smaller than the top side). this will let you slip tight boards into place, and the undercut side sits on supports so that "gap" will not be seen.

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PowerfulFunny5 t1_ja7vtrs wrote

I’d think, make a template with cardboard or a scrap board, in the same way as you made the shelves (slightly too small). Then use a framing square, or ruler against the wall to draw the exact shelf dimension 1-1/2” shorter. Then put the template on the finished shelf and use the same framing square to draw out the exact dimensions on the actual shelf.

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SamBrico246 t1_ja818jg wrote

Caulk and paint make me the carpenter I ain't.

Seriously, for what you were attempting to do, this is the best answer. Finishing the top of the shelf, add some led channels under the shelf to light it up, those would be nice touches, but caulk and paint should make it presentable.

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glycinedream OP t1_ja8c7cc wrote

Dumb question but what kind of caulk do I use? Just the dap acrylic stuff?

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SamBrico246 t1_ja8gywz wrote

When in doubt, dynaflex 230 is the Swiss army knife of caulk. Others have their uses, but this one is my go to.

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TootsNYC t1_ja8sfjs wrote

That’s probably fine. Make sure it’s paintable (most silicone caulk isn’t paintable). Avoid clear; if your shelves are white, use white caulk (be careful; the labels of white and clear look a lot alike). You don’t need waterproof.

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2001sleeper t1_ja8s4we wrote

Finish trim, routing edges for smoother look, caulk, paint.

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TootsNYC t1_ja8s6p0 wrote

Those screws need to be swapped out ASAP.

Get familiar with strap toggles (also called snap toggles, zip toggles and Togglers). You can just push them in at the existing holes in the plaster (take the wood off first, and use the same holes in the wood)

https://youtu.be/r2r44N5tvR8

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glycinedream OP t1_ja90p95 wrote

I can do that. You don’t think them being in the lath is enough?

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TootsNYC t1_ja94z5t wrote

Only the lathe, not the studs? If they’re in the studs they’re fine. Only the lathe worries me less; I thought they were only in drywall

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glycinedream OP t1_ja97neu wrote

I guess I’m not 100%sure lol I just assumed I wouldve hit the lath

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