Power Tools Rater: 20+ Fantastic DIY 2×4 Shelving Ideas

Awhile back, we spent a whole week talking about how 2×4 and other structural lumber can be a great material for building all sorts of things since it's so sturdy and inexpensive. Shelving is a big part of this! Storage shelves for a garage or basement can be left plain and simple, but there are also tons of ways to dress 2×4's and other 2x lumber up. You can create large shelving units or decorative pieces for your home and get a lot of bang for your buck. Check out all these great shelves we found that are built with 2x4s and other 2x structual lumber, and before you start building, read these tips for selecting and working with 2x4s.

2x4 Shelves

DIY 2×4 Shelving Tutorials

Storage Shelves

Ana White has plans for some super simple storage shelves that would be great in a garage. // Garage Shelving // Ana White

Add some plywood and your 2×4 shelves get extra sturdy! You can store lots of heavy items in the basement or garage this way. // Easy Storage Shelf // DIY Design Fanatic

Here's a smaller version of the simple 2×4 storage shelves that would be great as a space saver. Create and Babble used it for painting supplies. // Small Space Storage Shelf // Create and Babble

With some heavy duty brackets, you know this shelf is going to hold up under pressure! // Heavy Duty Shelving Unit // Sweet Pea

This is a great idea for making the most out of every nook and cranny! With 2×4 shelving built into the corner, you can make sure no precious garage storage space is wasted. // Corner Storage Shelf // Kenarry

Shelving Units from 2x4s and other 2x lumber

These console shelves look like they came straight from the showroom! Fortunately, you'll save big bucks by making them instead… // Console Cubby Shelves // Ana White

The copper peg supports make this minimalist 2×4 shelving pop in an amazing way. // Copper Peg Shelves // Vintage Revivals

You can create a rustic look using 2x wood in any width you'd like along with pipe! Customize your wall unit in an inexpensive way. // Industrial Rustic Shelving Unit // Sylvie Liv

This cute ladder shelf is perfect for displaying well-loved items or holiday vignettes. It's modern and simple design would work in so many settings. // Ladder Shelf // A Pair and A Spare

Making some floating box shelves is easier than you'd think, and they look awesome in a study or office! // Floating Box Shelf Unit // Keys to Inspiration

Rolling 2×4 shelving can be pushed out of the way when needed – it's a great solution in a space that pulls double duty. // Rolling Industrial Farmhouse Pantry Shelf // The Weathered Fox

A smaller bookcase is great for a kids room, and with 2×4's you can make it super sturdy to withstand childhood troublemaking! // Industrial Bookcase // Little House of Four

Ledge Shelves

2×4 shelving can be classic, like this ledge which is perfect for dishes, framed photos or other heirlooms. // Simple Ledge Shelf // Christina's Adventures

If you're worried about space, but miss the functionality of a sofa table, just build a ledge shelf to slip behind it! // Behind the Couch Ledge // Effie Row

Pipe and board shelves are super popular, are inexpensive to create and can solve storage issues in a variety of spaces. // Simple Industrial Pipe Ledge // DIY Playbook

If your plants need a space of their own, making a cute shelf for them to sun themselves on is a great idea. // Plant Stand Ledge // Shabby Grace

Small Decorative Shelves

Free up some space on the counter by making this super easy over oven shelf. So handy! // Oil and Vinegar Shelf (space saver) // Over the Big Moon

Using pipes and boards in different lengths and configurations adds visual interest. The pipe bar is great for hanging hooks and other items. // Pipe and Wood Bookshelves // Craft Thyme

You could have this cute shelf up and ready to go in just a few minutes! What a cute addition to a bathroom or entryway! // Easy Rope Shelf // Burkatron

This cute shelf would be perfect for a nursery, kids' room or playroom to store lots of tiny treasures. // Dollhouse Shelf // Dukes and Duchesses

What's not to LOVE about this adorable shelf?? Room for books, photos and knickknacks. // LOVE Shelf // Crafting It Myself

And along that same line, here's another cute word shelf. Now the wheels are turning for all the other words you could turn into shelves! // HOME Shelf // Diva of DIY