- 1). Measure the interior width and depth of the cabinets to determine the shelf size.
- 2). Mark correlating points on opposite cabinet side walls to indicate the desired placement of the shelves. Place a level horizontally on the side walls and line it up with the marked points. Adjust the level so it is straight, and trace the edge to delineate the shelf lines.
- 3). Make two marks on each line to indicate placement of the shelf brackets. Place the marks approximately one-quarter of the way in from the fronts and backs of the cabinets.
- 4). Dry-fit small L-brackets on the marks so the arms of the brackets that are against the walls are pointing down. Mark the screw holes. Drill pilot holes at the marked points.
- 5). Screw the brackets in place, using wood screws that are no more than three-quarters the thickness of the cabinet walls.
- 6). Cut the shelves so they are just slightly smaller than the measured dimensions. Slightly smaller-cut shelves will allow for easier insertion into the cabinets. Cut the shelves from plywood panels or wooden boards that are at least 1/2-inch thick.
- 7). Sand the cut edges to remove frays and roughness, using 220-grit sandpaper.
- 8). Seal the wood as desired. Methods include wood sealing, staining and sealing, priming and painting and top-lining with drawer lining paper.
- 9). Insert the shelves into the cabinets so they are resting on the brackets.
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