How to Add Shelves to a Closet without Drilling? Let’s Find Out!

As a renter, often, customizing a closet may seem relatively challenging. You want to customize it as per your convenience. At the same time, you wouldn’t want to drill any permanent holes in it.

Now you’re wondering how to add shelves to a closet without drilling?

Well, there are a few quick and simple ways to do that. Some closets have pre-drilled holes. For those, cut melamine board sheets into the exact proportion. And then use some pegs to add those as shelves. For closets without any pre-drills, be very accurate on top to bottom measurement. 

Still confused? Well, don’t worry! Because in this article, we have included everything you should know! To make you are adding extra shelves to the closet effortless!

Keep reading to find out!

Add Shelves to a Closet with Pre Drilled Holes

Well, some closet tends to consist of Pre Drilled Shelf holes. You can find them on both sides of your closet. There is obviously no hassle of drilling, as it’s a no-drill closet system.

If the closet you’re working with is one of those, then apply the following method! 

Step 1: Use Closet Shelf Pegs

First of all, fetch a few more small closet shelf pegs or studs. Make sure that they accommodate right inside the hole. Next, put those studs into the holes that came pre-drilled. These tiny studs work as the backers of your new shelf.

Step 2: Get Some Melamine Board Sheets

Then you need to bring out one of the shelves from your hour closet.

Now go and get some board sheets. You can find them in any local wood board shop or melamine depot shop.

We recommend buying melamine board sheets because they are more durable as well as economical. Plus, from each sheet, you will be able to get 3 to 4 shelves for the closet.

Step 3: Get the Board Sheets Ready and Settled

This is the most crucial part of making your DIY closet shelves. After you are done buying the melamine board, get the board cut into pieces. The seller will do it for you without any additional charges.

Get the sheet cut into the exact size and proportion. So it will fit properly inside the closet.

If the closet is a little wonky, gauge the discrepancy beforehand. Then cut your shelves according to the exact required sizes for no further issues.

After that, settle all those shelves on top of your closet shelf pegs. Those which were put into the pre-drilled holes. And you are good to go!

Add Shelves to a Closet without Pre Drilled Holes

In most cases, you may not have pre-drilled holes in the closet. Or perhaps you do not believe that pegs are reliable.

If that is the case, don’t worry! Because the following process to add extra shelves in the closet may just be perfect for you! 

Step 1: Get the Measurements

First of all, you have to examine your closet properly. So you can be in exact straight alignment starting from top to bottom. And from the inside and out, as well.

This is why you need to measure the insides first. Then measure the tops of your closet. After that, do the measuring of the bottom part of the closet. As sometimes the expanse of the sides of the closet may not be straight, that is 90°.

Step 2: Measure Again from Top to Bottom

In this step, measure again from top to bottom. Because this measurement distinguishes a bit. Hence, don’t you measure properly and get the exact similar-sized shelves? Then you are in for trouble.

Moreover, only measuring the front side top to bottom doesn’t work. You also need to measure the back of your closet.

It’s great if you can cut a square. That will have a bit of wiggle-room in the corners. It’s better than being too tight. So, you have to measure all 4 areas properly. Then you can determine what distance you are going to use for your shelves.

Step 3: Get Some Melamine Boards Ready

Next, you’re going to need melamine boards. Look for those in any local shop. Purchase them as much as you need in feet.

Then you need to have the board cut into shelve pieces. Cut it according to the required measurements of the closet. For instance, if you get the board cut into six pieces. One-piece can be 28 ¼. And the other can be 28 1/3 considering your closet’s measures. 

Finally, the rest of the four pieces can be cut in about 8 inches. Keep one side sort of round and the other part square. It will work as support for the additional shelf.

Step 4: Set the Shelves

In this step of how to build closet shelves, you need to take those cut shelves home. And then paint those pieces in any color of your choice. Or you can just use the wrapping paper that came with the shelf for this.

After that, grab those two pieces that you cut to wield as supports. Now place each of those on one side of your closet. Thus there will be only the rounded ends prominent to the front. Put them there right in.

You may be concerned about those supports moving. In that case, use a command strip. And stick the strip to the place where the support and closet remain connected. Then apply enough pressure for it to be steady. And like that the support is not going to wobble.

For the next part, grab the extra shelf piece you want to add to your closet. You need to place it on the supports. And done! You have added the additional shelf to the closet! 

Step 5: Repeat the Process

Once you’re done plopping the selves. Now, you may proceed with those 2 supports and the piece of the shelf. 

Follow the same steps to add more shelves to your closet. Repeat the process until you reach the number of shelves you prefer!

FAQs

Can you put shelves up without studs?

Yes, you can put shelves up without studs. One way is using drywall anchors. These anchors are quite similar to plastic screws that plug in the drywall. In case you’re operating with plaster or when you require something which holds more weight. Make use of a molly bolt. For relatively heavy shelves, you need to pick toggle bolts.

How to cut cleats for shelves?

To cut cleats for shelves, use wood pieces that are either 1×2 or 1×3 in size. Then get them cut according to the depth of your shelf. For a neater look, trim the edge piece at a 45° angle. Then you may consider sanding the edges for a smoother look.

How to get the board sheets ready?

To get the board sheets ready, get your boards cut into pieces first. 
Get them cut into the accurate size and proportion. So it fits properly inside the closet. In case your closet is a little wonky, measure the disparity. Then cut your shelves according to the exact sizes for no further issues.

Wrapping Up

Hope we have cleared your question about how to add shelves to a closet without drilling? 

So, follow this guide from now on whenever you need to add shelves to the closet. A gentle reminder, just make sure that you put in the adequate size of the shelf. A

Get the accurate proportion regarding the measures, as well.

That is all for now. Have a good day!

Similar Posts