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How to Build Your Own Industrial Metal and Wood Shelves

by: Shannon Acheson posted on: December 12, 2024

These industrial shelves—what I lovingly call my Restoration Hardware Inspired Shelves—have been one of the most requested tutorials I’ve ever shared! They’re incredibly versatile and have been a part of every home we’ve lived in, from our living room to the kitchen and even my office. Honestly, they’ve been a workhorse when it comes to storage and style.

open office shelves with bins and baskets, printer and cricut

When we first made these shelves, we used reclaimed pallet wood and metal because, well, it was free! Later, we switched to thinner new pine boards for more stability, especially when we used them in the kitchen. Trust me, the switch made them even better! If you’re diving into this project, you might also enjoy my post on How to Stain Wood for tips on achieving a beautiful, rich finish, or my How to Make New Wood Look Old if you want a really rustic finish.

Table of Contents

Industrial Metal and Wood Shelves DIY Tutorial

What you’ll need for one shelf (double everything if you’re making two, like we did):

Materials

Angle iron 1.5″ x 1.5″ x 1/8″ thick
- 4 pieces, 68″ long (uprights)
- 2 pieces, 29.5″ long (top front and back)
- 4 pieces, 13.25″ long (top and bottom sides)
Flat bar 4″ x 1/8″ thick
- 2 pieces, 30″ long (bottom front and back)
All thread rod 3/8″-16
- 10 pieces, 14.5″ long (shelf supports)
Hex bolts 3/8″-16 x 3/4″ long – 24 pieces
Stainless steel acorn nuts 3/8″-16 – 44 pieces
Plated hex nuts 3/8″-16 – 20 pieces
Cold rolled steel gussets 1/8″ x 6″ x 6″ – 4 pieces (sheared/mitered to fit)
Pine board 1″ x 13″ x 29.5″ (topmost shelf)
Reclaimed pallet wood (shelves) – Total: 13″ x 29.5″ each (3 pieces per shelf to total 13″ depth)
WD-40 or similar degreaser
2-3 cans of oil-rubbed bronze spray paint
Minwax dark walnut stain
Lint-free rags

Tools

Drill with 3/8″ bit
Sandpaper
Lint-free rag

TIP: For clarification on some steps, please refer to detail photos and drawing. If you click on the drawing (isn’t Dean AWESOME?!), it will open larger in a new window. Right-click to save so you can refer back to it later.

1. Measure and drill holes in the metal

Precise measurements here are key, so take your time.

2. Sand burrs and sharp edges

This will ensure no one gets injured and give your metal a professional finish.

3. Clean all parts

Use WD-40 or a similar degreaser, and wipe everything down thoroughly.

4. Paint metal parts

Spray all metal pieces, including the all-thread rods, using light, even coats. Leave the nuts and bolts unpainted.

5. Prepare wood shelves

Cut, sand, and stain the wood pieces with Minwax dark walnut stain for a beautiful, rich tone.

6. Assemble shelves

Begin by building the front and back portions separately. Then join them together with the side pieces, ensuring the top angle iron pieces are placed correctly.

7. Thread hex nuts

Add a hex nut to each end of every all-thread rod, 2 inches from the ends.

8. Secure all-thread rods

Attach these between the uprights using acorn nuts. Tighten the acorn nuts until they meet the angle iron, then secure with hex nuts on the inside.

9. Install wood shelves

Set the wood pieces onto the all-thread rods.

10. Style and enjoy

Step back, admire your work, and style them to your heart’s content!

FAQs

Can I substitute different wood for the shelves?

Absolutely! You can use any wood you like, but I recommend pine or another lightweight option to avoid putting too much weight on the frame.

Where can I get the metal pieces?

I’ve found Metal Supermarkets or similar stores to be a great resource. They can even cut the metal for you, which saves a ton of time.

Do I need to use oil-rubbed bronze spray paint?

Not at all! Choose a color that complements your decor. Black, matte finishes, or even metallics can look stunning.

Is this project beginner-friendly?

Yes, but it does require some basic power tool skills and a little patience with measuring and assembly.

How much weight can these shelves hold?

These shelves are sturdy and can handle a fair amount of weight, but I recommend sticking to decor and moderately heavy items to be safe.

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