Guide

How to build custom shelving that fits your space

The short version: to build shelving that actually fits and holds, measure your space, choose a material and thickness for your load, keep each shelf within a safe span, plan the anchoring, then get a cut list, cut the parts, and assemble. Here is each step, and how Kamba does the hard parts for you.

1. Measure your space and set the dimensions

   Decide the width, height, and depth from the space you have and what you will store. A depth of 28–30 cm suits most shelving.

   See standard shelf dimensions

2. Choose the material and thickness for your load

   18 mm MDF is the standard for home shelving. For long spans or heavy loads (books, records, tools), use 25 mm or plywood.

   Compare MDF, plywood and pine

3. Keep each shelf within a safe span

   A shelf that is too wide sags over time. In 18 mm MDF, keep an unsupported shelf under about 70 cm for everyday loads; wider shelves need a center support or a stronger material.

   See standard shelf dimensions

4. Plan the anchoring

   Any unit 120 cm or taller, or in a child's room, must be anchored to the wall with anti-tip hardware. Plan the fixing points before you build.

   See how to anchor furniture to the wall

5. Get your cut list and shopping list

   Turn your design into an exact cut list (every part with its dimensions) and a shopping list of materials and hardware. This is what you take to the store.

6. Cut the parts (or have them cut)

   You can cut the parts yourself with the cut list, but we recommend having your boards cut to size at a DIY store: it is more precise and saves time. Either way, the cut list tells the store exactly what to cut.

7. Assemble, step by step

   Follow the assembly order: build the frame, add the shelves, fit the back panel if there is one, and fix the anti-tip hardware. Work on a clean, flat surface.

How Kamba does this for you

Kamba turns your dimensions into a validated plan in minutes. You enter the width, depth, material, and expected load; Kamba checks the span, adds a center support when needed, requires anchoring where it must, and produces the cut list, shopping list, hardware, and step-by-step assembly instructions as a PDF. Steps 2 to 5 are handled for you, so you can go straight to building.

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