Add extra shelves to a wardrobe

Fit extra battens and a cut-to-size board inside a wardrobe to add one or more sturdy new shelves.

WS-01Empty the wardrobe and clear your workspaceTake everything out of the wardrobe, including the rail if it's in your way. Lay down a dust sheet or old towel underneath to catch sawdust and screws. Have a torch handy if the wardrobe is dark inside.

1 each · Dust sheet or old towel

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WS-02Decide where the new shelf goesMeasure the height and width inside the wardrobe. Decide how much space you want above and below the new shelf, then mark the height on one side with a pencil. Measure from the floor of the wardrobe, not from the top, so your measurement stays consistent side to side.

1 each · Tape measure

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1 each · Pencil

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WS-03Mark a level line for the shelf supportsUsing a spirit level, draw a level pencil line across both side panels at your chosen height, and across the back panel too if the wardrobe has one. Even a few millimetres out will make the shelf look crooked, so take your time here.

1 each · Spirit level (small)

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WS-04Cut the support battens to lengthCut three lengths of 18x18mm pine batten: two for the sides (matching the depth of the wardrobe minus about 20mm) and one for the back if fitted. Cut squarely so the shelf sits flat, and wear safety glasses while sawing.

1 each · PAR pine batten 18x18mm, 2.4m length

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1 each · Hand saw or panel saw

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1 each · Safety glasses

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WS-05Fix the battens along your level lineHold each batten under the pencil line and drill two pilot holes through it into the wardrobe side panel, about 30mm from each end. Drive a 25mm wood screw through each pilot hole into the panel. The battens should feel solid with no wobble once fixed — they're what actually carries the shelf's weight.

1 box · Wood screws 25mm (box of 100)

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1 each · Cordless drill/driver with pilot bit

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WS-06Measure and cut the new shelf boardMeasure the width and depth of the space above the battens, taking off 2-3mm each side so the shelf slides in easily. Many DIY stores will cut a board to this size for you if you give them the measurements, which is the easiest option for a beginner.

1 each · MDF or melamine-faced shelf board, 15mm, cut to size

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WS-07Sand the cut edges smoothRun 120-grit sandpaper along any cut edges of the shelf board to remove rough splinters. This matters most if you cut the board yourself, since shop-cut edges are usually already smooth.

1 pack · Sandpaper, 120 grit (pack)

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WS-08Fit the shelf onto the battensLower the shelf board onto the battens and check it sits flat with a spirit level. If it rocks slightly, a thin card shim under one corner will fix it. The board should rest on all three battens with no gaps.

WS-09Secure the shelf if it will take heavy or shifting weightFor a shelf holding folded clothes or light boxes, weight alone usually keeps it in place. If you'll be sliding heavy items in and out, add a dab of wood glue on each batten before you fit the shelf, or drive one short screw up through each batten into the underside of the board.

1 each · Wood glue (small bottle)

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WS-10Repeat for any further shelves, then tidy upGo back to step WS-02 for each additional shelf, working from the bottom up so you're not reaching over a finished shelf. Once done, vacuum out all sawdust and screws, wipe down the shelves, and put your clothes and boxes back in.

1 each · Vacuum cleaner

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