When you have only the slimmest of wall space available make the most of it by going vertical. Capitalize on bare spots by hanging this skinny storage unit that stretches to the top of the room.

Materials:

• 1 piece of 3/4x3-1/2x60 inch clear poplar or other hardwood
• 8 pieces of 3/4x5-1/2x6 inch clear poplar or other hardwood
• Wood glue
• No. 6 1-5/8-inch screws
• 1 pint wood stain (optional)
• 1 quart clear wood finish or paint
• No. 8 2-1/2-inch drywall screws

Tools:

• Tape rule
• Power miter saw
• Speed square or combination square
• C clamps (3-inch or larger)
• Drill and 3/16-inch drill bit with countersink
• Sanding block with 150-grit sandpaper
• Screwdrivers (No. 2 Phillips)
• Paintbrushes
• Stud finder
• Builder’s level

How to make a ladder-style bathroom shelf:
1. Measure and mark an eight-shelf layout on the front of the 60-inch board (each shelf should be 6 inches apart). Allow 3/4 inch for shelf thickness, and use a square and a pencil to mark two lines (top and bottom) to indicate where each shelf will mount. Glue and fasten the shelves with butt joints.

2. Drill a pair of 3/16-inch holes in the standard where each shelf will mount. Space the holes about 2 inches apart, and countersink them on the back face of the standard. Drill and countersink four additional screw holes (on the front face) for hanging the standard. Sand all edges.

3. To assemble the unit, spread glue inside the first shelf space, fit a shelf in place, and center it so its ends extend 1 inch beyond the edges of the standard. Drive two 1-5/8-inch drywall screws from the back side of the standard into the shelf edge. Repeat for the other shelves. Wipe any seeping glue; let glue dry.

4. If desired, apply stain to the shelf according to manufacturer’s instructions. Let stain dry; apply a clear finish.

5. To mount the shelf on the wall, use a stud finder to locate the center of a wall stud. Make a pencil mark 1-3/4 inches to one side. Hold the unit against the wall at the desired height, and align the edge of the standard with the pencil mark on the wall. Drive a 2-1/2-inch drywall screw through the front of the standard and into the wall stud. Use a level to adjust the unit, then drive the other three screws to secure the unit to the wall.

Stroll our bathroom gallery.