#1 Tip For EASY SHELVING + QUICK BUILT-INS (Save Money $$ With This Trick)

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#1 Tip For EASY SHELVING + QUICK BUILT-INS (Save Money $$ With This Trick)

Over the years, I've produced a tremendous amount of shelving and built-ins for clients. I frequently get asked, what's the best way to make easy shelving and quick, affordable built-ins. I always throw out one tip...

PRE-PRIMED PINE

It's exactly what it sounds like: pine boards that have already been surfaced, primed and sanded. They're perfect for shelving, shelves and built-ins!

Pre-primed pine can be purchased at all the usual lumberyards and big box stores. And, it's amazingly affordable. It's generally cheaper than clear pine and poplar. It's on-par with knotty pine--but it has fewer defects.

The reason pre-primed pine is cheaper is because it is made using FINGER-JOINTS--smaller boards glued together. For this reason, it's not quite as strong as solid lumber. Also, I don't think it should ever be used outside.

But, pre-primed pine is perfect for easy shelving and quick, affordable built-ins! You can save a lot of time, money and hassle using this lumber. Even better--it's already primed, so it's one step ahead in the tedious painting process!

Thanks for watching the video!

Be sure to visit us at The Honest Carpenter Website, where we help homeowners nationwide get honest answers to their most important home-related questions:

[realtorvlogs]

Ok. So. Thanks for the excellent but I'm so freaking impressed with how easily you motor through the phrase "pre-primed pine".

[kimrichmond]

Thanks for the tips. I love how you get straight to the point and don't try to entertain us, trying to be funny or sarcastic. Your voice is pleasant and your speed is perfect. I can't make it through most videos. So I really appreciate you and I have learned more from you than any other carpenter.

[taylorharrison]

As a painter, I approve of this message. Also, as a carpenter, I am impressed that you held the brush by the collar.

[RickInMaryland]

I started using this a while back when I realized it was cheaper. I didn't know they were finger-jointed, so that explains why they're cheaper. Thanks!

[jimduhaime]

Mr. James, thank you for your integrity in presenting these videos. I have seen just about all of them as I have a hunger to learn in this area. I am retired and a veteran and thank you for all that you do to make my woodworking hobby so much more enjoyable. You are one of several that I watch.

[theodorerzepski]

You are a treasure. Glad I stumbled onto your channel.

[donaldjoseph]

Great tip. And great videos. You have outstanding communication skill. Clear, concise, and practical.

[biophilialandscaping]

This channel is great. As a carpenter, I appreciate your thoroughness and you do a great job of explaining everything. Sometimes I learn things from your channel, and other times I feel reassured in the way that I build things when I see that you would do it similarly.

[kashel]

Another great video, as always. You really live up to the honest part of your name, you always give great, and honest advice to us. Thank you

[johnkelley]

I have to admit i never thought of using the pre primed boards either. Thanks for the tip.

[thomaslenox]

You are correct, I would've never thought of primed pine shelving and showing projects. Thanks for sharing.

[TheIdeasGuy]

I also like to use pre primed pine for this kind of thing. Wider boards don’t seem to be available around here so I use a combination of this and melamine sheets.
Glue doesn’t adhere well to melamine so I use screws and putty them over.
For primed pine to primed pine joints, I prefer to use construction adhesive (liquid nails) and brad nails. Tite-bond PVA glue is great stuff but I only use it for raw timber.

[walterbates]

Feeding the YouTube algorithm. Great info. Thank you.

[sirshawnpaul]

Even as a contractor I have even over looked pre-primed pine and thanks to this video it was a great refresher. Thanks so much 👍

[mollymom]

Thank you! As a newbie I’m learning so much from you. Just purchased the drill and circular saw you recommended. These boards are perfect for the shelving in my laundry room. Would have never known were it not for you. 😊

[ryanrents]

I've found that I have better luck with construction adhesive (liquid nails) than wood glue with primed material. And I agree, this stuff is nearly flawless and saves a ton of time, especially if you're working in an area where spraying paint isn't practical.

[leosmilesu]

It doesn't matter what topic you are covering, you have a way of making it worth the time.
#youarehonestlygood!👍

[markkoons]

Like your channel a lot. You never dish out a load of bunk. Plus you keep it short and sweet. Thank you.

[sdkid]

Great tips.
Working at Lowes, a lot of people would buy "pre-packaged shelving kits" then stop by Lumber for another small board;
Just a couple aisles over they could get the same thing, but, be able to cut down to exact sizes to maximize out the space they are building in.

"Pre-packaged kit" that's only 36 inches, when they have something such as 41 & 1/2 inches to work with.
The kits are convenient, but with some basic tools & watching a couple of The Honest Carpenter's videos, and you've got a project to be proud of !!
Panel saw at the store can help cut down to whatever size needed. ( Cutting real slow on melamine types of wood cuts down on splintering, and/or using tape ) ??

Thanks.

[coolermoves]

I think your a great teacher. That’s the main reason I subscribed to your channel. Keep up the good work.