Reach-In Closet Shelving Cut List: Two Equal Bays
Plan two equal shelving bays inside a reach-in closet. This 60-inch-wide example shows how a shared center upright changes the clear opening, why loose shelves need clearance, and which site measurements belong outside the parts list. Download the fifteen finished rectangles or open the same dimensions in the calculator.
60 × 80 × 14 in shelving unit
What this example includes
All dimensions are finished sizes in inches. Keep the part dimensions separate from blade loss and stock-edge trimming.
- Unit size
- 60 in wide, 80 in high and 14 in deep. This is the shelving unit size, not the wall-to-wall opening.
- Material
- Panels measured at 0.75 in thick; one shared center upright, two outer uprights and two equal bays.
- Shelves
- One fixed top and bottom per bay, plus four loose shelves per bay. Shelf positions and pin holes are not specified.
- Not included
- Scribe fillers, plinth, back, face trim, rods, wall fixing, joinery and edge banding allowances.
Measure the closet before choosing the unit width
Measure the available width at several heights, the height at both sides, and the usable depth behind the doors. Record baseboards, outlets, access panels and other obstructions. A 60-inch opening does not automatically accept a 60-inch finished unit: decide the fitting and scribe allowances first, then enter the resulting unit width.
The two-bay model uses three full-height uprights. Both bays share the middle one. Entering two independent boxes instead would use four sides and produce a different opening width.
Subtract three thicknesses before dividing the width
The fixed decks sit between the uprights. With three panels that actually measure 3/4 inch, the 60-inch unit leaves 57 3/4 inches for the two openings. Each fixed top and bottom is therefore 28 7/8 inches across.
Each loose shelf is 1/8 inch narrower across the opening and 1/4 inch shallower than the fixed deck. Those are the sample's total clearances, not deductions at both ends. Check the shelf supports and any edge treatment before retaining them.
clear bay = [60 − (3 × 0.75)] ÷ 2 = 28.875 inloose shelf span = 28.875 − 0.125 = 28.75 inloose shelf depth = 14 − 0.25 = 13.75 inpieces = 3 uprights + 4 fixed decks + (2 × 4) shelves = 15Change the part list when the construction changes
The fixed-deck dimensions assume ends that meet the faces of the uprights. Dados would add their engagement to the deck lengths. A back in a groove, applied edge banding, or a raised base can also change finished dimensions; resolve those details before using the list in the shop.
The calculator distributes width equally. For unequal hanging and shelving bays, use the general optimizer with separately calculated rectangles. It does not choose shelf spacing, assess deflection, or design the fixing system.
Every finished part, counted once
The CSV contains the same dimensions, quantities and material groups shown here. Locked rows retain the entered length along the sheet length; check the actual face grain before cutting.
Swipe horizontally to see all fields →
| Key | Part | Width | Length | Qty | Rotation | Material / note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Full-height upright | 14 in | 80 in | 3 | Axes locked | 0.75 in plywood / melamineOne more upright than bay count. |
| 2 | Top / bottom deck | 14 in | 28 7/8 in | 4 | Allowed | 0.75 in plywood / melamineTwo captured fixed parts per bay. |
| 3 | Adjustable shelf | 13 3/4 in | 28 3/4 in | 8 | Allowed | 0.75 in plywood / melamineReduced for front and side clearance. |
See how the rectangles fit
48 × 96 in stock; 1/8 in kerf; 1/4 in trim on every edge. Usable stock is 47 1/2 × 95 1/2 in. The layouts are best-found estimates, not a cutting sequence or proof of the fewest possible sheets.
The upright length stays along the sheet's 96-inch axis. Decks and loose shelves may rotate in this sample; lock them too if the visible grain or surface pattern needs one direction. All listed panels share one material group.
0.75 in plywood / melamine
3 sheet layouts · 58.9% finished-part area / full stock area
- 1Full-height upright × 3
- 2Top / bottom deck × 4
- 3Adjustable shelf × 3
- 3Adjustable shelf × 5
Stock price is not estimated here. The prefilled calculator starts its price at 0; enter your supplier’s price to estimate cost. The CSV contains finished parts; set kerf and trim separately when importing it.
Adjust dimensions and regenerate the list →Turn the example into your project
- Confirm the unit width after allowing for wall variation and fitting.
- Measure actual panel thickness and rerun the opening calculation.
- Choose shelf supports, joint details, edge treatment and the wall fixing system.
- Check shelf span and intended load separately from the cutting layout.
References for the decisions behind the dimensions
The arithmetic and layouts above are SawNest examples. These references help you check site measurements, stock and joinery; they are not reports of a SawNest build test.
- EasyClosets: measuring your spaceMeasure at several heights and account for the smallest available wall dimension.
- EasyClosets: recording obstructionsRecord the position and size of obstacles before sizing the shelving unit.
- Columbia Forest Products: panel thicknessPanel thickness can vary; the arithmetic here uses measured stock.
Start with a worked project
See the dimensions, material groups and stock allowances before changing the example. Each page includes a free CSV and an editable calculator preset.
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