How can I build these plant shelves cheaper without making them look terrible?
TL;DR: I’m a total novice building a large, stained plant shelf. My current materials are around $600+ after tax which feels insane. I’m fine using cheaper wood if it’s still structurally sound and looks decent. Where can I cut costs without making it look like garage shelving?
The main shelving section is about 91" wide × 90" tall, with 5 shelves plus a top shelf. The top continues over a 53" doorway and another 36" section.
Current Home Depot cart:
- 7 × 1×12×8 whitewood boards: $200.34
- 8 × 2×2×8 select whitewood posts: $130.08
- 3 × 1×2×8 select whitewood supports: $23.94
- 1 × 1×3×6 whitewood cleat: $5.37
- 2 qt wood conditioner: $41.49
- 1 qt Early American stain: $13.98
- 1 gal oil-based satin polyurethane: $49.98
- 200 × 2½" GRK screws: $31.96
- 100 × 1¼" GRK screws: $10.98
- Mineral spirits: $9.48
- 120/180/220 sanding discs: $36.91
- 4 foam brushes: $5.48
I’m completely fine using lower-quality lumber if I can pick straight boards, sand them, stain them, and still end up with something decent-looking.
The $130 for eight 2×2s especially seems crazy to me. Could I substitute framing lumber or cheaper common boards there? Same question for the 1×2 supports.
I’d prefer to keep solid wood for the actual shelves if possible because I’m worried plywood would make the finished project look significantly cheaper.
What would you change to bring the cost down?
Thanks in advance so much for everyone's help! This is my first ever project and is super overwhelming lol.