Increase your storage options with the addition of wooden shelves.
Finding a specific shelf to fit your needs among pre-made shelves can be a difficult task. While the pre-made shelves come in a variety of sizes, you can build your own, tailor-made to the exact size you need. Previous shelf-build experience is not necessary; you only need familiarity with basic woodworking tools. Choose a wood that goes along with your décor and paint it or stain it to match the surroundings. You can create a shelf that not only serves your storage requirements, but also becomes an attractive addition to your room. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
1. Measure the space where you intend to build the shelves. Measure not only the length of the wallspace available, but when dealing with corner shelves, check that the walls are plumb to one another, forming a consistent angle throughout the shelving area.
2. Design the shelves, using a piece of graph paper and keeping in mind those items you intend the shelves to hold. You should build to fit the largest items likely to be stored. Note the dimensions of your shelf in the design.
3. Purchase a wood type that fits the décor of the room as well as the uses you might put the shelf to. For storage only, pressed wood may be sufficient, while you'd want to use harder decorative wood for display-quality shelving. Wood boards that are 1 inch thick are suitable for building a wall shelf.
4. Cut the wood using a jig saw to the measured dimensions drawn up in your design. For corner placement, cut the edge of the shelf meeting the corner at an angle half that of the angle of the corner, with the base of the angle on the side of the shelf against the wall angled outward to meet the opposing shelf. Cut the opposing shelf that meets the first in the corner using the same angles process so that the two installed shelves meet along the angled cut, creating a solid corner.
5. Sand the cut edges of the shelf with sandpaper to create a finished surface that's smooth to the touch. Wipe the surface with a tack cloth to clean it of sanding residue.
6. Paint the wood with a paintbrush or stain the wood using a foam applicator to achieve the color desired. Use multiple coats of paint or stain to create depth or complete coverage of the wood without pooling or creating streaks. Allow the paint or stain to dry completely between layers for the amount of time suggested by the paint or stain manufacturer.
7. Apply a layer of varnish in two coats using a sponge. Spread the first coat onto the wood and allow it to dry completely. Sand the surface of the varnish with 220-grit sandpaper to remove any imperfections.
8. Wipe the surface with a tack cloth to clean it of sanding residue and then apply the second layer of varnish. Allow the varnish to dry completely, following manufacturer instructions.
9. Mount L-brackets to the bottom of the shelf so that the rear of the bracket is flush with the rear of the shelf for attachment to the wall. Place a bracket at either end of the wood shelf, and evenly spaced between the ends about every 18 to 24 inches for longer shelves, using wood screws to secure the brackets in place.
10. Mount the shelf to the wall, securing it in place with screws appropriate for your wall type. Use a level to make sure the shelf is level during the attachment process.
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