Closets are an excellent place to cut your teeth as a do-it-yourself builder. Many closet projects -- such as a laminate shelf -- are simple, yet a step above a standard book case. What's more, the closet is a private area, out of the public eye. This means that any cosmetic mistakes are between you and your clothing. Set aside 30 to 60 minutes to build each shelf. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
Making the Shelf
1. Measure the width of your closet.
2. Cut the wooden strip and the plank to match the width of your closet. Use a power saw to make these cuts.
3. Cut all three laminate strips to match the width of your closet. Use your craft knife to make these cuts.
4. Spread laminate glue on one 12-inch face of your plank. Position a matching piece of laminate on top of it. Press down at the middle and sweep outward with your hands to assure an even mount. Repeat to attach laminate on the opposite 12-inch face and the long 1-inch edge that will be the front edge of the shelf.
5. Wait for the glue to dry. You can continue with most steps in Section 2 while this happens.
Install Shelving
6. Use your stud finder to locate the studs in the back wall of the closet and the first two studs on the side walls. Mark their location with a pencil.
7. Set your level against the back wall at the height you want to mount the shelf. Adjust until it's level, then run the pencil along the top edge of your level to mark the wall.
8. Set the long wooden strip against the back wall, its top edge running along the pencil line you just drew. Nail it in place with one nail at each point the strip intersects a stud.
9. Set the two 16-inch strips at opposite ends of the long strip, running along the side walls. Nail them to the two wall studs they intersect.
10. Place your laminated shelf on top of the strips. Orient it so the laminated 1-inch edge faces forward.
Tags: back wall, width your, width your closet, your closet, 12-inch face, 1-inch edge, against back