This easy project makes one shelf 3″ long, 2-1/2″ high and 10″ deep.
Materials and Tools
1 3′ x 1″ x 10″ select pine
5′ of 1″ x 3″ select pine
exterior wood fill (shrinks less than interior fill)
220 grit sandpaper
1 1/2″ #8 screws (for a Robertson #2 head)
1 F bracket
1 mitre box
1 drill
1 Robertson #2 head screwdriver
primer
paint
Step 1
Get all materials from your local lumber supply store. Ask your lumber yard to cut the 1″ x 10″ want to 3′ to make sure a square cut.
Step 2
Mitre cut the end of the 1″ x 3″ select want strip at a 45 degree angle.
Step 3
Put the two pieces of select want together, making sure the inside mitre cut lines up with the end of the 1″x 10″ x 3′ board.
Step 4
Mark the 1″ x 3″ at the other end of your shelf board (this is where you will cut the opposite mitre at 45 degrees).
Step 5
Repeat for 3 sides of the 1″ x 10″ board, leaving the wall side as a straight cut. Make sure to leave an extra 1/8″ longer on the sides to overlap where the wall bracket meets the back of the shelf (makes wood trim touch the wall).
Step 6
Holding the trim in place, pre-drill with a 1/8″ counter sink bit beginning at one end.
Step 7
Repeat on sides.
Step 8
Apply a small bead of wood glue before screwing in the #8 1/2″ screws.
Step 9
Apply exterior wood fill with a putty knife and let dry for 1 hour. use a second coat over the screws if necessary.
Step 10
Sand all fill and wood to a smooth finish.
Step 11
Paint shelf with a primer (minimum one coat).
Step 12
Paint at least two coats of desired paint colour.
Step 13
Hold wall bracket on the wall at the desired location of the shelf.
Step 14
Mark the pre-drilled holes in the bracket on the wall.
Step 15
Pre-drill the holes making sure to use the right size drill to match the wall anchors.
Step 16
Insert wall anchors and attach the bracket to the wall.
Step 17
Slip the shelf into the bracket and screw it into the wall.
Note: This shelf holds a maximum of 60 lb. Make sure that the shelf fits into the bracket. A 2′, 3′ or 4′ hidden bracket can be used. Each bracket ranges from $30-$40 in price.