Tools and Materials
Tools
Materials
See Project Diagram for Lumber Required
6-Inch Angle Braces
- 2-Inch Flathead Wood Screws
- 5/8-Inch Flathead Wood Screws
- 4d Finish Nails (Optional)
- 18-Gauge x 1-1/2-Inch Brad Nails (Optional)
- Hollow Wall Anchors (Optional)
- Wood Glue
- Wood Filler
- Spray Primer
Valspar Paint, Bistro White, #7006-4
Items may be Special Order in some stores. Product costs, availability and item numbers may vary online or by market. Paint colors may vary slightly from those shown. Availability varies by market for lumber species and sizes.
DIY Shelf Instructions
Now that you have all the tools and materials, follow the instructions below to build your own wall-mount shelf.
You can use this shelf a variety of ways around your home. Hang it in your entryway with a mirror, turn it into a floating TV stand in a guest room or use it in a reading nook to hold books and decorative items. The shelf is designed to support heavier items such as a television when secured to wall studs. If you use hollow-wall anchors, verify the rating of the hangers and the weight of the item(s) you want to store to ensure they’re compatible and can withstand the load.
When purchasing angle braces, buy screws at the same time to verify the heads of the screws will be larger than the mounting holes in the braces.
Make the Shelf
Step 1: Cut the Boards to Size
From each 1 x 10 pine board, cut a top and a bottom (A) and two ends/dividers (B) (Project Diagram, Cutting List, and Cutting Diagram). Sand the boards prior to assembly with 120-grit sandpaper.
Step 2: Mark the Boards
Mark the locations of where the ends and dividers will be placed on the top and bottom boards. Using a hammer or a brad nailer and glue, drive nails through the top and bottom into the ends and dividers (Project Diagram). Use a square to make sure the assembly is square.
Step 3: Fill in Nail Holes
Fill in the nail holes using wood filler and allow them to dry. Lightly sand surfaces smooth, including any sharp wood edges to make the shelf smooth to the touch.
Step 4: Prime and Paint the Shelf
Prime and paint the shelf per the manufacturer’s instructions. Lightly sanding between coats with a fine-grit sanding sponge will improve the feel of the painted finish when you’re done.
Step 5: Paint the Support Brackets (Optional)
Wipe the metal brackets with mineral spirits and apply a spray primer. When the primer is dry, paint the brackets the same color as the shelf or the wall where the shelf will be attached.
Hang the Shelf
Step 1: Set Up a Guide With Painters Tape
Cut a 48-inch piece of painters tape. Using a level, apply it to the wall where you want the top of the shelf to hit. Then use a stud finder to locate wall studs and mark their positions on the tape.
Step 2: Secure Angle Braces
Using the guide you created with the painters tape, secure the angle braces to the wall using 2-inch flathead wood screws. The braces should be 1/4-inch from the inside faces of each end of the shelf, with the tops of the braces even with the bottom edge of the painters tape.
If possible, screw one of the braces into a wall stud using 2-inch screws. Then fasten the other side using wall anchors rated by the manufacturer to support the weight of the shelf and its contents.
Step 3: Attach the Shelf to the Braces
Rest the shelf on the braces and adjust the location of the shelf to its final position. Drive 5/8-inch flathead wood screws into the shelf to attach it to the braces.
Get Started on Your Project
With a few pieces of wood, some paint and a little know-how, you can easily create this simple storage solution in a weekend’s time. Whether you’re using it as a more functional piece to hold a TV and any necessary media components or as a place to show off some of your favorite decorations, books and plants, you can find everything you need for this project at Lowe’s. Shop Lowes.com or stop by your local Lowe’s store where a Red Vest associate can help you find the tools and materials to get the job done right.