Constructing Interior Wall Shelves

Wall shelves can play both utilitarian and decorative roles when used as support devices in either a living or working space. The most common choice for shelving is the standard and bracket type where a slab of either wood, glass or other material is fastened to a wall. This slab is used to support a variety of items for storage and display purposes. With a little bit of knowledge, time, the right tools and directions, anyone can build and install wall shelves.

Step 1 – How Thick?

The standard choice thickness for most shelves is one inch. Both lengths and widths can vary greatly depending on where and how the shelf is placed in a room.

Step 2 – Take Measurements

Choose wood planking by width so cutting is limited to the length. After selecting the area where the shelf will be placed, measure for length and then use a saw to cut the wood board to that number.

Step 3 – Create a Decorative Look

If a more decorative look is desired, create a template on a piece of cardboard using a selected design that could be almost any type including zig-zags, vee shapes, scalloping and other different cuts. After cutting the template, place it on top of the wood to trace the pattern

Step 4 – Make the Cut

Cut the design using a jigsaw to follow the traced pattern. After cutting, use sandpaper to smooth the edges. The entire shelf can be sanded at this point to prepare it for painting or staining.

Step 5 – Color

Choose a color of paint or stain. The shelf might require more than one coat so allow each application to dry before applying the next.

Step 6 – Varnish

After painting or varnishing, apply a protective varnish finish. If a glossier finish is desired, use additional applications, but allow each coating to dry. Use a grade of fine sandpaper after each application making sure to wipe the shelf clean before applying an additional coat.

Step 7 – Attach to the Wall

Attach L-shaped brackets at each end of the shelf and one at approximately every 12 to 18 inches for the best support. Attach the shelf to the wall using anchor screws or nails. Make sure to use a level to gain the proper alignment.

Some different choices for shelving material can substitute for wood, however, wood is a material that is easier to work with when trying to create a design. Although fiberglass, glass, plastic and other materials can be used, for the do-it-yourself enthusiast, wood is a medium that makes creating decorative shelving a rewarding task.