Remember those shelves I built for my bathroom that I shared way back when?
Since I have fairly recently proclaimed the power tools in our house are MINE and have a newfound love of building things myself, I thought I’d share a quick tutorial on how I put these together for all you beginner carpenters out there.
•SHELVES – This is super easy. Have a piece of wood cut to size. The big stores will do the cuts for you for free – just ask! I had a 1″x6″x6′ piece of select pine cut into three 2′ pieces. {The shelves are on a wall next to the toilet and I didn’t want them to be too wide or we’d be wacking our heads on them when maneuvering around that area!)
•BRACKETS – I used these brackets:
•TRIM (optional) – If you would like to trim out each shelf, figure out how much you’ll need for one long and two short sides of each shelf and make sure to get more than you need to compensate for waste created when you cut angles. (see below)
•PRIMER & PAINT
My Cost*:
-6′ select pine board, cut into 3 shelves: $13
-6 brackets @ $6.92 each: $42
MY TOTAL COST FOR THREE 2′ SHELVES: $55
*I had the trim, primer, paint, wood filler and wood glue on hand already. I estimate that if you don’t have these items they would cost $34 to purchase cumulatively which would bring the project cost up to $89.
Gratification of building custom-sized shelves myself: priceless!!
I hope this tutorial helps you to build your own shelves, or inspires you to try something new and scary!
Supply List
Wood for shelves (I used 1×6 boards)
Trim (optional)
Paint
Miter Saw (this is the one we have)
OR Miter Box
Elena @ La Petite Vie says
Wow, your shelves look amazing! I am totally pinning this to have my husband take a lil looksie, would love to have some shelves like yours in our kitchen! Thanks for the wonderful tutorial! Hope you are having a great week!
Lisa - A Room with A View says
I am very impressed with your work and persistence and ability to fix imperfections. The shelves do look immaculate. I do not have the tools to cut wood so will not be attempting such a project any time soon. Perhaps some day.
Cassie @ Primitive & Proper says
it was totally worth it! you forgot to add to the equation:
pride in doing it yourselves: priceless.
🙂
pam {simple details} says
I've always loved those shelves from Ballard, great knock-off! I had forgotten how pretty your bathroom turned out!
Suzy www.savedbysuzy.blogspot.com says
These turned out great! You are a genius with the power tools 🙂
Maury Kilgo says
These look awesome Lisa! Great job!
Jennifer L. Griffin says
I'm glad that you chose to add the trim, I love that look. You are a smart one! I think the mitering is the trickiest part, I never seem to get that right the first time!
Urban Orchard Interiors says
What a great tutorial! I admit, carpentry still makes me a little nervous. I need to take your advice and just go for it. So impressed that was one of your first times!