- 1). Cut the plywood into two pieces of 10 by 50 inches for the top and bottom panels of the shelf. Cut two pieces measuring 3¾ by 10 inches for the side panels and 3¾ by 50 inches for the front panel. Cut the 2-by-3 lumber into a 49½-inch length for the cleat, or support. This shelf is a floating shelf, which appears to be floating on the wall once attached over the cleat.
- 2). Lay one of the 10-by-50-inch panels flat on the work table. Press the two side panels against the 10-inch sides of the flat panel and secure in place with 1 3/4-inch nails through the outside of the side panels into the abutting flat panel. The side panels should be at right angles to the flat panel.
- 3). Lay the second 10-by-50-inch panel flat on the work table. Invert the panels you just nailed together and fit them over the top of this one. The open ends of the two side panels should be pressed against the 10-inch side of the new flat panel, with the other nailed-on panel 2 1/4 inches above, leaving a hollow inside. Nail the flat panel to the sides as you did the first one.
- 4). Position the front panel over one end of the nailed panels so that only one end is open. Nail the front panel in place to finish the shelf piece construction. Fill all the nail holes with putty then let dry. Sand and paint the shelf and let dry.
- 5). Find three wall studs where you want to hang the shelf. There will be 16-inches between studs. Mark a level line for the shelf position between the wall studs. Take the cleat and press it to the wall, 2-inch side against the wall, so the cleat juts out 3 inches.
- 6). Drive two drywall screws through the cleat at each stud position. Slot the shelf onto the cleat through the open back. Once pressed against the wall the cleat will be invisible and the shelf will take on the "floating" look. Screw the shelf in place with wood screws through the top of the shelf into the cleat. Apply wood putty to the screw holes and paint. Your handmade wood shelf is finished.
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