DIY Wood Shelves

Planning

Decide the dimensions of the shelf and determine its primary use. Keep in mind that the shelf will need to be anchored to studs, so shelf measurements should coincide with stud measurements. Purchase the wood along with stain or the preferred wood treatment. Purchase any decorative wood trim that is necessary. For instance, a shelf that will be used for hanging coats or hats will need some shaker pegs.

Find the studs and mark their location on the walls where the shelf will be attached. Cut the top of the shelf to the size needed; make sure the ends are square. Use a tape measure to measure the points where the screws will go through on the top to attach a support rail and supports for the side. Mark them. Use heavy grid paper and place dots on the grid in the pattern of the side supports (it should form an arc). Use a combination square to draw a line that is at a 45-degree angle in relation to the direction the grain runs on the wood.
Cut out the pattern and align it with this line, and trace the pattern onto the board. Cut the side supports; use a jigsaw to cut the curved edges. Sand the edges until they are smooth. Cut the support rail for the rear of the shelf to the needed size. Finish the wood by sanding all of the rough edges.

Place the rear support rail between the side supports. Use wood glue to fasten them together, and use clamps to hold them in place while they dry. On the outside of the support rails, drill two holes. Use flathead screws in the holes. Use glue to coat the holes and finish the holes with hole plugs. Attach the top of the shelf to the side supports with screws.

Use a level to draw a line between the studs that were previously marked. The bottom of the back support rail will align with this marking. Drill holes into the studs and drill holes into the back support rail. Line up the holes in the support rail with the holes in the wall. Drill screws through the holes and cover the holes with hole plugs.