Building cool custom picture shelves is a fun and rewarding DIY woodworking project that can add a touch of style to any room in your home. With just a few basic woodworking tools and supplies, you can create beautiful and functional shelves that will showcase your favorite photos and artwork. In this article, we will walk you through the steps of building custom picture shelves that are both attractive and practical.
Materials You Will Need:
- 1×4 pine boards (or another type of wood of your choice)
- Wood glue
- Brad nails
- Sandpaper
- Stain or paint of your choice
- Picture hangers
- Saw
- Drill
- Measuring tape
- Level
- Paintbrush
Step 1: Measure and Cut the Boards
The first step in building custom picture shelves is to measure and cut the boards to the desired length. You can use a saw to cut the 1×4 boards to the desired length. You will need two boards of the same length for each shelf.
Step 2: Sand the Boards
After you have cut the boards to the desired length, you will need to sand them to remove any rough edges or splinters. Sand the boards using a fine-grit sandpaper until they are smooth to the touch.
Step 3: Assemble the Shelves
To assemble the shelves, apply a bead of wood glue to the edge of one of the boards and then press it against the edge of the other board. Make sure the edges are flush and then use brad nails to secure the two boards together. Repeat this process to create all of the shelves.
Step 4: Stain or Paint the Shelves
Once the shelves have been assembled and the glue has dried, you can stain or paint the shelves to the desired color. Use a paintbrush to apply the stain or paint evenly to the shelves, and make sure to let them dry completely before moving on to the next step.
Step 5: Install the Picture Hangers
To install the picture hangers, measure and mark the desired location for each hanger on the back of the shelves. Use a drill to make a small hole at each marked location, and then screw in the picture hangers.
Step 6: Hang the Shelves
The final step is to hang the shelves on the wall. Use a level to make sure that the shelves are straight, and then use picture hangers to secure the shelves to the wall.
Tips for Building Custom Picture Shelves:
- Choose a wood type and stain or paint color that will complement the decor of the room.
- Make sure to measure the width of the picture frames that you want to display to ensure that the shelves are wide enough.
- If you want to create a floating shelf look, use a router to create a groove in the bottom of the shelf board to fit a metal shelf bracket.
In conclusion, building custom picture shelves is an easy and fun DIY woodworking project that can add a touch of style to any room in your home. By following these steps and tips, you can create beautiful and functional shelves that will showcase your favorite photos and artwork. So, get your tools and supplies ready and start building your own custom picture shelves today!