- 1). Measure the desired height of the new shelf and mark this dimension minus 3/4-inch with a pencil at the corner of the wall.
- 2). Extend the height dimension pencil line marked in Step 1 across the length of the wall, using a builders level to establish a level line for the rear shelf support.
- 3). Mark a horizontal line on the end walls level with the rear support line marked in Step 2 to approximately 12-inches from each end. These are the layout lines for the shelf’s end support boards.
- 4). Locate the wall studs along the length of the lines marked in Steps 2 and 3 using a stud finder. Making a pencil mark at the center of each stud just above the rear shelf support layout line. Note: Another method of locating the wall studs, if you do not have a stud finder, is to gently tap the drywall with a hammer along the horizontal line until you hear a more solid, less hollow sound, then drive a small nail through the drywall at roughly a 1/2-inch apart until you locate the stud. Once a wall stud center is established, simply mark 16-inch horizontal increments in both directions to locate the wall studs.
- 5). Cut a length of 1-by-2 foot pine to the horizontal dimension of the rear support line established in Step 2 using a circular saw, then place the cut piece against the wall with the top edge aligned on the pencil line and secure it to the wall an 8d finish nail at each stud. Add an additional nail at each end into the corners.
- 6). Mark a horizontal line at both end walls, level with the top edge of the rear shelf support, and extend the line out from the corner approximately 12-inches. These will be the end support layout lines.
- 7). Locate the wall studs at each end and mark the centers. Ideally there will be a wall stud located between 8 and 10-inches from the corner. If a wall stud is not found within this range, locate the nearest wall stud beyond the shelf width and extend the horizontal layout line to that point. The end supports should be secured to a wall stud for best support, even if the supports extends beyond the width of the shelving board.
- 8). Measure two pieces of 1-by-2 pine to the end support length established in Step 7, making both support piece the same length, then secure them to the wall with an 8d finish nail at each stud and aligning the top edges with the layout lines. Add an additional nail at the inside corner.
- 9). Measure the full length of the rear shelf support installed in Step 5 and mark that dimension minus 1/8-inch on the 1-by-12 pine shelf board. Use a square to extend the line across the face of the shelf, then cut the board to length using a circular saw.
- 10
Lay the shelf board cut in Step 9 on top of the shelf supports, pressed tight against the rear wall, then secure the shelf to the supports with 6d finish nails spaced approximately 8-inches apart as needed. The shelf can be painted, if desired, and is ready for use.
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