How to Build a Wood Wall Shelf With Braces

Braces on a wood shelf not only provide additional support, they can also be a decorative accent to the finished piece. While the size of the shelf and the detail of what the braces look like vary according to the tastes and needs of the woodworker, it is notable that the entire shelf can be constructed from one piece of wood.

1x6 lumber
saw
jigsaw
drill
1/32 inch drill bit
drywall screws
screwdriver
sandpaper
safety glasses

Instructions

- 1
  Cut out the shelf itself, the part of the unit on which items will be displayed or stored, with a saw, to the width desired. Wear safety glasses whenever using power tools.
- 2
  Cut the back piece, the part that will mount against the wall, about 6 inches shorter than the length of the shelf. The shelf will overhang the back and brackets, giving the unit a nicer look.
- 3
  Rough cut two brackets each about 8 inches long. Use the saw to cut these blanks.
- 4
  Use the jigsaw to run a curve the length of each bracket. The finished bracket should be about an inch wide at the bottom and about 4 inches wide at the top. The curve will add appeal to the overall appearance.
- 5
  Mount the two brackets to either end of the back piece with the top of each bracket flush to the top edge of the back piece. Pre-drill holes in the brackets with a drill and a 1/32 inch drill bit. Use a couple of drywall screws in each bracket.
- 6
  Center the shelf piece over the top edge of the bracket/back piece assembly. It's easiest to do this with the back piece lying flat on a work surface.
- 7
  Pre-drill holes for drywall screws that will go through the shelf piece and into the top edge of each bracket and into the top edge of the back piece.
- 8
  Mount the shelf with drywall screws to complete the assembly.
- 9
  Run sandpaper across the surfaces of the wood and along the edges to pull off any splinters and to get rid of tool marks.

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