How to Make a Four-by-Four Wood Shelf for a Closet

Installing even a small shelf in a closet expands storage for the area. For a shallow closet, the thought of adding a shelf may not occur to you, as the lack of depth might suggest that there is no additional room for shelving. Even a narrow shelf can be a positive addition to a closet. A four-by-four shelve can hold personal toiletries, gloves, hats and scarves for winter, or even small precious items such as figurines that need safekeeping.

Measuring tape
Pencil
Straightedge
3/4-inch-thick wood
Skil saw
220-grit sandpaper
Varnish or paint
Clear coat
Paint brush
Drill
L-brackets

Instructions

- 1
  Measure the dimensions of the shelf on a piece of 3/4-inch-thick wood. Start at the edge and measure down 4 feet, then measure across 4 inches. Connect the dots with a straightedge to form the long rectangular shape. Cut the board along the lines, using a Skil saw.
- 2
  Smooth the board with 220-grit sandpaper. Smooth the edges and the top by hand to avoid removing too much of the wood.
- 3
  Paint or varnish the board. Apply with a paint brush using long, smooth strokes. Match the color or finish to the surrounding closet. Allow to dry for 24 hours.
- 4
  Install L-brackets on the closet wall. Measure from the floor to the desired spot on all three sides of the closet. Make two marks on each wall and connect with a straightedge to form a line. Use a drill to place the L-brackets on the wall along the line. Use one bracket on each of the ends and four evenly spaced brackets along the back. Use the screws that come with the L-brackets for best results.
- 5
  Place the 4-inch by 4-foot board on top of the L-brackets. Use a drill to insert screws upward into the shelf to secure it in place.

Stair Building 101

Repairing High Density MDF Cabinet Doors With Bondo

Carpentry