How to Build a Tiered Shelf

Measure and mark a 3/4-by-3-1/2-inch notch in the center of one long edge of each of the 1-by-6-inch boards using a tape measure and pencil. These are the shelf boards.

Adjust the saw blade on the table saw to make a 3/4-inch deep cut. Guide each of the 1-by-6-inch boards through the saw to cut the notch out of each long edge. The notch will allow the shelves to lock into the back board of the tiered shelf assembly.

Sand the notches with a fine-grit sanding pad in the direction of the wood grain until they are smooth.

Place the 1-by-4-by-28-inch board on a work surface so that it is vertically oriented and resting on the 4-by-28-inch side. This is the back board. Align the 1-by-6-by-18-inch board in the center of the 28-inch length of the back board. Align the notched edge over the back board so that it fits in place. Position the 1-by-6-by-12-inch board 6 inches down from the top end of the back board in the same manner. Place the 1-by-6-by-24-inch board 6 inches up from the bottom end of the back board.

Hold the shelves in position over the back board and turn the assembly over so that the back of the back board is facing up. Drive three evenly spaced screws through the back board into the notched edge of the shelves at each joint with a screw gun.

Turn the assembly over. Drill a hole through the center of the back board 2 inches from the top and bottom ends with a drill equipped with a 1/8-inch drill bit. These are the mounting holes so that you can screw the shelf to a wall.

Apply a wood finish to the tiered shelf assembly with a paintbrush. Allow the finish to dry for four hours and apply a second coat. Wait 24 hours after the second coat to install the shelf on a wall.