DIY Beer Bottle Shelf

Use a spirit level to evenly install the shelf on the wall.

Beer bottles from various manufacturers and countries come in different shapes, colors and are made from glass and other materials. Consequently, they can be displayed on shelves in game rooms or other areas of the house. As the base of beer bottles are generally no more than three inches in diameter, a 1-by-4 inch section of lumber is wide enough to accommodate the bottles. Prior to installation, the shelf can be painted or stained to tie in with the colors of the bottles on display.

Things You'll Need

• Tape measure
• Pencil
• 1-by-4 inch lumber
• Handsaw
• Medium sandpaper
• Fine sandpaper
• Paint or stain
• Spirit level
• Stud finder
• 2 wall brackets
• 1 5/8 inch wood screws
• Screw gun
• 1/2 inch wood screws

Instructions

1. Measure and mark a section of 1-by-4-inch lumber to the desired length, using a tape measure and pencil. This length is usually determined by the number of bottles that will be displayed. Make a straight perpendicular cut through the lumber at the mark using a handsaw, circular saw or miter saw.

2. Remove all splinters from the saw cut, using medium sandpaper, ensuring that the sanding is done with the direction of the grain. If necessary, Sand all sides and ends of the lumber to make sure it is smooth, using fine sandpaper.

3. Paint or stain the lumber to the desired color. If painting use a primer first, and if staining consider one or more coats of polyurethane on top of the stain for added protection.

4. Place a spirit level evenly against the wall in the place where the shelf will be installed. Run a pencil against the edge of the level to create a straight level line on the wall. Run a stud finder across the wall, marking the center of the wall studs on the line that will be closest to the ends of the shelf.

5. Position a bracket against the wall at one of the marks, so that the top of the bracket is flush-with the line on the wall. Insert 1-5/8-inch wood screw through the holes in the bracket and into the wall and studs, using a screw gun. Install the second bracket at the remaining mark on the wall following the same process.

6. Rest the shelf on the brackets. Install 1/2-inch wood screws through the bracket holes into the bottom of the shelf. Place the beer bottles on the shelf as desired.

Tips & Warnings

• Pine is a popular choice of wood for shelving, as it is a cheaper wood though strong. Oak is a darker wood though more expensive, but good if the natural grain is to be on show.

References

• Home Shelving Guide: Build Your Own Shelves
• The Wall Shelf Blog: Making Wood Wall Shelves
• "Home Improvement 1-2-3"; Christopher Cavanaugh; 1995
• Zimbio: Wall Shelving Display Ideas

Resources

• Lee's Wood Projects.com: How to Build a Wood Wall Shelf - Lee's Wood Projects