How to Enclose a Shelf

Enclose a shelf using basic hardware supplies.

Shelves can be both decorative and useful, but standard, flat shelving may make the rest of the wall appear uninteresting or plain. Instead of buying other wall accessories, spruce-up the standard shelving by transforming it into enclosed shelving. Enclosed shelves offer you many different display options, and there are multiple surfaces that can be decorated or embellished. You can turn a standard shelf into an enclosed shelf using materials and tools found at any hardware or home improvement store.

Things You'll Need

• Measuring tape
• Circular saw
• Medium-grit sandpaper
• Paint
• Paintbrush
• Hammer
• Nails, 1/2-inch

Instructions

1. Take the shelf off of the wall, and measure its length and width using a measuring tape. This will be the bottom of the enclosed shelf.

2. Cut a 1/2-inch thick wood board to the same measurements using a circular saw.

3. Cut two more 1/2-inch thick wood boards using a circular saw to the same width and half of the length as the shelf.

4. Sand the wood boards using medium-grit sandpaper to remove splintering and to make the wood smooth.

5. Paint the three boards to match the color of the shelf, then allow the boards to dry for four to six hours.

6. Position one of the smaller boards on top of one of the short sides of the shelf, lining up the edges. Secure the board in place using a hammer and 1/2-inch nails.

7. Position the other smaller board on top of the opposite side of the shelf, lining up the edges. Secure the board in place using a hammer and 1/2-inch nails. These two smaller boards will be the sides of the enclosed shelf.

8. Place the long board on top of the upright boards, lining up the edges. Secure the long board in place using a hammer and 1/2-inch nails. This will be the top of the enclosed shelf.

9. Hang the newly enclosed shelf back onto the wall.

Tips & Warnings

• Lay down a drop cloth while painting to prevent any accidental spills.

• Keep circular saws out of the reach of children.

References

• Fresh Home Ideas: How to Build Box Shelves