BROWSE HOW TOs

How to Build a Fixed Shelf Unit

By eHow Home & Garden Editor

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A fixed shelf unit can provide a stylish way to display your belongings. However, simple as it may look, building a shelf unit from scratch can turn into an intricate process. The steps below can help you avoid the common problems of uneven top and bottom pieces and crooked cuts when you build your shelf.

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Instructions

Difficulty: Challenging

Things You’ll Need:

Power saw
Tape measure
Drill
Glue

Step1

Prepare the outside shelf parts. Use the power saw to cut a 45-degreed miter into each end. First perform a test cut on a scrap of wood and then measure it to ensure the correct angle.

Step2

Make the grooves so that they can hold the end of each board in place. Place the outside shelf parts next to each other. Score both slightly to set the point for the grooves. Prepare the saw's blade to create an incision that penetrates a little less than half the depth of the board.

Step3

Use the drill to create holes and place nails in the corners to affix the boards together temporarily. Establish the length of the shelves by measuring from one groove to the next. Create the shelves according to the exact length.

Step4

Unfasten the boards and glue one side of each. Insert nails to join the bottom and top pieces to each side piece. Lay the side piece down flat. Carefully fit each shelf into the corresponding groove.

Step5

Use the power saw to make a thin plank, about ¼ inch thick. Measure the width and length of the plank to exactly fit the outside frame of the shelves assembled up to this point. Finish the shelf by fastening the plank to the frame with nails placed around the entire outside approximately 4 inches apart.