How to Make Wood Shelf Brackets

Shelf brackets made of wood can dress up the appearance of a shelving system. With a little practice and design, you can be quite original in your own products. Here's a simple set of wood shelf brackets you can start with.

Things You'll Need

• 2 by 6 inch lumber Jig saw Sandpaper Paint or stain Drill or drill press Wood screws 3/16 inch washers

Instructions

1. 

   Sketch your bracket design on a piece of paper, cut it out, and then trace the design on your 2 by 6 board. In the illustration, we've gone with a simple design.

2. Cut the brackets out of the board with your jig saw.

3. 

   Clamp the brackets into a vise, outside edge up, and drill two holes into each, 2 inches apart with a 1/4-inch drill bit. The holes should stop 1/4 inch away from the back edge.

4. 

   Complete the holes using a 1/16 inch drill bit. Insert the wood screws with washers into the hole, and screw down until they penetrate the back edge.

5. 

   When you place the bracket on a wall, simply screw the screws into a stud in the wall, and place the shelf on top of your brackets.