How to Build Shelves on the Wall to Eat at for Extra Seating
The holidays are coming and you realize you do not have enough places for everyone to sit at the table and eat. You could rent tables and chairs, or you could build shelves into your wall to allow people to sit and eat with the rest of the group. Do not be afraid to build these shelves in your dining room or kitchen. Once the party is over, fold them down and forget they are there. Does this Spark an idea?
Things You'll Need
- 12-inch wide piece of lumber
- Measuring tape
- Circular saw
- Sandpaper
- Sander
- Stain
- Rags
- Polyurethane
- Paintbrush
- Hinged supports
- Pencil
- Level
- Hinges
- Drill
- Screws
Instructions
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1
Measure the area where you want to put your shelf. Cut a piece of 12-inch wide lumber to the length that fits your area.
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2
Sand the entire shelf using an electric hand sander. Start with a 60-grit sandpaper. Sand again with an 80-grit sandpaper. Sand once more using a 100-grit sandpaper. Make sure the entire board is smooth, including the edges.
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3
Use a rag to apply the stain. Stain one side of the shelf at a time. Do this outside if possible to prevent fumes inside the house. Use a garage or a shop to keep the shelf out of direct sunlight and protect it from the elements. Allow the stain to dry for twenty-four hours.
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4
Apply polyurethane using a natural bristle paintbrush. Brush the polyurethane on in thin even coats. Allow the polyurethane to dry for at least twenty-four hours, depending on the humidity.
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5
Sand the entire surface of the lumber lightly using a 180-grit sandpaper. Wipe off any dust. Apply another coat of polyurethane and allow it to dry thoroughly. Sand and apply additional coats if desired.
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6
Attach hinged supports to the wall using a drill. Make sure to measure and mark with a pencil the places to drill before drilling any holes. Use a level to ensure the correct installation of the supports. Remember these hinged supports do not attach to the shelf, they just support it while it is in use.
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7
Add regular hinges to the bottom of the shelf using the drill fitted with a screwdriver bit. Make sure to only attach one side of the hinge to the board. Make sure the hinges will fold properly once the other side attaches to the wall.
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8
Set the shelf on the supports. Perform one last check to ensure everything is perfectly level.
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9
Fasten the other side of the hinges to the wall.
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10
Fold the supports in and the shelf down when not in use.
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Tips & Warnings
Use a nice piece of oak lumber for your shelf. Ensure it does not have any knots in it and is not warped for best results.
