How to Use a 2x4 for Making Shelves

Hanging shelves is a quick way to add design and function to almost any room in your home. They are practical because they create more storage space. Installing a shelf is also a great way to display art or draw focus to certain areas of the room. A 2x4 is a wood plank that is 2 inches deep and 4 inches wide. This is a standard wood size but it creates a shallow shelf. Using a hidden shelf bracket kit gives the appearance of a deeper shelf and a clean look. Create a 2x4-inch shelf with a few simple tools.

Things You'll Need

• Saw
• 220 grit sandpaper
• Paint or varnish
• Paintbrush
• Hidden shelf bracket kit
• Power drill
• Molly bolts
• Hammer

Instructions

1. Cut the 2x4 to the length you want the shelf. Sand the shelf piece with 220 grit sandpaper to get rid of the rough pieces.

2. Paint the shelf with paint or varnish it with polyurethane to stain it. Let it dry. Both paint and varnish usually require a second coat once they're dry.

3. Hold the hidden shelving bracket up to the wall where you want the shelf to go. Mark the premade drill holes with a pencil. Remove the bracket.

4. Drill holes into the wall in the locations you marked in Step 3. Use a drill bit that is the correct size recommended in the shelf bracket instructions.

5. Place molly bolts into the holes with a hammer if the hole isn't on a wall stud. This keeps the shelving unit from ripping a hole in the drywall.

6. Line up the holes in the hidden shelf bracket with the drilled holes. Place screws in the holes and screw them into place.

7. Slide the 2x4 into the bracket channel.

Tips & Warnings

• Buy a hidden shelf bracket that's made with a 2 inch channel so it fits the 2x4.

References

• Shelf Brackets: Find a Shelf Bracket for Your House