How to Make a Slant Wall Shelf

For something to show off your favorite collectibles, build a shelf unit that identifies with them. A slanted wall shelf fits the bill perfectly. Because the bottom of the sides to this unit are cut at an angle, the shelf unit leans backward when placed on the floor. The top of the unit leans against the wall while the bottom of it sits away from the wall. The distance from the wall to the bottom of the shelf unit depends on two things: its height and the angle used to make it slant. The angle for tall units needs to be less than that of a short unit to keep the distance from the wall to the bottom of the shelf to a minimum.

Things You'll Need

• 2 pieces of 1-by-4 lumber 36 inches long
• 12-inch ruler
• Variable speed drill
• 1/16th inch drill bit
• Wood glue
• 6 pieces of 1-by-6 lumber 18 inches long
• 4-penny finish nails
• Hammer
• Nail set

Instructions

1. Place the two pieces of 1-by-4-by-36-inch lumber on a worktable. Measure from one end and make marks every 6 inches on only one of the 36-inch edges. Measure from the same end on the opposite 36-inch edge and make marks at 4, 10, 16, 22, 28 and 34 inches.

2. Set the ruler on the 4-inch mark and angle it to connect to the first 6-inch mark and draw a line. Repeat this for the rest of the marks until all of them are connected.

3. Mark the opposite end from which you took measurements as the top. These are the sides to the slanted wall shelf. Drill two pilot holes 3/8 inch under each line and about a half inch from the long edges with a 1/16-inch drill bit.

4. Make a mark 2 inches from the bottom of the side with the 6-inch marks. Put the ruler on that mark and angle it down to the bottom corner of the opposite piece. Cut this line with a handsaw. Repeat this with the other 36-inch side as well. This cut angle makes the slanted shelf lean into the wall while it sits on the floor.

5. Lay the six pieces of 1-by-6 lumber on the worktable. These are the shelves for the slanted shelf. Measure in 1 inch from the 18-inch edges and mark the ends of each piece. These marks center the shelves on the ends.

6. Apply glue between the marks on the ends of the shelves. Center them on the ends and place the top of the shelf on the lines. Secure the shelves to the ends with the 4-penny finish nails. Set the nail heads with a nail set and clean up excess glue with a damp cloth.

Tips & Warnings

• Fill the nail holes with wood putty for stain or painter’s putty for paint.

• Do not apply stain or paint without proper ventilation.