Homemade Shelf Brackets
A homemade wooden shelf often requires brackets to be mounted properly and securely. Brackets are available in a variety of shapes, sizes and materials, but can also be made at home. Not only is making wooden brackets at home simple and easy, but it also creates consistency when the brackets are made of the same material as the shelf.
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Things You'll Need
- Lumber
- Saw
- Sandpaper
- Pencil
- Measuring tape
- Hammer
- ¾-inch-long nails
- 1-inch-long nails
- Protractor
- Wood glue
- Drill
Instructions
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1
Measure three pieces of lumber that have the measurements of 6 inches by ½ inch by ½ inch, using a measuring tape.
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2
Cut each piece out with a saw and sand the edges smooth to avoid cracks and splinters.
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3
Line two of the pieces up so they make an L-shape. Each piece should be lined up at the ½-inch ends, extending out 6 inches in each direction.
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4
Nail to the two pieces together at the point of intersection with 1-inch-long nails and a hammer. Place the nails on the piece that overlaps the other, so the nails extend into both pieces.
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5
Drill two holes on each of the 6-inch-long ends of the L-shape structure. This is for mounting and shelf installation purposes. The holes should be spread evenly apart.
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6
Place the third piece on top of the L-shape to create a triangle. Decide how large the triangle will be. The larger the triangle, the more support the shelf will have. Ensure the piece does not cover the holes just drilled.
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7
Make pencil marks on the third piece where it intersections the L-shape. This should be done on both ends. Draw straight lines across the third piece to indicate where a cut needs to be made to create triangle. This should approximately be a 45-degree angle. Double-check the angle with the protractor.
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8
Cut the ends with the saw so they fit with the L-shape structure. Smooth the newly cut edges with sandpaper.
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9
Apply glue to the newly cut angle edges and slide it in place in the L-shape. Apply pressure until the glue has dried. Secure the piece by nailing ¾-inch-long nails into the sides of the L-shape figure, so the nails extend into the third piece.
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Tips & Warnings
Make at least two shelf brackets for a shelf smaller than 15 inches. Three or more shelf brackets may be required for longer shelves.
