How to Cut Shelf Brackets

Make wooden brackets for custom wooden shelves.

Shelf brackets are used to support wooden wall shelves when they are mounted on walls. While shelf brackets can be purchased, it is easy and inexpensive to cut and assemble them on your own. Making your own shelf brackets for a homemade wood shelf not only allows you to customize the project, but will also create a consistent look because the brackets can be made of the same wood as the shelf itself. All the supplies you need can be found at local hardware stores.

Things You'll Need

• Lumber of choice
• Pencil
• Measuring tape
• Jigsaw
• Sandpaper
• Hammer
• 1-inch long nails
• Drill
• Protractor
• Wood glue
• 3/4-inch long nails

Instructions

1. Place your lumber of choice down on a flat surface. Use the measuring tape and a pencil to measure and draw three pieces that measures 6 inches by 1/2 inch by 1/2 inch.

2. Cut the three pieces out with the jigsaw. Use the sandpaper on all three pieces to prevent splinters.

3. Place two of the three pieces on their 1/2-inch long sides. Line them up perpendicular to one another so they create an L-shape. One piece should overlap the other piece's end.

4. Connect the two pieces using a hammer and the 1-inch long nails. The nails should be hammered into one end of a piece, so it extends into the other piece.

5. Make two marks on both the 6-inch long pieces for mounting and shelf installation. Spread the marks at least 2 inches apart. Drill the holes using the drill.

6. Place the L-shape down on a flat surface and place the third piece on top of the L-shape, so a triangle is created. The larger the triangle, the more support the bracket will provide for the shelf. When deciding the triangle size, ensure the drilled holes are not covered.

7. Mark with pencil where the third piece needs to be cut on both ends, so a triangle can be made. This is usually a 45 degree angle. Use the protractor to get an even angle and line.

8. Cut the ends of the third piece with the jigsaw and use the sandpaper to remove splinters.

9. Apply wood glue to the ends of the third piece and slide it into the L-shape, so the triangle is complete. Apply pressure to the piece so the glue can dry. To secure the third piece in the structure, hammer the 3/4-inch long nails into the L-shape figure, so the ends of the nails protrude into the third triangular piece.

10. Repeat steps 1 through 9 to create additional shelf brackets for larger shelves. One shelf bracket can support a small, decorative shelf less than 5 inches in length. Any shelf more than 5 inches but less than 15 inches should have two shelf brackets. Longer shelves should have three or more shelf brackets.