DIY Wall Box Shelf

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This DIY wall box shelf is simple, budget-friendly and key to any space. It conveniently provides more storage to your room, as well as chic decor. Here's how to make it!

Image Credit: Rachel Metz
Image Credit: Rachel Metz

Things You'll Need

  • Two pieces 12" x 2.5" (I used scrap wood)

  • Two pieces 8"x 2.5" (I used scrap wood)

  • Wood glue

  • Wood filler

  • Putty knife

  • Fluted dowel pins or a small dowel cut down

  • 1/4" wood drill bit

  • Rubber mallet

  • Painters tape

  • 80 and 120 grit sandpaper

  • Stain or paint of choice

  • Two picture hangers of your choosing

Image Credit: Rachel Metz

Step 1: Lay Pieces Out

Lay pieces out, keeping the longer pieces on the outside of the shorter pieces.

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Image Credit: Rachel Metz

Step 2: Glue

Add wood glue along the edges where the corners meet and firmly press together.

Image Credit: Rachel Metz
Image Credit: Rachel Metz
Image Credit: Rachel Metz

Add masking or painters tape down the center of each corner.

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Image Credit: Rachel Metz
Image Credit: Rachel Metz

Step 3: Measure + Mark for Holes

Place one dowel piece flush to the edge of the wood. Make a small mark and measure on your drill bit from there, or measure the dowel piece up against your bit directly.

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Image Credit: Rachel Metz

Place tape along the drill at the length of the dowel piece. This is a simple DIY guide to let you know where to stop when drilling the holes where the dowels will be inserted.

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Image Credit: Rachel Metz
Image Credit: Rachel Metz

Step 4: Drill Holes + Insert Dowels

Working corner to corner, drill one hole on each side.

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Image Credit: Rachel Metz

Add a drop of wood glue to each hole.

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Image Credit: Rachel Metz

Insert a dowel piece into each hole.

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Image Credit: Rachel Metz

With a rubber mallet, hammer the dowels lightly into place until they are flush.

Image Credit: Rachel Metz
Image Credit: Rachel Metz

Step 5: Add Wood Filler

Add wood filler to cover up any blemishes that may have occurred during the process.

Image Credit: Rachel Metz
Image Credit: Rachel Metz

Step 6: Sand Smooth

You can do this by hand but an orbital sander will make your life a bit easier and your arm not so sore in the morning. Starting with an 80 grit and sand down every part of the shelf.

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Image Credit: Rachel Metz

Repeat that same sanding process with a 120 grit until silky smooth.

Image Credit: Rachel Metz

Step 7: Stain or Paint

Depending on paint or stain, be sure to follow the instructions on the label to ensure you are applying properly. Mixing it up is fun! Try adding one color to the outside and another color to the inside.

Image Credit: Rachel Metz
Image Credit: Rachel Metz
Image Credit: Rachel Metz

Step 8: Add Hanging Brackets

Install the hanging brackets of your choice. Adding a hole into the wood where the nail will go is always helpful to keep the shelf as flush to the wall as possible.

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Image Credit: Rachel Metz
Image Credit: Rachel Metz
Image Credit: Rachel Metz
Image Credit: Rachel Metz

Step 9: Hang on Wall

Hang the shelf onto your wall and enjoy!

Image Credit: Rachel Metz

How easy was that? Sometimes woodworking builds are a bit intimidating, but this one is so simple, any level of DIY'er can execute. Happy DIY'ing!

Image Credit: Rachel Metz
Image Credit: Rachel Metz

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