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D.I.Y. picture ledge

A floating white shelf with framed pictures above a bedhead against a pink wall

Overview

All it takes is a few pieces of timber and you can make a picture ledge to display your favourite pictures. This easy-to-follow D.I.Y. project will help transform your blank wall into a work of art.

Steps

1

Cut your timber

To make this D.I.Y. project easier, you can have your three pieces of dressed pine pre-cut at your local Bunnings*. You can make your picture ledge any size you like.

*Not available at all Bunnings stores.

A range of tools required to complete this project

2

Pre-drill the holes

We're going to be joining our three pieces of timber together in a U-shape. Use the 2.5mm drill bit to pre-drill five holes near the edge of one of the 64mm x 14mm x 1.5m pieces of timber and five holes near the edge of the 42mm x 19mm x 1.5m piece of timber.
A person drilling a hole in a length of pine timber

3

Apply a bead of glue

Run a bead of glue in line with the holes you drilled on both pieces of timber.
A person applying glue to several lengths of pine timber

4

Assemble the picture ledge

Lay the piece of the 64mm x 14mm timber (without the holes) on the workbench, this is your base. Line up the other same size piece to make an L-shape. Line up the 42mm x 19mm piece of timber to make the U-shape. Wipe away any excess glue.
A person holding two lengths of pine timber joined to make an L shape

5

Screw the ledge together

Make sure the edges of the ledge are all flush. Use the drill and the 30mm timber screws to join the back and the base together and then the front ledge and base together. Make sure the holes are recessed in the timber.
A person screwing into lengths of pine timber using a cordless drill

6

Putty the holes

Use the Spakfilla to putty the screw holes in the timber. Let it dry and sand the putty back to create a smooth surface. Wipe away any dust.
A person filling a hole in a length of pine timber with a plastic applicator

7

Paint the picture ledge

You can paint your picture ledge any colour you choose. We used Dulux Casper White. Stir the paint thoroughly before using it and apply as many coats as you need, ensuring the paint dries thoroughly between coats.
A person painting pine timber white

8

Measure and mark the wall

Once you've decided where you want your ledge to go, measure and mark the height you want it to be. Use the spirit level to draw a straight line across the wall.
A person marking a measurement on a wall using a measuring tape

9

Pre-drill the holes for the wall anchors

Have somebody hold the ledge in place while you pre-drill the holes for the wall anchors using the 2.5mm drill bit.
A person inserting anchors into a plaster wall using a wall anchor gun

10

Insert the wall anchors

Use the hollow wall anchor gun for this. Finger tighten the screws, then tighten with the drill, so the ledge is securely attached.
A person attaching a timber ledge to a wall using a cordless drill

11

Putty the holes

Putty up the holes where the wall anchors are. Let the putty dry and sand it back. Paint over the putty on the ledge so that it matches.
A person filling a hole in a timber ledge attached to a wall

12

Decorate your ledge

Once the paint has dried all that's left to do is put up your favourite photos, pictures or artworks and enjoy.
A floating white shelf with framed pictures above a bedhead against a pink wall
Health & Safety

Asbestos, lead-based paints and copper chromium arsenic (CCA) treated timber are health hazards you need to look out for when renovating older homes. These substances can easily be disturbed when renovating and exposure to them can cause a range of life-threatening diseases and conditions including cancer. For information on the dangers of asbestos, lead-based paint and CCA treated timber and tips for dealing with these materials contact your local council's Environmental Health Officer or visit our Health & Safety page.

When following our advice in our D.I.Y. videos, make sure you use all equipment, including PPE, safely by following the manufacturer’s instructions. Check that the equipment is suitable for the task and that PPE fits properly. If you are unsure, hire an expert to do the job or talk to a Bunnings Team Member.