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Before you start this project, you can make it easier by having your timber pre-cut at your local Bunnings*. We had our Tasmanian oak hardwood cut to 2 x 600mm lengths with an extra length needed for the shelf ends.
*Not available at all Bunnings stores.
To create the shelf ends, measure out two lengths of 70mm on your spare hardwood for the ends and make your mark.
With your safety gear on, use a drop saw to cut your timber to size for the shelf ends.
Run a bead of glue along the edges of both 600mm timber lengths. Then create an L-shape with the edges flush. Secure them with a fixing gun and 50mm brad nails.
Apply a bead of PVA glue to the bottoms of the shelf ends. Put them in place, making sure the edges are flush. Turn the shelf over and use the fixing gun and 50mm brads to fix them in place.
Find the halfway mark on the shelf sides with a tape measure and mark at the front. Use the T-square to make the lines straight. The 20mm D moulding for the front rail of the shelf will be attached just above this line.
Put the front rail in place so that it's sitting just above where you marked. Use the fixing gun and the 15mm brads to attach the rail to the front of the shelf. Due to the thin moulding, another method of attaching the rail is to pre-drill using a 1mm drill bit and attach with a 20mm screw.
To clean up your shelf, use wood putty and a putty knife to fill the nail holes. Then let it dry and sand back with the 120 grit sandpaper for a great finish.
Once the paint and varnish have dried, it's time to fix the shelf to the wall. For a plaster wall like ours, we pre-drilled the holes and attached the shelf using 40mm hollow wall anchors. Now it's time for your kids to display their favourite books, toys and art on.
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.
