Make an inspection hole to ensure your placement is not interfering with electrical, HVAC, or plumbing.
Use a drywall saw to cut out a square while holding the saw at a 45-degree angle.
(This will prevent the piece from falling into the wall.)
Credit: Stacey Brandford
Use the drywall saw to cut out drywall between studs, using a stud finder to be exact.
Remove drywall and set aside.
Build Box Sides
Cut small sheet boardand craft board to the dimensions of the interior shelf.
Credit: Jay Wilde
The lip frames should be cut at a 45-degree angle.
Begin by building the sides of the shelf.
Position the side boards to form a square, and use two clamps to hold the structure together.
Credit: Jay Wilde
With a pencil, make marks for two screws at each corner.
Use a power drill to make pilot holes, followed by the screws.
Attach Shelf Back
Line the sides of the shelf with wood glue as shown above.
Credit: Jay Wilde
Place the cut craft board directly on top of the box structure and press down.
Once glue is dry, drill one screw in the middle of each side.
First, measure and mark 3/8 inch from the edge.
Drill pilot holes followed by screws.
Build Shelf Lip
Use wood glue to press the corners of the shelf lip together.
Line the shelf structure with wood glue, and place the shelf lip directly on top.
Press down and let dry.
Use a hammer and finishing nails to secure the lip to the shelf as shown above.
Use two nails per side.
Apply Putty
Apply wood putty to all seams in the shelf using a flat putty knife.
Let dry.Sand away excess puttyuntil smooth and wipe with a clean cloth.
Insert Shelf and Attach to Wall
Carefully place shelf into drywall hole.
Attach shelf to wall studs by drilling pilot holes and screws into the sides of the shelf.
There should be two screws on each stud-facing side.
Credit: Jay Wilde
Credit: Jay Wilde
