In our small home, any opportunity to expand storage and functionality goes a long way. For this project, I have capitalized on an alcove in our hallway outside the kitchen by adding a custom shelf for cookbooks. This simple shelf design provides some quality storage while adding some nice character to the area. If you’ve got a similar setup or want a shelf at the end of a hallway, you can achieve this simple design as follows…

INTRODUCTION
This shelf requires only basic building materials and tools. Specific measurements have not been provided as each situation will vary depending on the space it’s designed for.

The design of this shelf is such that two braces will mount to either side of the hallway. A top board will lay down across the braces while a filler board falls in underneath to create a flush fit. Finally, an end cap will be added and all joints filled for a clean look.

Depending on what aesthetic you are trying to achieve, the final product can either be painted or stained. If painting, be sure to fill all holes and cracks with wood fill, then sand until all surfaces are smooth and flush. If staining, fill screw holes with wood fill and make sure glue does not spill from the cracks.

Tools and Materials

• Thick board (makes the braces and fillboard)
• Thin plyboard (makes top board and end cap)
• Wood Glue -or- Gorilla glue
• Wood fill (recommended for finishing)
• Sander / Heavy sandpaper (recommended for finishing)
• 2-3 Bar / Bench clamps (will hold board together while gluing
• Power drill or manual screwdriver w/ self drilling screws
• Small box wood screws
• Stud finder (recommended for mounting)
• Level (recommended for mounting)
• Measuring Tape
• Mallet

THE PROCESS

Survey & Plan
Measure for length and depth of the shelf in desired area. Record your working dimensions. Make sure your shelf shelf depth reflects the size of the items that will occupy it. This is the time to find and mark studs. If none are located in the mounting area, use heavy duty dry wall anchors for the mounting braces.

Get Building Supplies & Cut to size
The braces and filler board will be made from the same piece of wood board. Be sure to get this slightly larger than the desired finished size as the saw will take off a small amount (typically 1/8″) of the board length, producing a gap if not compensated for.

One large piece of plywood will suffice for the top board and front end cap. Cut all pieces accordingly, making sure that the braces are at least 1″ wide (to accommodate the screws from the top board). If you do not have saws for the shelf board and plywood, most building supply stores can make the cuts for you.

Attach braces to wall
Measure from the ceiling down, ensuring both braces are set at equal distances. You can temporarily tack the braces into the wall with thin finishing nails. This will allow you to place your top board over them and check to see if they are hung level. Once the braces are hung level and at the desired distance, mount them to the wall (either direct to studs with heavy wood screws or in wallboard with drywall anchors).

Attach top board
With mounting braces in place, put a small amount of glue on the top surface. Place the top board on the braces. Tap in place with mallet if fit is tight. At this time, you can add wood screws to further secure the top board to the braces.

Attach filler board
Apply glue generously to the top of the filler board. Place in the pocket created by the braces and top board, again using the mallet if fit is tight. Once the board is situated, use clamps to hold in place. Add screws from the top board down into the filler board to secure in place.

Attach End Cap
After glue has set on previous pieces, remove clamps. Apply glue to end cap and tap into place, concealing the exposed ends of the previous boards. Clamp in place and allow to dry.

FINISH
Fill screw holes and any gaps with wood fill. After wood fill sets, sand the entire piece, removing all imperfections and gaps. Once complete, shelf can either be stained or painted depending on desired finish.