Wooden Electronics Shelf

It's time to replace the wooden crates and cinder block shelves.  This wooden shelf project will hold your stereo or electronics gear without taking up any floor space. 

Wooden Shelf
Items needed:
Power saw (Table preferably)
Sanders (belt, orbital)
Drill and bits
Bisket joiner
Clamps
Router
Wood glue
Wood shelving

 

Safety Suggestions and Tips
Always use safety glasses when working with power tools. 
Level of difficulty


Time Required:
 4 hours

Steps

Front face pieces
Front face pieces

Step 1:

The first step if to rip pine shelving into 2-inch wide strips for the front face.  The construction used here is much like kitchen cabinets.  

Use bisket wafers to join the front frame pieces
Use bisket wafers to join the front frame pieces

Step 2:

Next, using a biscuit joiner, route out for the wafer on the side rails and top and bottom frame.  Glue the four pieces together, clamp  and set aside to dry for at least 30 minutes.

Sheld side is nailed and glued to the bottom shelf
Shelf side is nailed and glued to the bottom shelf

Step 3:

Using a table saw, cut the two side pieces and lower shelf.  The shelf can be mortised in or just nailed to the side pieces. 

Nail face frame to the side and bottom shelf
Nail face frame to the side and bottom shelf

Step 4:

With the front face frame dry, sand both sides flush.  Center the face frame over the sides and shelf.  Glue and nail this to the two sides and bottom shelf.

Finished base unit
Finished base unit

Step 5:

To complete the base unit, add a 1 1/2" strip along the top back and bottom back of the lower shelf.  These strips will be used to secure the shelf to the wall.  Be sure to use a quality wood glue. 

Cut top banding pieces at 225 degrees
Cut top banding pieces at 225 degrees

Step 6:

The top of our shelf has beveled edges.  To add strength and a more substantial appearance, the top has a 2-inch thick band around the front edge.  Start by ripping several pieces of shelving into 2 inch widths.  Using a table or power miter box, cut one end at a 225 degree angle.

Underside of top shelf showing banding assembly
Underside of top shelf showing banding assembly

Step 7:

The top shelf is cut to length and then using a table saw, the ends are trimmed on 45 degree angles.  The banding strips are cut to length and attached to the front edge of the top shelf using biscuits.  Glue and assemble the pieces.  Pipe clamps are adequate for the side and front, but a web clamp is best as this will apply pressure on all five pieces. The top shelf is screwed down from the underside.

Drill a series of holes to locate the stud
Drill a series of holes to locate the stud

Step 8:

To attach the shelf to the wall, you need to locate the studs.  Use a stud finder, or simple drill a series of holes about 1" apart until it is located.  Here a strip of duct tape is placed in the wall which will later be covered by the shelf. 

Drill holes for lag bolt and washer
Drill holes for lag bolt and washer

Step 9:

Four lag bolts are used to secure the shelf.  Drill 5/16" holes in the back hanging strips.  Leave room for a large washer. 

Bolt the shelf to the wall studs
Bolt the shelf to the wall studs

Step 10:

Bolt the shelf to the wall and load your electronic equipment.