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Two DIY chunky wood shelves mounted on a white wall with black industrial brackets and styled with framed photos, plants, and decor.
Print Recipe

DIY Chunky Shelves with Industrial Brackets

Build DIY chunky shelves with reclaimed wood trim and industrial metal brackets. The hollow shelf box creates the look of thick reclaimed wood without using a solid beam.
Be sure to grab the FREE printable plans before you get started.
Prep Time30 minutes
Cook Time2 hours
Additional time2 hours
Course: DIY Decor, DIY Furniture
Cuisine: Shelves, Skill Level Intermediate, Woodworking
Keyword: Chunky Industrial Shelves, DIY Chunky Industrial Shelves, DIY Industrial Shelves, DIY Shelves
Servings: 1 chuncky shelf

Equipment

  • Table Saw
  • Miter Saw
  • Brad Nailer
  • Drill
  • Measuring tape

Ingredients

  • 1 ×8 boards
  • 1 ×2 boards
  • 3 "-wide reclaimed wood trim 3/8" thick
  • Crates & Pallet metal shelf brackets
  • Wood glue
  • 1 1/4 " brad nails
  • 3 " wood screws
  • 1 " wood screws
  • Wood stain or paint
  • Appropriate wall anchors if needed

Instructions

  • Size the shelf boards. Measure the brackets and account for the thickness of your trim. For 3/8"-thick trim, rip 3/8" from the width of each 1×8 top and bottom board.
  • Build the frame. Cut the 1×2 boards according to the plans and assemble the shelf frame with wood glue and 1 1/4" brad nails.
  • Attach the top and bottom. Secure the ripped 1×8 boards to both sides of the frame with wood glue and 1 1/4" brad nails.
  • Add the front trim. Cut the front trim to 48" from short point to short point with 45° miters on both ends. Attach it with wood glue and brad nails.
  • Add the side trim. Cut each side piece with a 45° miter at the front and a square cut at the wall. Attach with wood glue and brad nails.
  • Finish the shelf. Stain or paint the completed shelf and let it dry completely.
  • Install the brackets. Level the brackets and secure them to wall studs with 3" wood screws, or use appropriately rated anchors when studs are unavailable.
  • Install the shelf. Set the shelf box into the brackets and secure it from underneath with 1" wood screws.

Video

Notes

  • Measure the actual thickness of your trim before ripping the 1×8 boards.
  • The completed shelf must fit inside the brackets.
  • The brackets used in this project fit a standard 1×8 or 2×8 board, which is approximately 7 1/4" wide.
  • Measure the side trim pieces directly from the assembled shelf for the best mitered fit.
  • Check that both brackets are level before installing the shelf.
  • Mount the brackets into wall studs whenever possible.
  • Drying time will depend on the stain or paint you choose.