191+ Wooden Corner Storage Shelf ~ My Wood Blog

Wooden corner shelf, corner shelf, wooden shelf, bathroom shelf

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Introduction: Maximizing Space with a DIY Corner Shelf Corner spaces are often underutilized in homes. Building a wooden corner storage shelf is a fantastic way to reclaim that space, add storage, and enhance your room's decor. This guide will walk you through the process, step by step, making it accessible for beginner DIYers.

Materials and Tools: Gathering Your Supplies Before you begin, ensure you have all the necessary materials and tools. This will make the building process smoother and more efficient. Here's what you'll need:

Wood (pine, plywood, or your preferred type) determine quantity based on desired shelf size and number of shelves

Wood screws (appropriate length for your wood thickness)

Wood glue

Sandpaper (various grits, e.g., 80, 120, 220)

Wood stain or paint (and sealant, if desired)

Measuring tape

Pencil

Saw (circular saw, jigsaw, or hand saw)

Drill with drill bits and screw driving bits

Clamps

Safety glasses

Dust mask

Optional: Wood filler

Step 1: Planning and Measuring Designing your Corner Shelf Begin by deciding on the dimensions and the number of shelves you want. Consider the height, depth, and width of the corner where the shelf will be placed. Draw a simple sketch to visualize the final product. Mark the desired height and depth on your wall to serve as a visual guide during construction. Accurately measure the distance between the two walls that form the corner, as this will determine the width of your shelves.

Step 2: Cutting the Wood Preparing the Shelf Components Using your measurements and the saw, cut the wood into the necessary pieces for the shelves. You'll need enough pieces to create the shelves themselves, as well as any supports you plan to add. Double-check your measurements before cutting to avoid errors. Sand the cut edges to remove any splinters. For a basic corner shelf, you'll need triangular or quarter-circle shaped shelves. Use a compass or a template to ensure accurate and consistent cuts.

Step 3: Assembling the Shelves (Optional Supports) Adding Stability If you desire extra support, especially for heavier items, consider adding vertical supports. These can be simple wooden strips attached to the underside of the shelves, along the edges that will face the walls. Apply wood glue to the joining surfaces, clamp the support pieces in place, and then secure them with wood screws. Allow the glue to dry completely before proceeding.

Step 4: Sanding and Filling Achieving a Smooth Finish Thoroughly sand all the wooden surfaces, starting with a coarser grit sandpaper (e.g., 80 grit) and gradually moving to finer grits (e.g., 120, 220). This will create a smooth surface for staining or painting. If there are any gaps or imperfections in the wood, use wood filler to fill them. Allow the filler to dry completely and then sand it smooth. Wipe away any sanding dust with a clean cloth.

Step 5: Staining or Painting Adding Color and Protection Apply the wood stain or paint of your choice. Follow the manufacturer's instructions for application and drying times. Apply multiple thin coats rather than one thick coat to achieve a more even finish and prevent drips. Allow each coat to dry completely before applying the next. If you're using paint, consider applying a primer first for better adhesion and coverage.

Step 6: Sealing (Optional) Protecting the Finish After the stain or paint has dried completely, you can apply a sealant, such as polyurethane, to protect the finish and make it more durable. Apply the sealant according to the manufacturer's instructions. Allow it to dry completely before handling the shelf.

Step 7: Installation Securing the Shelf to the Wall Locate the wall studs in the corner using a stud finder. Mark the positions on the wall. Hold the shelf in place and align it with your marked positions. Pre-drill pilot holes through the shelf supports (or directly through the shelves if no supports were added) and into the wall studs. Secure the shelf to the wall with wood screws. Ensure the screws are long enough to penetrate the studs securely. Use a level to ensure the shelf is perfectly horizontal before tightening the screws completely.

Conclusion: Enjoy Your New Corner Storage Shelf You have now successfully built and installed a wooden corner storage shelf! This DIY project not only provides extra storage space but also adds a personal touch to your home decor. Customize it further with decorative items, plants, or books to create a stylish and functional corner display. Remember to always prioritize safety when working with tools and materials.