How to Build a Fireplace Book Shelf
- 1). Place the 1-by-12-by-18-inch hardwood board with one 12-by-18-inch side flat on a work surface. This is the base for the shelf. Measure in 3/8 of an inch from each end and mark the measurement with a pencil.
- 2). Drill three evenly spaced 1/4-inch diameter countersink holes across the 12-inch width of each end, beginning and ending at the pencil marks. These are the mounting holes for the shelf ends. Use a 1/4-inch countersink bit and drill the countersink 3/16-inch deep.
- 3). Lay the shelf base on one 1-by-18-inch side. Apply a bead of glue 3/8 of an inch from each end on the side opposite the countersink holes. Place the 1-by-12-by-6-inch boards on each end of the 12-by-18-inch side opposite the countersink mounting holes, on top of the beads of wood glue. These are the shelf ends. The 1-by-12-inch ends of the two shelf ends should be on top of shelf base.
- 4). Drive one pan head wood screw through each countersink hole in the bottom of the shelf base into the bottom ends of the shelf ends with a screw gun.
- 5). Sand the assembled shelf with fine-grit sandpaper in the same direction as the wood grain. Wipe the shelf off with a tack cloth.
- 6). Brush on an even coat of wood finish with a paintbrush. Allow the finish to dry for at least four hours and apply a second coat.
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