Store smaller items in the bins of this shelving unit, reducing clutter on your countertop or vanity. This versatile wall accessory offers clever storage space for rolled hand towels, soaps, and other small items. The unit can be custom-designed to fit the available wall space and depth for any room. In areas with less wall space, a shorter unit may be built by making only two V-sections. Or, add more V-sections for a larger wall space. For even more versatility, the V-sections may be mounted in a stairstep fashion.
TOOLS & MATERIALS
• Circular saw • Jig saw
• Clamps • Drill with bits
• #8 adjustable counterbore bit • Hammer
• Small hand saw • 1 × 6″ × 4 ft. pine
• 1 × 8″ × 4 ft. pine • 3 ⁄ 8 “-dia. dowel
• Cotton swabs • Wallboard screws (#8 × 1 5 ⁄ 8 “)
• Wood glue • Finishing materials
• Sandpaper • Stud finder
Step A: CUT SHELF PANELS & ASSEMBLE A V-SECTION.
1. Cut the longer shelf panel (A) and all five additional shelf panels (B) to size using a circular saw and a straightedge guide. Sand any rough edges smooth using 150-grit sandpaper.
2. Position the panels on the table as they will be assembled, checking the fit and layout of each panel. Make sure the longer shelf panel (A) is farthest to the left of the assembly.
3. Clamp the longer shelf panel (A) to one of the regular shelf panels (B) at a right angle so that the edges are flush against the worksurface.
4. Adjust a #8 counterbore bit to a total depth of 2″. Drill three equally spaced counterbored pilot holes through the longer shelf, 3 ⁄ 8 ” from the lower edge. Each hole should have a 1 ⁄ 4 ” counterbore. Drive 1 5 ⁄ 8 ” wallboard screws into each hole of the clamped assembly.
Step B: ATTACH THE REMAINING SHELF PANELS.
Attach each remaining shelf panel at a right angle, repeating the construction methods described in Step A. Clamp each new shelf to the workpiece so that the new shelf is flush against the worksurface, with the side edges of each new panel flush with the side edges of the workpiece.
Step C: PREPARE THE BACKER BOARD.
1. Lay the completed shelf assembly on the backer board, so that the top point of each V-section is flush with the backer board’s top edge.
2. Trace the outline of the V-sections on the backer board and cut along the lower cutting lines using a jig saw.
3. Draw lines on the front of the backer board showing the locations of the wallboard screws in the V-section assembly.
4. Mark the position for three screws along each side of the V-sections, avoiding the lines made for the wallboard screws inside the V-sections. Then drill holes through the backer board at the placement marks, using a 1 ⁄ 8 ” drill bit.
Step D: INSTALL THE BACKER BOARD.
1. Place unit on the table, with the front edge facing down. Turn the backer board over, and position it on top of the workpiece, aligning the edges.
2. Keeping the unit aligned with the backer board, drill a pilot hole in the placement mark closest to the center of the middle V-section with the adjustable counterbore bit. Only drill deep enough with the bit to create a countersink for the head of the screw.
3. Drive a wallboard screw into the countersunk pilot hole and recheck the alignment of the two pieces.
4. Drill and countersink the remaining pilot holes and drive wallboard screws through the holes and into the V-sections, starting with the ends of the unit and working your way back toward the center.
Step E: APPLY THE FINISHING TOUCHES.
1. Cut a 3 ⁄ 8 ” dowel into 1 ⁄ 2 ” lengths to use as wood plugs for the counterbored holes. Bevel one end of each plug by sanding or filing it slightly.
2. Place a small amount of wood glue in the counterbored holes using a cotton swab. Insert a wood plug into each hole, beveled end first, and tap it in place with a hammer or a rubber mallet. Wipe away any excess glue using a dampened cloth. Allow the glue to dry overnight.
3. Sand the outer edges of the backer board and edges of the shelves. Cut off the excess of the plugs after the glue has dried using a small hand saw. The plugs should only extend slightly from the surface. Take care not to scratch the wood surface when trimming the plugs.
4. Sand the plugs flush with the surface, using 80-grit sandpaper on a sanding block. Sand the entire unit until smooth, using fine-grit sandpaper.
5. Paint the unit or apply the stain of your choice and a clear acrylic finish. Let the unit dry according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
6. To mount the shelving unit, locate studs in the wall to use as mounting points. If no studs are available, make sure to use the proper type of wall fastener.
VARIATION:
Using the same assembly steps, make a diagonal shelving unit as shown on page 98. Increase the “step up” effect by cutting the shelf panels to graduated lengths. Cut the lowest shelf at 8 1 ⁄ 4 ” long, the second shelf at 7 1 ⁄ 2 ” long, the next two at 6 1 ⁄ 2 “, and the last two at 5 1 ⁄ 2 ” long. Then hang the shelf on the wall diagonally. The graduated shelves allow you to place heavier, larger objects on the lower shelves and lighter more decorative pieces above.
