Creating an attractive display space doesn’t require a large space, or a complicated project build. This compact display shelf offers lots of space for smaller mementos on two shelves. It’s easy to build from a few 1” “square dowels,” which are available in any home center, along with a couple 1×6 boards. The display shelf goes together with Kreg® pocket-hole screws, a few nails, and wood glue. You can change up the look easily to fit your decor, too, by choosing a combination of paint and stain that works with your style.
Tools
• Drill
• Miter Saw
• Tape Measure
• Square
• Clamps
• Kreg® Pocket-Hole Jig 720
Materials
• 2 x 19 x 140 x 1800mm Board
• 3 x 25 x 25 x 915mm Square Dowel
Supplies
• 18 x 32mm Coarse-Thread Kreg Pocket-Hole Screws Included with your Jig!
• 16 x 50mm 18-Gauge Brad Nails
• 1 x 450mm Hangman Picture and Mirror Hanger
• 1 x Wood Glue
• 1 x Paint/Stain
Cut List & Parts
• 1 x Lower Shelf – 19 x 140 x 889mm
• 1 x Upper Shelf – 19 x 140 x 889mm
• 2 x Shelf Back – 19 x 140 x 838mm
• 4 x Support Stile – 25 x 25 x 451mm
• 4 x Support Rail – 25 x 25 x 140mm
Step 1: Make the Shelf Parts
Cut one Lower Shelf, one Upper Shelf, and two Shelf Backs from 1×6 (19mm x 140mm) boards, as shown in the cutting diagram. Set your pocket hole jig for 3⁄4”-thick (19mm) material, and then drill pocket holes where shown. Note the Upper Shelf has two additional pocket holes that connect it to the front Support Stiles. After you drill the pocket holes, sand the faces and ends of parts smooth. Don’t sand the edges until after you assemble the shelves in the next step.
Step 2: Assemble the Shelves
Attach each Shelf to a Shelf Back, as shown, using 11⁄4” (32mm) coarse-thread pocket-hole screws. Then sand the exposed edges of the assemblies smooth.
If you plan to stain or finish the shelves differently from the support frames, as we did, go ahead and apply the stain and finish now, and then set them aside to dry.
Step 3: Cut the Support Frame Parts
Cut four Support Stiles and four Support Rails from 1” (25mm) square dowels, as shown in the cutting diagram. Then sand the faces of the pieces smooth, but not the ends. Finish now, and then set them aside to dry.
Step 4: Assemble the Support Frames
Assemble the support frames using glue and 2” (50mm) brad nails. The nails will help hold the pieces together while the glue sets. Be sure to check that the frame supports are square as you assemble them. If you have access to a brad nailer, that’s the best way to nail the assemblies. If you’re using a hammer and nails, pre-drill holes to prevent splitting the wood. After the glue dries, sand the frame again to make sure everything is smooth. If you’re using a contrasting paint color for your frames, like we did, go ahead and apply the paint or stain before final assembly.
Step 5: Install the Lower Shelf
Apply a small bead of wood glue along the edge of the lower Support Rails, and then position the lower shelf assembly as shown. Make sure the front face of the Shelf Back is flush with the front edge of the Support Stiles, and that the Lower Shelf is resting on the Support Rail. Clamp the Lower Shelf to each Support Rail, if needed. Then attach the Shelf Back to the Support Stiles using 11⁄4” (32mm) coarse-thread pocket-hole screws.
Step 6: Install the Upper Shelf
Position the upper shelf assembly making sure the Upper Shelf is located properly on the Support Stile, as shown, and that the front face of the Shelf Back is flush with the front edge of the Support Stiles. Then attach the upper shelf assembly to the support frame assembly using 11⁄4” (32 mm) coarse-threaded pocket-hole screws. A right-angle attachment will be needed to attach the Upper Shelf to the front Support Stile.
Step 7: Add Hardware and Hang
With assembly complete, you can hang your display shelf on the wall. There are lots of options for hanging the shelf. We used a “Hangman” cleat system that’s designed for hanging shelves and picture frames. You can pick one up at the home center, or online. This hanger is made from aluminum and has two parts. One attaches to the wall, and has a builtin level to make that process simple. The other half screws to the rear face of the upper Shelf Back. Then, all you have to do is hold the display shelf against the wall, and then slide it down until the cleats on the hanger lock together.
CONGRATULATIONS!
You’ve completed your project. We’d love to see it. We hope you’ll share your project on your favourite social-media channels. When you do, hashtag it with #madewithKreg. That way, we can see it, and so can everyone else in the Kreg community of builders.