How to Build a Shelf Mantle
- 1). Determine how big the mantle shelf will need to be by measuring the wall with a tape measure. You can make your mantle shelf any size, but 6 inches deep and 36 inches long is a good size.
- 2). Measure and mark the 1-by-6 boards for the top and bottom of the shelf with a tape measure and pencil. Each piece will need to be 34 inches long. Measure and mark a piece of 1-by-4 board to a length of 34 inches. Cut the boards to the required length with a circular saw.
- 3). Lay a 1-by-4 board flat on the ground or on a table. Apply a bead of wood glue to the long edges of the board. Place the 1-by-6 boards perpendicular on each side of the 1-by-4. Secure the boards together with finish nails using a nail gun to create the frame.
- 4). Measure a scrap 1-by-6 board to 6 inches. Cut two pieces from the board that are 6 inches long with the circular saw.
- 5). Apply a bead of wood glue to the ends of the mantle shelf frame. Place the 6-inch 1-by-6 boards on the ends of the frame and secure them with the finish nails.
- 6). Measure and mark the wall there the mantle frame will be located. Determine how high the shelf will need to be on the wall and make a mark with the pencil.
- 7). Place the level on the pencil mark and draw a line for the placement of the support board. Find the wall studs in the wall with the stud finder and mark their location with the pencil.
- 8). Measure and cut a 2-by-4 board to a length of 34 inches. Place the 2-by-4 board on the wall and secure it to the wall studs with screws using the power drill.
- 9). Insert the open end of the mantle shelf over the 2-by-4 board that is attached to the wall. Secure the mantle shelf to the 2-by-4 board with the nail gun.
Source...