DIY Network

Tray Shelf Add shelves to the wall so your girl can have more display space. From "Ready As She Grows" episode DASG-103

Now that the walls have been painted, a tray shelf is added to provide a place to display pictures and collectibles.

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Tray Shelf

Paint:

Rhapsody Lilac SW 6828

Materials:

1" x 4" poplar
1" x 3" poplar
4' decorative crown molding
table saw
sandpaper
nails
hammer or pneumatic nail gun
2", 1 5/8", and 1" finish nails
measuring tape
straight edge or level
pencil
wood putty

1. Measure down from the ceiling 24 to 28 inches, and then make a light pencil mark. Measure and make a pencil mark on all of the walls that will have a tray shelf. Connect the pencil marks using a straight edge or level.

2. Measure the length of each wall that will have a shelf, and then cut 1x4 poplar, 1x3 poplar and trim molding to fit the length of the wall.

3. Place the 1x3 on top of the 1x4 at a right angle (an upside-down "L" shape) after the lumber is cut to length. Nail the pieces together using two inch finish nails along the entire length of the lumber, placing a nail every six to eight inches (figure A). Repeat this step for all walls.

4. Line up the trim molding so that the bottom edge of the molding lies flush against the bottom edge of the horizontal piece of 1x3 lumber. This will make the "lip" and will keep collectables from falling off the shelf.

5. Nail into place using two inch finish nails (figure B). A second piece of molding can be placed under the shelf against the 1x4 piece to make it more decorative (figure C).

Figure A

Figure B

Figure C

Figure D

6. Fill in all nail holes with putty.

7. Allow to dry, and then lightly sand the entire piece.

8. Paint with one or two coats of paint (figure D).

9. Place one of the finished shelves on the wall that corresponds to the wall's length (the eight foot shelf on the eight foot wall) where the marks and level line are. Line the bottom of the shelf up with the pencil mark.

10. Nail it into place with two inch finish nails using either a hammer or pneumatic nailer. For added security, nail directly into the wall studs every 16 inches. Touch up any areas.