DIY Network

Brian Sharpe: Toboggan Shelf From "From Junky to Funky" episode DFJF-102

In this first segment, designer Mike Spatafora creates unique shelving for Brian Sharpe's bare apartment out of a toboggan sled.

The designers answer the call of a bachelor whose apartment is in desperate ...

need of character, color and furniture without breaking his budget.

advertisement

A toboggan sled finds a new purpose as a wall shelf.

Materials:

Toboggan
Plywood
Rope or cord
Polyurethane
Wood glue
Nails
Tablesaw
Drill
Hammer

	Figure A
	Figure B
	Figure C

1. First, refurbish sled as needed. Mike sanded off the finish, then filled-in some cracks with glue and wood fill to some sections that had cracked and fallen off. Lastly, the sled was coated with polyurethane.

2. To build the shelves, use 1/2" oak plywood and nose the shelf with solid oak strips for a finished edge (figure A).

3. If using rope to support the shelves, drill holes where your rope supports will tie through.

4. Apply polyurethane to the shelves.

   Note: Don't polyurethane the shelf where it will meet the toboggan because your wood glue will not adhere to the poly.

5. Glue and nail the shelves to the existing crosspieces of the sled (figure B).

6. Finally, run rope from shelf to shelf through the holes that were drilled earlier. Tie knots at the bottom of each shelf (figure C). Cut the excess rope, then tie a knot.

Project Expense:

Toboggan: Free
Materials: $25

Total: $25