Space is sometimes wasted at the end of a row of cabinets, and premanufactured corner shelves can be expensive. But you can build your own matching corner shelves quickly and inexpensively. Materials:
Tape measure
Sandpaper
Sanding block
Drawing compass or large circular object
Combination square
Clamps
Drill with magnetic Philips-head bit and drill bit
Saber saw
Circular saw
Paintbrush
Stain to match existing cabinets
Polyurethane
1" x 12" finished lumber
Wood screws
Safety goggles
Latex gloves
- Measure the height of the cabinet, then measure and mark the lumber for the back and side of the shelving unit. Use lumber that matches your kitchen cabinets.
- Use a combination square to mark straight lines for cutting the lumber.
- Use a circular saw to cut along the lines.
- Use a countersinking bit to drill pilot holes on the long side of the lumber for the side, approximately 3/8" from the edge.
- Screw the boards together with 2" wood screws.
- Measure, mark, and cut lumber for three shelves.
- Use a large circular object such as a trash-can lid to trace curved lines for the shelves (figure A).
- Use a saber saw to cut along the curved lines. Sand any rough edges, and wipe out any sanding dust.
- Fasten the shelves to the back and side lumber by predrilling and using 2" wood screws as before.
- Wearing latex gloves, use a clean rag to apply stain to the shelving unit. Use a stain that matches your countertops.
- When the stain has dried, use a brush to apply a coat or two of polyurethane.
- Clamp the shelving unit into place (figure B).
- Use screws to secure the shelf unit to the existing cabinet. You should be able to screw through the upper and lower sides of the cabinet and into the back of the shelf. Keep in mind that if your screws are too long they might poke through the front of the shelf.
- From the front of the shelf, drill pilot holes into the back wall. Use screws to secure the shelf to the wall. For a secure connection, the screws must be long enough to extend through the shelf and the dry wall and into the wall studs.
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