How to Make Wood Shelf Brackets
Wooden shelf brackets are often used to install wall shelves. Brackets offer extra support that allows heavier items to be placed on them. Self-made brackets can be ornate or simple in their design. The choice is yours. By making your own shelf brackets you can match them to your décor.
Supplies
- Plywood sheet, 1/2-inch
- Pencil
- Tape measure
- Jigsaw
- Sandpaper
- Hammer
- Nails
- Screws
- Screwdriver
- Use a tape measure for the depth of the shelf you are placing the bracket under. It should align with the edge of the shelf, but not extend beyond it. Record your measurements.
- Use a piece of plywood to make the bracket and side support. Draw a rectangle that measures one-inch by the depth measurement.
- Draw a 90-degree angle using the depth measurement of the plywood. Close the points of the angle by drawing a straight line to form a triangle.
- Make an additional rectangle and triangle the same as the first.
- Use your jigsaw to cut out both pieces.
- Position the rectangular pieces into an L-shape and nail them together. When the pieces are attached, one piece will be 1/2-inch shorter than the other. Place the longest piece against the wall.
- Draw any decorative designs you plan to cut out on the triangle pieces. Cut the design out with the jigsaw. This step will create fancy ornate-looking ends for your supports. If you want solid plain support ends, skip this step.
- Smooth the wood by sanding to remove any rough edges
- Insert the point of the triangle into the corner of the rectangle brace.
- Screw the two pieces together with screws.
- Stain or paint the pieces.
- The bracket is now ready for installation under your shelf.