Notch- Difficulty
- Intermediate
- Time
- 3–6 hours
- Cost
- $$
About this build
If you’re looking for a unique way to display some of your favorite things, you’ll want to check out this different twist on the traditional display shelf. It has a deep inner box that’s partially surrounded by a shallower out box. That outer box has its own sections, creating a unique look.
Tools
Essential
- Drill / Driver
- Miter Saw
- Pocket Hole Jig
- Random Orbit Sander
Optional / nice to have
- Bar / Pipe Clamps
- Tape Measure
Materials
| Item | Qty |
|---|---|
| Board, 1x6 96" | 1 board |
| Board, 1x6 48" | 1 board |
| Board, 1x12 96" | 1 board |
| Board, 1x3 24" | 1 board |
| 1 1/4" Pocket Hole Screws | 31 each |
| #8 x 2" Wood Screws | 10 each |
| 18" Hangman Picture Hanging System (or equivalent) | 1 each |
Overall cost: $$. Lumber prices vary by region, species, and season, so we give a band rather than a figure we would only be pretending to know.
Cut list
| Part | Qty | T × W × L |
|---|---|---|
| Long Side | 1 | 3/4" × 5" × 33" |
| Long Bottom | 1 | 3/4" × 5" × 32" |
| Horizontal Divider | 2 | 3/4" × 5" × 8" |
| Top | 1 | 3/4" × 5" × 15" |
| Short Side | 1 | 3/4" × 5" × 17" |
| Lower Vertical Divider | 1 | 3/4" × 5" × 8" |
| Upper Vertical Divider | 1 | 3/4" × 5" × 8" |
| Box Top | 1 | 3/4" × 11" × 14" |
| Box Bottom | 1 | 3/4" × 11" × 14" |
| Box Side | 2 | 3/4" × 11" × 16" |
| Box Cleat | 1 | 3/4" × 2" × 14" |
What to buy
Buy 4 boards at 8 ft.
3/4" × 11"
1 board
3/4" × 5"
2 boards
3/4" × 2"
1 board
Assumes 8 ft stock, a 1/8" saw kerf, and buying each part at its own width. Change the board size or kerf on the full board plan →
Instructions
1Make the Outside Box Parts
- Start by cutting the parts for the outside box from 1x6 boards, as shown in the cutting diagram. You’ll need one Top, one Long Bottom, one Long Side, one Short Side, two Horizontal Dividers, as well as a Lower Vertical Divider and and Upper Vertical Divider. With your pocket hole jig set up for 3/4" material, drill pocket holes where shown.
- Also drill a pair of 3/16" holes in the Long Bottom, where shown.
2Assemble the Outside Box
- Assemble the Outside Box using 1 1/4" pocket hole screws, as shown. To attach the Lower Vertical Divider, first clamp it in position, as shown.
- Then, using the holes in the Long Bottom as guides, drill 3/32" pilot holes into the Lower Vertical Divider.
- Attach the Lower Vertical Divider to the Long Bottom using #8 x 2" wood screws.
3Make the Inside Box Parts
- Now you can make the parts for the inside box, as shown in the cutting diagram.
- Cut one Box Top, one Box Bottom, and two Box Sides from a 1x12 board.
- Then cut one Box Cleat from a 1x3 board. With your pocket hole jig set up for 3/4" material, drill pocket holes where shown.
- Also drill 3/16" holes in the Top, Bottom, and Sides where shown.
4Assemble the Inside Box
Assemble the inside box using 1 1/4" Pocket Hole Screws, as shown.
5Bring the Boxes Together
- Set the inside box in position within the outside box, making sure that it’s sitting square.
- Then, using the holes in the Top, Bottom, and Side as guides, drill 3/32" pilot holes into the Horizontal and Vertical Dividers in the outside box.
- Then attach the inside box using #8 x 2" wood screws.
6Hang Your Display Shelves
With everything complete, you can apply the stain or paint of your choice. Or, try a combination of both to give the project some extra pop. When you’re ready to mount your display shelves to the wall, there are lots of options. One that works great is called a “Hangman” system. The 18" version is a good choice, but it’s a bit too long. Just cut it to length with a hacksaw, mount the pieces to the cleat and wall according to the instructions, and you’re set.
Tags
- Floating Shelves
- Intermediate
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