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Haley Simple Shelves

A basic three-board wall shelf with short end sides, sized to whatever length you need and hung straight through the back into studs.

Cut list

Part	Qty	T × W × L	Material	✓
Top Cut to your own desired shelf length.	1	3/4" × 7 1/4" × 24"	1x8	☐
Back Your desired shelf length minus 5-1/2".	1	3/4" × 3 1/2" × 18 1/2"	1x4	☐
Sides Cut from a single 12" 1x6.	2	3/4" × 5 1/2" × 6"	1x6	☐

Item	Qty	✓
1x8 board, 24" (or your desired shelf length) (Pine)	1 each	☐
1x4 board, 18-1/2" (your desired shelf length minus 5-1/2") (Pine)	1 each	☐
1x6 board, 12" (Pine)	1 each	☐
Pocket-hole screws, countersunk screws, or finish nails	10 each	☐
Wood glue	1 oz	☐

Overall cost: $. Lumber varies by region, species, and season, so we give a band rather than a figure.

Drill / Driver
Drill Bit Set
Pencil
Speed Square
Tape Measure
Brad Nailer — optional
Hearing Protection — optional
Jigsaw — optional
Level — optional
Confirms the shelf hangs level once you've located a stud.
Pocket Hole Jig — optional
Can be replaced with countersunk screws or nails and glue.
Safety Glasses — optional

1. Attach the back to the sides
Tools: Drill / Driver, Pocket Hole Jig. Materials: 1x4 board, 18-1/2" (your desired shelf length minus 5-1/2"), 1x6 board, 12", Pocket-hole screws, countersunk screws, or finish nails, Wood glue
Attach the back board to the two side pieces. If you're using a pocket-hole jig, also drill pocket holes facing upward on this assembly now, for attaching the top in the next step.
2. Attach the top and hang the shelf
Tools: Drill / Driver, Level. Materials: 1x8 board, 24" (or your desired shelf length), Pocket-hole screws, countersunk screws, or finish nails, Wood glue
Attach the top to the sides and back. When you hang the shelf, screw directly through the back 1x4 into the studs in your wall, checking with a level as you go.