Are you in the mood for a fresh, new look in your home? Decorate an accent wall with stylish, functional shelves. On their own, these rustic shelves made from log slices are as much a work of art as the accessories you display on them. Use them to draw attention to your prettiest clothbound books, a vase of fresh flowers or framed artwork. Best of all, you can make and install the shelves in less than 30 minutes.
Online vendors offer log slices made from several types of wood, so you can shop around for one that best suits your style. If you want your shelves to have a classic look and match those in this DIY, look for log slices made from pine or walnut. Birch, on the other hand, will have white bark and a smoother edge that can pair well with contemporary decor. Juniper log slices offer interesting color and shape variations, as does yew.
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Materials
- Log slice
- Measuring tape
- Pencil
- Sawhorse
- Handheld clamp or vice, 2
- Electric jigsaw
- Sandpaper
- Shelf bracket, 2
- Electric screwdriver
- Drill bit
- Phillips-head bit
- 1/4-inch Phillips-head screws, 6
- 1-inch Phillips-head screws, 6
- Measuring tape
- Pencil
- Sawhorse
- Handheld clamp or vice, 2
- Electric jigsaw
- Sandpaper
- Shelf bracket, 2
- Electric screwdriver
- Drill bit
- Phillips-head bit
- 1/4-inch Phillips-head screws, 6
- 1-inch Phillips-head screws, 6
DIY Everywhere
Instructions
1. Place the log slice on a sawhorse. Use a measuring tape to draw a straight line down the center of the slice.
2. Clamp one side of the log slice to the sawhorse. Use the electric jigsaw to cut the log slice in half along the line made in step 1.
3. Sand the cut edges of the slices.
4. Turn one log slice upside down. Place a shelf bracket on the underside of the slice and center it. Mark the holes where the screws will go.
5. Use the drill bit on an electric screwdriver to drill guide holes into each mark. Switch out the drill bit for a Phillips-head bit. Place the bracket on top of the guide holes. Screw a 1/4-inch screw through each bracket hole and into the guide hole.
6. Repeat steps 4 and 5 for the second log slice.
7. Hold one shelf up on the wall where you'd like to hang it. Mark the holes where the screws will go.
8. Use the drill bit on an electric screwdriver to drill guide holes into each mark on the wall. Switch out the drill bit for a Phillips-head bit. Place the bracket on top of the guide holes. Screw a 1-inch screw through each bracket hole and into the guide hole.
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9. Repeat steps 7 and 8 for the second shelf.
10. Place books, vases or other accessories on the shelf.