Adding A Chunky Shelf

In my quest to give you a tour around my home, this is Part 1 of the foyer. It started with the hanging of the chandelier. The niches in this post are on either side of the front door. They have shown up earlier in the painting post.
To refresh your memory here is a rerun of the WIP* of the niches.
Left side of front door, outfitted with a little, plastic build-a-shelf.

INTENTIONALLY BLANK

Right side of front door. This one is quite a bit deeper. Why aren't they symmetrical? Beats me! In this one you can see how handily the attic steps fit there. And, um, the attic is no where near here.

This is the chunky shelf after. Are ya feelin' it?

How it was done:
Underneath, 1"x2"s (you can use whatever spare lumber you have around) were cut to the approximate size of the shelf, then screwed in at the studs. Just remember that after you measure, also level the lines so the shelf will sit straight. (I tried to pull the shelf off, put it was in pretty tightly. When I started chipping paint off the wall, I decided to just crawl underneath.)

The following is a view of the top:
I shot this view so you could see the construction of the front. The top is made with 1/2" plywood cut to size. My dad made these for me, so he cut them. Honestly, a power saw is one of the tools I haven't personally used yet. You can always have the handy peeps at the store you buy it at cut it for you. Be sure to measure the width at the front and back because it is rarely the same. The front board can be cut from your plywood, or you can use a 1" x 6", or whatever size you want. Nail, screw or glue the front board to the top board. You want the "seam" on the top, so the front is clean.

Prime,

Paint,

Slide into place
(You could caulk around the edges if you want.)

Accessorize and admire your work!

*Whoo Hoo Work In Progress

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