Learn how to make an upcycled shutter shelf unit with this quick and easy tutorial, that can be completed in a weekend.
You say you’ve got some old shutters and don’t know what to do with them? Consider making a DIY shutter shelf unit that can easily be completed in a weekend.
While visiting family years ago, I spied this lovely repurposed corner shutter shelf unit (see above) that my father had made for his outdoor porch. It was truly an inspiring piece of furniture and one that I wanted to share with you.
It’s easy enough to make, even for folks with limited carpentry skills. However, you will need to use either a power, table saw or handsaw and a drill.
The rest of the supplies are simple enough: two shutters that will be the supporting sides of this unit. They can be salvage pieces or brand new.
If you’re using salvage pieces, you have the option of using them as is or refinishing as you like.
For the shelves, you can again use salvage or leftover plywood, hardwood or newly purchased lengths of wood. Once cut, you will attach these shelves to the shutters and finish it however you want.
Again, this is a great weekend project that not only looks amazing but will last for years to come as a beautiful furniture piece for any home decor: shabby chic, modern, farmhouse and more.
What you’ll love the most about this shutter corner shelves project is that it is so easy to make–even if you have limited carpentry skills. And, the fact this uses reclaimed wooden shutters is perfect for folks wanting to upcycle or recycle unused materials–Sweet!
How to Make an Upcycled Corner Shutter Shelf Unit
Level of expertise to make this Corner Shutter Shelf project is BEGINNER to INTERMEDIATE.
Supplies you will need:
- Power saw, table saw or hand saw
- Sandpaper (to strip old paint and smooth shutters)
- Paint or Stain
- 2 1″x2″ pine strip
- 1 2’x4′ clear pine board
- 1 1/4″ – 1 1/2″ Staples, Brad Nails, Pin Nails, or Finishing Nails
Figure 1
(Note: Above Figure not drawn to scale.)
Instructions
1. Take a look at Figure 1 above.
2. Assemble your corner unit by cutting the first 1″x2″ strip to the length of the shutters. (A)
3. Attach one shutter to short end of board and the other to the long side, per drawing. (B)
4. To determine the measurements for each shelf, measure from the inside corner out to the edge of each shutter. (C) and (see Below).
5. Next cut the 1″x2″ supports so that they overlap one another in the corner.
6. Using staples or short brad nails, attach shelf to each support from above and then to each shutter on the inside of the unit, making sure each side of the shelf is level.
7. If you want to get a bit fancy, you also can trim the ends of the 1″x2″ strips on an angle and sand them smooth. Do this before you attach them to the underside of the shelves. (see Below)
8. Finish your shutter corner shelf unit as you like with paint or stain. You can also opt not to refinish it. But if you want to leave your unit outdoors, be sure to use a good sealer.
If you love this project, check out my Pinterest Boards DIY and Crafts Ideas and Recycle Upcycle Reuse, as well as these upcycle favorites right here on Wisconsin Homemaker:
- DIY Glass Garden Totem Project
- DIY Mod Podge Serving Trays
- DIY Seashell Candelabra Project
- Upcycled Closet Ideas
- 14 Upcycled Home Office Ideas
- 20 Amazing Home Decor Upcycle Ideas
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