By Matt Fox
It seems more and more homes that are being built today have a grand entrance.
That's nice, but if you're like me, you like to have places to set stuff. And you know that Shari, my longtime friend and cohort on Room by Room, loves to have stuff all around the house -- or in her designer lingo, "accessories."
This entry way bridge is a perfect project to add a little detail and a great display space for an entry. By the way, you may want to play the theme music to "Bridge Over the River Kwai" during the construction of this project to set the mood.
Tools required:
circular saw
cordless drill
hammer
4d finish nails/or nail gun
spackle
multi purpose primer
interior latex semi-gloss paint
four 4-inch l brackets
torpedo level
wall anchors/toggle bolts
decorative brackets
Step 1. Define the Shelf
The purpose of this project is to span a space between two pillars in an entry way leading into a curved vaulted hallway, that leads into the living room. Not only is its function to help create a visual effect for the entry, but it is a great way to display accessories in an area where no shelves or furniture are available.
Step 2. Spanning the Distance.
Measure the distance that the bridge will span. Using a circular saw, cut a piece of lumber to that length. I used a piece of 1" x 10" pine, because I knew it would be a painted project -- allowing a gap of 1/8-inch on each end for expansion.
The cut of the saw will allow for this if you cut off the line of measurement -- the cut is referred to as the kerf.
Using a trim type of your choice (trim comes in many styles -- try to match the existing trim style in the room where shelf will be installed), cut the trim the same length as the shelf. Attach the trim to the shelf so that the bottom of the trim is flush with the bottom of the shelf. The trim will rise above the shelf once installed to create a lip. Attach the trim using finish nails. Countersink the nails and spackle with a flush spackle. Prime the shelf and trim with multi-purpose primer followed by two coats of latex interior semi-gloss of the color of your choice.
Step 3. Crossing the Great Divide.
Attach a pair of L brackets at each end of the bridge. The L brackets should be on the top of the shelf so that they will be hidden when the shelf is installed.
Make sure the screws you use are not longer then the shelf is wide. How many times have you done that? I know I have.
Determine where the shelf will be installed. Use a torpedo level ( a level that is about 8 inches long and can be slipped into a pocket), and place a level line to give yourself a guide while installing the shelf. With the help of a friend, set the shelf in position using the guide lines. Make a mark where the L brackets screw holes are positioned.
Drill pilot holes at the marks. If you hit a stud, you're lucky. If you don't, then use strong enough toggle bolts to hold the weight of the shelf and the accessories that will be placed on it.
Hold the shelf in position and attach with screws (if you hit studs) or the toggle bolts.
Step 4. Attract oohs and ahhs.
Once the bridge has been installed, it probably looks great as is, but as with any fine structure, the extra details are what will draw the crowds.
We purchased two brackets that actually are used as candle holders to put on the wall that help hold the shelf up. Not only were they attractive, they lent a little extra support for the shelf.
There are many options, but if the shelf looks great alone, so be it.
This project, as I said before, was to span an entry way. You might not have the same type space, but you might have a area that could use a bridge like this one.
One word of caution: Make sure you use strong enough toggles to hold the weight of the bridge. We wouldn't want the bridge to fall into the drink, so to speak. Enjoy this project and have fun putting all the cool stuff -- I mean accessories -- in place.
(Matt Fox writes this column with Shari Hiller. They also co-host the Home & Garden Television show Room By Room.)
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