Microwave Shelf

Home repair expert Henry Harrison helps a guest reclaim some of her limited counter space by building a shelf to hold her microwave oven.

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Before

Materials and Tools:

workbench
carpenter's square
circular saw
spring clamp
tape measure
jig (pocket hole cutter) and clamp
straight-edge clamp
drill and bits
orbital sander
long clamp
dust mask
safety glasses
stud finder
pencil
suitable lumber for shelf
square-drive pan-head screws
pocket hole plugs
glue

Steps:

1. Come up with a plan for what you want to do. This microwave shelf is basically a box without a back.

2. Put on the safety glasses and dust mask, then mark and cut your lumber using the circular saw. Use the carpenter's square to make a perfectly straight and true cut.

3. For a professional look, use a pocket jig and clamp to drill pocket holes into the bottom and top boards.

4. Dab some glue along the edge of the board and attach the sides by driving square-drive pan-head screws through the pockets and into the side boards.

5. Cover the screws by inserting wooden pocket hole covers into the pockets. Dab some glue in the hole then insert a cover. Sand the cover flush using an orbital sander. Make sure you wear safety goggles and a dust mask when using the sander.

6. Now it's time to attach your new microwave shelf. Find and mark wall studs using a stud finder.

7. Pre-drill holes through your new shelf and into the studs using countersinking bit, then attach shelf with screws. Paint the shelf to match your surrounding cabinets, or just stain and seal it to showcase the natural beauty of the wood.