Build a Simple Bar Shelf For Extra Seating

Tools and Materials:

one sheet of 3/4” birch wood
three 2x4s
quarter-round molding
white semi-gloss paint
nail gun and nails
drill and 4” screws
one sheet of bendable plywood
wood filler
circular saw
orbital sander

Steps:

1. Drill together 2x4s to create two cleats for bar (we made two because our bar wrapped around a corner).

2. Using the stud finder, locate the studs on the wall. Determine the height you would like the bar to be.

3. Using 4” screws, mount assembled pieces as cleats into the studs at the appropriate height.

4. Cut two pieces of birch to the length/width of each cleat, creating the top and bottom pieces of the bar.

5. Attach the top and bottom bar surface to the 2x4 cleats. Our bar wrapped around a corner, so we rounded the corner of the bar in order not to have a sharp edge.

6. Face the front of the bar with a thin strip of bendable plywood attaching it with wood glue and nails. If you have a rounded corner, you may have to use clamps to hold the plywood in place until you can nail it on.

7. Fasten molding to the wall to cover the gap where the bar meets the wall. This is optional, but may be necessary if your walls are less the plumb.

8. Use wood filler to fill in gaps and nail holes, sand the bar then paint with white semi-gloss paint.