This DIY project is all about building a corner shelf for your TV. First, we’ll walk you through the supplies you need to build the shelf. We’ll then show you how to cut and sand the boards of your shelf so that they’re smooth and ready for assembly. Next, we’ll show you how to use a miter saw to make precise mitered edges on each piece of wood. Finally, we’ll show you how to assemble the pieces using 90-degree connectors, and we’ll also discuss how finishing your shelf will complete the project.
Heres how to build a corner shelf for a flat screen tv.
Before you begin construction, use a miter saw to cut the wood to size. Make sure that your cuts are clean and straight, using a jig (also called a miter box) to guide your saw.
Next, use a second jig to ensure that the ends of each board are perfectly square with one another. This will make all subsequent cuts easier.
Then use yet another jig on each piece of wood so they all have perfectly centered edges at both ends (remember when we talked about symmetry? Now’s the time!).
Finally, adjust your last jig so it fits snugly along one edge of every piece of lumber so that everything remains evenly spaced and level during assembly—this is crucial
All of the supplies can be found at your local hardware store.
- Materials:
- 1×3″ pine boards (both for the sides and shelves)
- 2×4″ pine boards (for the bottom of the supports)
- Tools:
- Hammer and nails to pound your wood pieces together.
- Skil saw or jigsaw (to cut out your board patterns).
- Materials at hardware store: 1×3″, 2×4″, finishing nails, sandpaper, wood glue
First youll want to prep your boards, cut them to size and sand the cut edges smooth.
First, you’ll want to prep your boards. Cut them to size and sand the cut edges smooth. You can use a belt sander or a hand sander (also called a palm sander). If you have access to a palm sander, it will make this job easier—but if not, don’t worry. A regular old hand sander will work just fine.
Next up: sandpaper! You can use any kind of sandpaper for this project; it doesn’t matter if it’s coarse or fine grit. The purpose of using sandpaper is mainly so that your finished project is smoother and shinier than when you started out with raw wood without sanded edges (which would look like mini-sticks). If you’re feeling fancy and want to experiment with different types of paper then go for it—but if not then just stick with whatever type comes in the package at Home Depot because those guys know what they’re doing
Using a miter saw place both of the 45 degree connectors on it and set it to 45 degrees.
Using a miter saw, place both of the 45 degree connectors on it and set it to 45 degrees. This will allow you to make two cuts in one direction for each board. To make sure that all the cuts are going in the same direction, clamp down one end of each board before cutting them.
You can also use a sanding block to smooth out any rough edges or splinters from your cut boards.
Mark out where you want to make your cuts on the shelves then clamp down the pieces you are cutting.
You can use a pencil and ruler to mark out where you need to cut, or you can use a miter saw to make the cuts.
If you don’t have access to a table saw or circular saw, then head down to your local hardware store and pick up some hand tools like these:
- A clamp
- A pencil (to mark out)
- A tape measurer/meter stick (to measure lengths)
For the first cut set up your saw so that the blade is centered in one of the slots on your jig. This will give you a true 90 degree angle for that first cut.
For the first cut, set up your saw so that the blade is centered in one of the slots on your jig. This will give you a true 90 degree angle for that first cut. Make sure the blade is aligned with the centerline you have drawn, then check to make sure it’s also centered in its slot on either side of your line. Once all three are checked, tighten down your clamps and make that first cut.
For all other cuts just set up your saw so that the blade is centered in one of the slots on your jig, this will give you 45 degree angles for each cut. Make sure you make all of your cuts in the same direction so that all of your pieces point in the same way.
A miter saw is a great tool for doing this and you can use a jig to make sure all of your cuts are at 45 degree angles. Set up your saw so that the blade is centered in one of the slots on your jig and make all of your cuts in the same direction so that all of your pieces point in the same way. This will help ensure that everything fits together nicely when we put it together later on.
Apply two coats of finish sanding lightly between coats with a fine grit sandpaper 180 – 220 grit paper works best here. Allow everything to dry thoroughly before proceeding to the next step
Now take one of your 90 degree angled shelves and clamp it in place then screw it into the end piece using 3 screws per joint. Repeat this step for all 4 corners.
Now take one of your 90 degree angled shelves and clamp it in place then screw it into the end piece using 3 screws per joint. Repeat this step for all 4 corners.
Once finished, you’ll want to make sure that there is no gap between the shelf and the end piece of wood (this can be done by slowly rotating or moving the shelf until you find a tight fit). If there is any gap at all, use a small amount of wood glue to fill it in before securing with more screws. Most hardware stores carry wood glue so don’t worry about trying to find something else.
After assembling each corner, carefully unclamp them just enough so that you can reach around them and secure everything with 2 additional screws each joint that connects to another surface (for example: if your corner joins onto either side wall then secure them together). This step is essential because if these joints aren’t secured well enough they could eventually weaken over time due to movement caused by heating/cooling systems which may cause pieces too break off causing damage inside your home.
Double check that everything fits together nicely then apply two coats of finish sanding lightly between coats with a fine grit sandpaper 180 – 220 grit paper works best here. Allow everything to dry thoroughly before proceeding to the next step
Check that the shelf and trim fit together nicely, before applying finish.
If they do, apply two coats of finish sanding lightly between coats with a fine grit sandpaper 180 – 220 grit paper works best here. Allow everything to dry thoroughly before proceeding to the next step
Conclusion
Now you have all of the pieces assembled for your corner shelf. You can now attach it to the wall by screwing through the back of the open end piece into a stud in the wall. If you arent able to find a stud or do not want to drill into one you can use drywall anchors, just make sure that they are rated for a heavy load.
