I love the raw appeal of pine. It's also a fantastically quick and easy material to work with using household tools. I had the pieces pre-cut (to the specifications listed in the materials list) by my local DIY store.

Materials:

• Pine wood: 2 -47'' x 6'', 2 - 18'' x 8'', 1 -18'' x 7'', 1 - 18'' x 5''
• Sanding block with sandpaper
• Drill and wood drill bit
• Wood screws
• Saw
• Cardboard
• Pencil
• Glue gun and screw caps (optional)

Instructions:

Step 1: Cut the angled edges.

To create the ladder effect, the shelf needs to lean back slightly. I created a cardboard template to ensure all my angles were perfectly aligned.

To make your template, measure a piece of card 6 1/2'' long. Then measure 1 1/2'' high and, using a ruler, draw a line from this point to the corner on the opposite side of the card. Cut along this line and you will be left with a wedge-shaped piece of card.

Take the template and line it up against the end of the two long pieces of wood with the corners meeting. Draw along this line.



Do the same at the other end of the wood, turning the templates so that the thinner end of the wedge is at the opposite corner. Using the saw, cut along both of these lines.


Step 2: Find what will be the back of your shelf along the longer lengths of wood. The back will make up the corner with the wider angle. Mark this in pencil so you don't get confused later on. Measure along the back of the panel, making off every 9'' until you have four points.


Step 3: At each one of these points line the template up so that the smallest edge is flush with the opposite side of the wood. Mark along the angled edge of the cardboard. This should be parallel with the angle at the end of the plank.



Step 4: Measure and mark 2 small crosses along each of these lines, both 2'' in from either side of the wood.



Step 5: Take the second long length of wood and turn it over onto the opposite side. Repeat steps 2 - 5 so that the markings make a chevron shape repeating along the lengths of wood.


Step 6: Drill holes all the way through the wood at every cross.


Step 7: Turn the first of these longer lengths of wood so that the front is flat against the surface you are using. Take one of the 18'' x 8'' shelf pieces and line it up along the pencil mark you made earlier.


Step 8: Screw in two of the wood screws through the pre-drilled holes and into the shelf to hold in place. My electric drill has a low setting for screws, but you can do this with a screwdriver if that is easier for you.



Step 9: Repeat this last step screwing each shelf into place along the longer length of wood in ascending size order. Once all the shelves are secure, line up the second longer piece and attach with the screws.


Step 10: If you want you can cover the screw heads with caps. I actually prefer the look of the metal against the pine, but this is entirely up to you. If you are worried about scratches or slips you can glue rubber onto the bottom of the shelf to make more secure.


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