DIY Crown Moulding Shelf

For the 8 months we have lived in this house I have been at a loss at what to do with my daughter's room.  She is the oldest and has her own space, for now.  Her room has high vaulted ceilings, a plant ledge, and a large window.  Although these features are beautiful, I have to admit, they are intimidating.  What her room is lacking is functionality.  She needs more floor space, more shelf space and some pretty things to look at.  I finally have a plan for my daughter's room.  The first step is adding decorative storage with a wall length crown moulding ledge shelf.  I was able to build this 11' shelf for about $20.00!

Items Purchased:

2=1x4x12 pine boards $6.12 each

1=12' crown moulding  $7.32 each

Tools Needed:

Tape Measure

Pencil

Large Level

Stud Finder

Miter Saw

5=2" Screws

8=1 1/4 Screws

Brad Nailer and Air Compressor

Additional Items:

Beadboard wallpaper

Paint

2" Angle Brush

Step 1: Measure, Mark, Level, Locate

Measure and mark 13" down from the ceiling several times along the wall.

Using a level and a pencil draw a horizontal line all the way along the wall.

Mark the studs use a stud finder to locate all the studs.

Step 2:  Measure, Cut, Mark, Drill

Measure the length of the wall ( my wall measured 130" 1/2) and cut the 1x4 to fit.  Hold the board up to the line and mark the board where the markings for the studs line up.  I marked 8 studs and only attached the board to 5.  To prevent splitting pre-drill holes, for screws, in board.  Attach to wall using 2" screws.  *Tip: Check for level again.*

I added the beadboard wall paper at this point.  In retrospect, I should of waited until the next step was completed.  The wall paper scuffs easily!

Step 3:  Measure, Cut, Drill

Cut the top board to the same length as the bottom board.  Pre-drill about every 16".  Place on top, forming an ledge.  Secure, drilling from top, with 1 1/4" screws.

Step 4:  Measure, Cut, Nail

Cut the crown moulding to the same length as the other 2 boards.  Place the board equal distance from both edges of the other boards.  My set back was 5/8".  Nail along the bottom then along the top.

Step 5:  Putty, Tape, Prime, Paint

Fill in the nail holes with wood putty.  I even used a little on the wood knots.  Tape the edges of the walls that need protected.  I didn't tape because I was painting the walls.  Use a good primer to cover the knots, I prefer Kilz.  Then paint the whole shelf using a semi-gloss or gloss paint.  I used the same color as the trim and doors.

Overall this project was easy.   I was able to do most of it myself.  I needed an extra hand to hold the boards up while I attached them to the wall.  Now I have to go paint.  I'll post more later.

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