How to Build a Shelf Into an Alcove

If you need extra storage or shelf space, try using an alcove in your home to support a shelf. It provides a creative and useful niche for books, trinkets, DVDs, speaker equipment,or anything else that needs minimal amount of support. The easiest way to set up a shelf in an alcove is to use three wooden cleats, fitting one across the back of the alcove, and the other two to fit on either side of the wooden shelf, providing support from all angles.

Instructions

1

Cut a cleat to fit across each side of the alcove by trimming one end to a 45-degree angle, then cut a length to fit across the back of the alcove, minus the width of the two side pieces. This makes it nice looking at the front.

2

Drill and countersink a hole for clearance through the cleat, about one-third and two-thirds of the way across. Hold the cleat up to the side of the alcove at the correct height. Use the spirit level to make sure that it is straight. Next, use a pencil to draw a line above the top of the cleat to mark the exact position and also mark the drill howls with an awl.

3

Drill screw holes into the wall where you marked with the awl. Hold the drill square to the wall so that the hole will be straight. Lightly tap the wall anchors into each hole and screw the cleat in place. A power screwdriver might make this easier if you have a lot of screws.

4

Cut the shelf to fit the alcove. Balance one end of the shelf on the cleat, and lower it into position using your hands as support. To show the positions for the remaining two cleats, adjust the spirit level on top to make sure that it is straight and then draw a pencil line along the underside, back and opposite edge of the shelf.

5

Attach the cleats to the wall in the same way as the first cleat, then rest the shelf on top to support it. If you wish, you can screw the shelf to the cleat to make it even more secure.