Wooden Wine Shelf

Are you looking for a good place to keep your bottles of wine?  Not only does this wine shelf look really nice, but it keeps the bottles and the wine glasses all together in one location.  Sure, you can go buy something similar to this and just hang it on the wall and be done with it.  But what fun is that?! Not only is it cheaper to make your own, but you can also customize it to fit your need or preference.  Besides, there's a great value you can put on something you made with your own hands.  To top it off, this shelf isn't a hard build and doesn't require a lot of different tools.  So let's get started!

Tools Needed:

• Tape Measure
• Table Saw
• Miter Saw
• Jig Saw
• Palm Sander
• Router (Optional)
• KREG Pocket-Hole Jig (Optional)

Materials Needed:

• 1" x 6" x 8' White Pine board
• 1" x 8" x 8' White Pine board
• 1-1/4" Pocket-hole screws (Coarse-thread)
• 2" Finish Nails
• Wood Stain
• Polyurethane

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This shelf was built using white pine, which is a soft wood and is very easy to work with.  It is easy to shape and sand.  It can also be stained to achieve the color of your choosing.  All the boards have square cuts with all pieces butted together and joined using pocket-hole screws.  This is a very simple method of joinery and leaves all screws hidden.  The only thing you need is the KREG Pocket-Hole Jig and it is not very expensive.  If you not familiar with this system, you can check out my previous post: "Discovering Pocket-Holes!".   

Using the table saw and miter saw, the first thing you will need to do is Cut all the pieces to correct length and width.  Since a 1" x 6" actually measures 5-1/2" wide, all the pieces of that board will only need to be cut to length on the Miter saw.  A 1" x 8" actually measures 7-1/4" wide and only three pieces of that board will need to be cut to width on the Table saw.  There are only eight total pieces (four off of each board) needed to make this wine shelf.  See the following list for correct measurements:

(1" x 6" x 8'  Board)

1. 18" L x 5-1/2" W (Left Side)
2. 18" L x 5-1/2" W (Right Side)
3. 24" L x 5-1/2" W (Front)
4. 24" L x 5-1/2" W (Bottom- Glass Holder)

(1" x 8" x 8' Board)

1. 24" L x 7-1/4" W (Back-Bottom)
2. 26" L x 6" W (Top)
3. 24" L x 4" W (Bottom of Wine Bottle Shelf)
4. 24" L x 3" W (Back-Top)

Now that all of the pieces are cut to length and width, you will need to Cut the slots in the very bottom piece.  These slots will allow the wine glasses to slide in and hang upside down from the shelf.  You will need to mark 1/4" wide slots 6" apart from each other.  Since the inside of the shelf is 24" long, and this shelf will have 4 glasses hanging from it, you can mark the first slot at 3" from one end.  After that, mark your next slot 6" away.  Repeat the process for the next two and you should have 3" remaining to the other end, which would make the slots centered in the shelf.  Once all the slots are marked, measure a center point (lengthwise) along each slot.  This should be at 2-3/4".  At that point you will need to drill a 1-1/2" hole through the board.  After all the holes are drilled, use the Jig Saw to cut the slots you already have marked from the front edge of the board to the holes.  This allows a glass to slide through the slot and sit down just a bit in the hole.  The hole keeps the glass still and free from sliding around.

 If you prefer, this is a great time to dress up some of the edges with a Router.  I chose to use a chamfer bit, which cuts at a 45 degree along the edge, on the Top, Left and Right Sides, Front, and along one edge of the Back pieces.  After this step, be sure to give all the pieces a good sanding with a Palm Sander and some 220 grit sandpaper.

With everything cut, it's time to Assemble all the pieces.  As I said earlier, I prefer to use pocket-holes screws to assemble this shelf, but if you don't have the KREG Jig, you can still use 2" finish nails instead.  Regardless which method you choose, it is very Important to make sure and use some wood glue in every joint!  To get started, you will need to attach the Front piece to the Shelf Bottom piece.  The front should cap over the shelf bottom, using pocket-hole screws through the bottom of the shelf piece.  Next, attach the other edge of the shelf bottom to the Bottom-Back piece, again using pocket-hole screws through the bottom of the shelf piece.  Make sure to leave the Bottom-Back piece hanging 1" below the Shelf Bottom.  This allows an open slot for the bottom of the glasses to slide through.  Next you can attach the Bottom-Glass Holder piece to the Bottom-Back piece using pocket-hole screws through the backside of the Bottom-Back piece.  After this, attach the Left Side piece, making sure everything is straight and square.  Repeat this for the Right Side piece.  Once you've got this far, attach the Back-Top piece in between the Left and Right sides along the back side at the top.  Again, use pocket-hole screws from the backside of the Back-Top piece.  The only thing left now is to attach the Top piece.  You can do this by using pocket-hole screws through the inside of the side pieces or just use 2" finish nails through the top into the side pieces.  The Top should be hanging over the side pieces by 1/2" on each side.

After it's all assembled, it's time to Apply the Finish.  Again, this is where you can customize this shelf to your preference.  I chose to apply a Minwax English Chestnut stain.  This was done by applying it with a cotton rag and then wiping away the excess with another cotton rag.  After waiting approximately 8 hours or so, I applied a coat of Minwax Semi-Gloss Polyurethane, using a foam brush.  You'll need to wait 4-6 hours for this to dry.  Once dry, lightly sand the shelf with 220 grit sandpaper- very lightly!  Wipe away all dust using a cotton rag with a little paint thinner on it.  Follow this with a tack cloth to make sure ALL dust has been removed.  You can now apply a 2nd coat of polyurethane.  Be careful to not allow it to run.  To really make it nice and smooth, repeat the same steps for a 3rd coat of polyurethane, but make sure to use a 400 grit sandpaper on this step.

Done!  That wasn't that bad, was it?  Now just hang it on the wall and fill it up.  Hope this was helpful.  Please leave me a comment with your thoughts or maybe even share some ideas of your own!  

Good luck and God Bless!

Making a Cedar Chest

Of all woodworking projects, the popularity of the cedar chest has definitely stood the test of time.  It's a piece of furniture that is usually around for many years, often times passed down from generation to generation.  There are also many different styles, shapes and sizes of cedar chests. Some are made with a different material and then have a thin layer of cedar applied to the inside, while others are made of solid cedar boards.  Some are made with the boards joined together vertically, while others are horizontal.  There's so many options that I'm sure there is one to match your personal style and woodworking experience.  Hopefully, this post is easy to follow and makes it helpful for you to build a cedar chest yourself.


Tools Needed:

• Tape Measure
• Table Saw
• Miter Saw
• Jointer
• Biscuit Cutter
• Drill/ Driver
• Bar Clamps 
• Palm Sander
• KREG Pocket-Hole Jig (Optional)
• Router (Optional)

**Affiliate links are used on this page.  See my disclosure page for more info on affiliate programs.

Before we get started, let's go over a few details first:

First of all, I used rough-cut cedar boards that were approximately 1-1/4" thick and planed them down to 1" thick with a portable planer.  If you prefer, you can buy lumber that is already planed from your local lumber yard.  If you do, make sure to adjust your measurements to account for the different thickness.  

Also, the particular chest that I've built for this post is 18" tall x 26" long x 18" wide.  The method used here will consist of solid cedar boards.  Each board's width varies from 3" to 6".  The boards will be joined together edge to edge, so you'll need enough boards to account for the lengths of each panel of the chest, plus a little extra. 

Now, let's begin........

The first step for me (after I had all the boards planed) was to Lay out the boards for each panel of the chest.  There are six panels: 

1. Front- measures 26" L x 16" T
2. Back- measures 26" L x 16" T
3. Left side- measures 16" L x 16" T
4. Right side- measures 16" L x 16" T
5. Bottom- measures 24" L x 16" W
6. Top- measures 26-1/4" L x 18-1/4" W

 For example, the Front panel should consist of enough boards approximately 17" long (16" + a little extra) that, when put together edge to edge, will add up to approximately 27" (26" + a little extra).  The extra is there to allow us to trim the panels down to exact size on the table saw when ready.  

Now that all the boards are laid out and you enough for each panel, it's a good idea to Run them through the Jointer.  The jointer is a power tool that operates very much like a thickness planer, except that it cuts the edge of a board instead of the face.  The purpose is to ensure that, when the boards are joined together, there are no gaps in between them.

After all the edges have been ran through the jointer, you are ready to Cut slots in the edges of the board with the Biscuit Cutter.  This power tool cuts a slot in the edge of the board.  In turn, a wooden "biscuit" is inserted into the slots and this helps strengthen the joints.  This works in way similar to using wooden dowels.  Before cutting the slots, make a mark about 1-1/2" from the end of the boards, and also every 3-4 inches in between.  It is very important to make marks on every board at the exact same locations.  If you don't, the boards may not fit together.  After all the slots are cut, use some wood glue along the edges and in the slots.  Insert the biscuits in the slots and fit the boards together.

Once the boards are glued, biscuits inserted and fit together, Clamp them together!  I used 3 bar clamps on each panel- one placed at the top, bottom, and in the middle.  Let the clamps remain on the panels for at least 24 hours.  This way the glue has enough time to dry.  Repeat the same process for all six panels.

After waiting 24 hours, release the clamps and you are now ready to Trim the panels to the final size.  Using a Table Saw, you cut these panels to the final measurements mentioned above.  Now you should have six panels.  Before you start the assembly process, this would be a good time to sand all pieces with a Palm Sander.

Now that all panels are trimmed to size and sanded, it's Time to Assemble the pieces.  Let's start by making the bottom.  Turn the bottom panel upside down and attach three 1" x 3" boards across the panel using screws, making sure that the screws do not go all the way through the floor.  This will add strength to the bottom of the chest.  Now you can start attaching the four side panels to the bottom panel using finish nails or screws.  The left and right side panels will fit inside of the front and back panels and will attach with finish nails or Pocket-Hole Screws.  I would suggest that you start by attaching the front to the bottom.  Then attach the left side to the bottom, and then to the front along the corner.  Repeat the process for the other side.  And finally, attach the back to the bottom, and then to both side panels along the corners.  After all sides are in place, attach a 1" x 3" board around the top on the inside of the chest.  This will help tie everything together.  Congratulations, you've now built a box!

The next step is to Trim & Attach the Lid.  Just like you did on the bottom panel, turn the top panel upside down and attach three 1" x 3"  boards across the panel using screws, again making sure that the screws do not go all the way through lid.  After turning the panel back over, trim around the lid with cedar boards, making sure that they are 1/4" wider than the full thickness of the top panel.  For example, if you material is all 1" thick, then your full thickness would be 2".  Therefore, your trim pieces would need to be 2-1/4" wide.  Using a Miter Saw, cut the ends of the trim boards at a 45 degree angle.  Attach them all around the lid, using finish nails, keeping the top edge of the trim flush with the top of the lid.  Now you are ready to attach it.
  There are several different kind of hinges to use on the lid, but I prefer a piano hinge, which is a continuous hinge along the entire length of the lid.  If you can't find the correct length of hinge, you can always buy one that is long and cut it to correct length with a hacksaw.  With the lid laying in place on the chest, attach the hinge to both the lid and the back of the chest with the provided screws.

After the lid is installed and working, it's time to Install Base Trim & Handles.  Using the same size of cedar boards as you used as trim around the lid, trim around the bottom of the chest in the same way.  This gives a nice finished look to the project.  The last item to install is the handles.  You can purchase handles from a hardware store, or do as I did, and make handles out of cedar boards you have left over.  I used 2" wide boards, that were 5" long, and attached them to the sides using screws from the inside of the chest and they worked great!  If you want, you can also Router the edges of the Lid and the Base trim to dress it up a little more.

Now that the cedar chest has been constructed and is working correctly, the final step is to Apply the Finish.  I chose not to use a stain on the chest because I wanted to keep the original color of the cedar.  I did, however, apply three coats of polyurethane.  Polyurethane provides a very durable protective surface to the wood, while also giving it a good shine.  These clear coats come in different finishes, such as satin, semi-gloss, or gloss.  Also, if you apply it with a foam brush, it's easier to control visible brush marks after it's dry.

Cedar Chest.....DONE!

Now obviously this project requires a little time to complete, but it's worth it.  Remember that you don't have to make it too complicated.  There are many different methods of construction out there, but not all are too complicated.  It is definitely possible to build this project, even if you don't have an amazing array of tools, or experienced woodworking abilities.  Hopefully this tutorial will give you the confidence you need, and the know-how to make that cedar chest you've always wanted.

As always, please feel free to leave me a comment and let me know what you think.  Good Luck!

Building a Round Reception Desk

Recently, my wife was wanting to do some updating to the inside of her hair salon.  This involved painting the walls, removing an old L-shaped reception desk (that she has always hated) and building her a new one.  She didn't want just any ordinary desk to replace the old one, she wanted one that was round (or oval) on the front.  It took a little head scratching at first but I was up for the challenge.  The desk would be approximately 8 ft. long (or around the oval front), with an 18" wide top at 44 in. high.  It would also have a desk top on the back side for her computer and printer at 28-1/2" high.  Finally, since she is always apt to moving furniture around, it would need to be on wheels.  Although this project was a little challenging at first, it wasn't too difficult.  Best of all, it only cost about $200 for the materials!

If this is a desk you would like to build yourself, hopefully I've done the head scratching for you.  Let's get started with what you are going to need.

Materials Needed:

• (1)- 3/4" plywood (CD grade)
• (1)- 3/4" plywood (nicer grade, this will be the top of the desk)
• (3)- 1/4" plywood (nicer grade, this will be the front of the desk)
• (10)- 2"x 4"x 8'
• (2#)- 3" screws
• (1#)- 1-5/8" screws
• 1" Brad Nails
• Paint or Stain (your preference)

**Affiliate links are used on this page.  See my disclosure page for more info on affiliate programs.

The very first part of the process is to come up with the correct radius for the front.  I built this particular desk to be roughly 8 ft. around the front.  This way, there would be no seams in the plywood anywhere.  You will need to frame a wall that is 39-3/4" tall.  In order to make the wall round, you will need to use the 3/4" plywood for your top and bottom framing members.  By using a string or a scrap board, draw a 60" radius (kind of like a giant protractor).  Once you draw it, make sure it is 8' from one end to the other.  Now you will need to draw one more line that is 3-1/2" from the other.  This will make it the same thickness as the 2"x 4"s you will be attaching to them.  Now you have drawn what will be a curved bottom plate for your wall.  After drawing this out on the plywood, cut it out using a Jig Saw.  Now, trace it out and cut out another one (duplicate) to be the top plate.  Once the plates are cut, you will need to mark where the studs will go (just like an ordinary wall).  For this project, I prefer to space them 12" apart.  Next, cut the 2"x 4"s to 39" long using a Miter Saw or Circular Saw.  Attach these boards (studs) in between the plywood top and bottom plates using 3" screws.  You now have a curved wall formed and the main part of the desk is together!

On the ends of the wall, you will need to frame a small wall section that will come back in at a 90 degree angle.  Allowing for the thickness of the curved wall with the plywood that will be on the front, this wall will need to be 11" long.  Build these two walls just as before, only you can use the 2"x 4"s for all parts (top, bottom and studs).  Once they're assembled, attach one to each side of the curved wall using 3" screws.

The next step will be covering the front and sides with plywood.  Because it's extremely hard to get 3/4", or even 1/2" plywood to bend, you will need to use 1/4" plywood to wrap around the curved front.  Start be cutting the plywood to 40" wide using a Table Saw or Circular Saw.  This will allow for the plywood to hang over the bottom of the framework by 1/4".  Using a Brad Nailer, attach the plywood to the front of the curved desk with 1" brads.  It's a good idea to use some wood glue for some extra holding power.  Once this is done, apply a second layer of 1/4" plywood using the same method.  Using the remaining 1/4" plywood, cut out pieces and attach to the sidewalls, as well as the end of the sidewalls too.

For the top of the desk, you will need to use a nice piece of 3/4" plywood.  I used birch and then painted it.  Choose your material depending on whether you wish to paint or stain the desk.  To get the right curve for your top, you can lay the whole piece of plywood on top of the desk with one edge hanging over by about 2".  Once you have it placed accordingly, trace out the front edge.  Now, moving the sheet of plywood forward 18", trace it again.

Your Top will look like this!

This will give you an outline for a top that will match the desk, while giving you a 3/4" overhang all the way around.  Cut this out using a Jig Saw.  Using a Router, you can put a decorative edge around the top for a nice touch.  Once the top is cut and the edges are routered, anchor it to the desk by using 1-5/8" screws from the underside of the top plate.  This method will keep you from having any screws showing in the desk top.  Now, using the remainder of this piece of plywood, cut out a piece to fit inside the desk.  This piece will go along the inside of the curved desk and will also make a straight line from one end of the desk to the other (see pictures for clarity).

View  from Behind the Desk

Using metal shelf brackets underneath both the top and lower desk tops will help ensure they are good and sturdy.

Final touches on the desk can be totally up to your preference and style.  As you can see, I used outside corner trim on the corners.  Also, my wife really wanted to install trim on the front of the desk in three sections.  It's cut and installed like picture frames.  As always, she has a great eye for these things and this was no different.  I think it really made it look great!  She decided to paint this desk a creamy white.  We also applied a water-based clear coat to the top to ensure it would be durable and long-lasting.  The final step to this project was installing four 2" swivel casters with locks.  Like I said earlier, my wife is always moving things around.  This should definitely help her out whenever she feels the need to change things up!

Side View

Thanks to my wife for the opportunity to do this project!  As always, I look forward to any comments you may have regarding this post.

Finished!