How to Make a Barn Wood Shelf

Are you ready to learn how to make a barn wood shelf? I decided the big boy room needs a barn wood shelf. So, after enlisting some help from my husband, we have a barn wood shelf that will look great in the room. I can’t wait to get this one on the wall and full of goodies. In the meantime, learn how to make your own DIY barn wood shelf below!

Supplies needed to make a DIY barn wood shelf:

• barn wood
• dowel rod
• wood glue
• saw
• drill
• drill bit
• finishing nails

How to Make a Barn Wood Shelf

Start by picking the barn wood pieces that are perfect for your shelf. You will want to pick your barn wood carefully. The worn edges make your shelf extra special.

We are extremely blessed with a great supply of barn wood! Cut the bottom and back of your shelf to the same length.

Drill three holes in the bottom of the shelf 1/2 inch deep. These should be along the back edge but on the top surface.

TIP: put tape on the drill bit at 1/2 inch so you know when to stop drilling.

You will also want to add three holes in the board that you are going to use for your back. These should be along the bottom edge. They should be in the same location as the holes you drilled in the bottom board. You want all of the holes to line up when you put the two boards together.

Then cut short dowel pieces for the holes.

Do a dry fit of the two pieces together to make sure everything goes together well. Then put the glue into each hole.

Put the two pieces together. Use a few finishing nails to hold the two pieces together while they dry. You can then add the ends to your DIY barn wood shelf. Cut triangles to fit in the corners as shown below. You will want to cut them so the barn wood edge is out once assembled.

Once again, use a little wood glue and finishing nails to hold those into place. Your barn wood shelf is now complete and ready for your home’s decor.

Don’t you just love those gorgeous barn wood details? Now that you know how to make a barn wood shelf, you can make one for every room of your home!

When you are building, you will want to make sure all those natural edges stay out and the sawn edges are hidden.

It makes all the difference.

I can’t wait to accessorize this DIY barn wood shelf in the big boy room.

So, will you be making one of these for your home? I hope you enjoy yours as much as we are enjoying ours!

Love this tutorial on making a shelf from barn wood and want more ideas? Try the links below!

• DIY Wooden Dough Bowl with Paint
• Making a Barn Wood Frame
• Barnwood Sign: Made Using a Paint Technique
• Rustic LOVE Sign from Barnwood
• DIY Barnwood Photo Frame

Want to print this tutorial on how to make a barn wood shelf? Be sure to use the card below!

Total Time 1 hour hour 30 minutes minutes

How to Make a Barn Wood Shelf

Learn how to make a barn wood shelf for your farmhouse style home!

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Equipment

• saw
• drill
• drill bit

Supplies

• barn wood
• dowel rod
• wood glue
• finishing nails

Instructions

• Start by picking the barn wood pieces that are perfect for your shelf. You will want to pick your barn wood carefully. The worn edges make your shelf extra special.
• We are extremely blessed with a great supply of barn wood! Cut the bottom and back of your shelf to the same length.
• Drill three holes in the bottom of the shelf 1/2 inch deep. These should be along the back edge but on the top surface.
• TIP: put tape on the drill bit at 1/2 inch so you know when to stop drilling.
• You will also want to add three holes in the board that you are going to use for your back. These should be along the bottom edge. They should be in the same location as the holes you drilled in the bottom board. You want all of the holes to line up when you put the two boards together.
• Then cut short dowel pieces for the holes.
• Do a dry fit of the two pieces together to make sure everything goes together well. Then put the glue into each hole.
• Put the two pieces together. Use a few finishing nails to hold the two pieces together while they dry. You can then add the ends to your DIY barn wood shelf. Cut triangles to fit in the corners as shown below. You will want to cut them so the barn wood edge is out once assembled.
• Once again, use a little wood glue and finishing nails to hold those into place. Your barn wood shelf is now complete and ready for your home's decor.

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