These book or gallery ledges can be built in about an hour and are so easy a kid can do it! For each shelf, you will need 3 boards of equal length.

Shopping list:

2- 1" x 4" x desired length per shelf
1- 1" x 2" x desired length per shelf
3" screws to attach to studs
Kreg Jig and 1 1/4" screws
brad nailer with 1 1/2" nails
Paintable/stainable wood filler
stain/paint

Step 1: Drill Pocket Holes.

Using the Kreg Jig, drill pocket holes in the bottom of one of the 1" x 4" boards for your shelf. Evenly distribute about 4 inches apart for each shelf.

Step 2: Assemble Shelf

Add wood glue to the joining edges. Your pocket holes should be on the bottom of the shelf and this board will butt up to the vertical 1" x 4" board making an "L" shape.

Step 3: Add Screws to Pocket Holes.

Add the screws to the pocket holes to assemble the shelf.

Step 4: Adding Trim.

Apply glue to the front edge of the bottom, horizontal shelf piece.

Step 5: Attach Trim.

Using 1 1/2" brad nails attach the 1" x 2" board to the front. This will be the lip that will hold your books on the ledges. Fill in holes with wood filler and remove excess with a damp cloth. If staining, ensure that all glue has been wiped away as stain will not adhere to wood glue. Also, dampen the entire piece with water before applying stain to prepare wood to accept stain.