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Shelves Can Make It Or Break It - DIY Photo Ledge Shelf

Writer's picture: Trisha McKinneyTrisha McKinney

Updated: Jan 4, 2021


Photo ledge shelves are a great way to showcase your favorite pieces of art whether they are pieces your children made, family photos, or a piece of art from your favorite artist. These shelves take up minimal space but make a big statement and can enhance or diminish the look of your art.

Photo ledge shelves can be displayed in a variety of ways and can have many different finishes to fit your design style. Check out some different ways to hang your completed photo ledge shelves here.


I made these shelves a few weeks back and had requests to share a “how-to” so here it goes. I apologize for any missing pictures in my steps. I tried to document most of it.

I knew I wanted two 8' shelves to fill my office wall. I was able to purchase the exact length at The Home Depot. However, the width was another story, so I purchased a thicker board and ripped it to my desired size using the table saw. *Note: this was personal preferences you can get the same effect using the boards in the size(s) they come.


Here is what I started with

2 - 1"x4"x8' pine boards from The Home Depot

3 - 1"x2"x8' pine boards from The Home Depot (ripped one of these boards to .5"x2"x"8')


I started by sanding all of the pieces of pine board with a medium grit block sanding sponge like this one from The Home Depot. Just enough to get rid of some of the imperfections and smooth out the boards.


From there I applied Minwax Pre-Stain Wood Conditioner using Proline cotton rags that I purchased at Lowes. *Note: this step is optional, but it makes a noticeable difference in the application and vibrance of the stain you decide to use.


I let the Wood Conditioner dry and then applied the stain using a new ProLine cotton rag.

*Note: you can also use any plain cotton t-shirt for the stain application, I just didn’t have any.

For the stain, I used Minwax Early American Stain. I applied the stain and wiped it off as I went.

Once all four sides had stain applied and they were dry, I finished off with Minwax Paste Finishing Wax in Natural. The finishing wax seals and protects and adds a nice sheen to the wood.





Once all the pieces of wood were prepped, stained, and dry they were ready to be assembled.

I started by securing the .5”x2”x8’ pine board (the ripped piece) to the 1”x4”x8' pine board to create the lip of the shelf. I used 1” nails and a nail gun to secure the board approximately every six inches.


*Note: if you have wood glue I would suggest using that in addition to the nails. I forgot to pick some up at the store and just didn’t want to go back.



Once the lip was attached to the ledge, I added the back by securing the 1"x2”x8' pine board to the ledge/base. I used 1” nails and nail gun securing the 1”x2”x8’ pine board approximately every three inches.


Once the shelves were assembled, I prepared them for hanging. I determined where I wanted them to hang on the wall and found the studs, using a stud finder. I marked the wall and then measured the proper distance on the back of the shelf.

Then predrilled pilot holes from the backside of the shelf with a 1/16" drill bit.



After that, I drilled the holes for the screws from the backside of the shelf using a 29/64th drill bit.



Once that part was complete, I used a countersink to have the screws going into the wall flush with the board. *Note: this is an option, I just like the seamless look.



Next, install time!


I predrilled pilot holes into the wall where the studs were marked. Then I secured the shelves on to the wall with screws with the help of my hubby!


List of supplies:

Pinewood boards (size based on your preference)


Please note: Nails and screws will be determined based on the materials you select. The supplies listed above are simply suggestions.


Have questions?

Put them in the comment section below



For more design ideas follow me on Instagram @thehumblehearthstone.com




This post includes affiliate links for more information see my disclosures here

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