Better Homes And Gardens Shelf With Hooks

How to Make a Simple Bathroom Shelf with Hooks

This two-in-one project is perfect for beginner DIYers. Make a place to hold your favorite soaps and candles while keeping your towels off the bathroom floor.

In every bathroom, it is essential to have a spot to hang towels and a place to hold toiletries. Combine these two things with a DIY shelf featuring hooks under the shelf ledge. This simple project is perfect for both large and small bathrooms as it provides style and storage. Follow along with our steps below, and you'll soon see how easy it can be.

What You Need

One 2-foot length of 1/2-inch-thick pine board
One 2-foot length of 3/4-inch-thick pine board
Sanding block
Clean cloth
Drill with drill bits
Wood glue
Nails
Wood putty
Putty knife
Primer and paint
Paintbrush
(3) Hooks

Step 1: Sand Boards

sanding piece of wood, sanding wood, wood, sanding block

Prep your wood boards by sanding the entire surface. Be sure to pay attention to corners and edges that may be rough from making cuts. When done, surface should be smooth and even.

Wipe boards with a clean cloth.

Step 2: Glue and Drill Pilot Holes

hand drill, wood

Run a bead of wood glue along one long edge of the thicker board. Hold and press the surface of the thinner board to the wood glue, making a 90-degree angle to form the shelf. Let dry according to manufacturer's instructions.

Stand the shelf up on its edge and measure three evenly-spaced pilot holes. Be sure to drill straight down through the first board and slightly into the next.

Editor's Tip: Place a scrap piece of wood underneath the wood you're drilling through. Then, if you drill a bit too far, you don't risk ruining a finished surface.

Step 3: Attach Boards

drilling in screws, wooden shelf, drill

Attach the boards by drilling three nails into the pilot holes. Be sure to have a firm grip on the board while you drill so the shelf doesn't slip.

Step 4: Fill Holes

wood putty, putty, wooden shelf

Fill nail indents using wood putty and a putty knife. You should use a generous amount of putty while you work. Let dry according to manufacturer's instructions.

Sand away excess putty until board has a smooth, even surface.

Step 5: Prime and Paint

DIY, painting, shelf,

Use a paintbrush to prime and paint the boards. Using a high-quality paint will allow paint to self-level as it dries. Apply second coat as needed. Let dry.

Step 6: Attach Hooks

drill, wall hooks, DIY

Lay out evenly spaced hooks on the board. Use your drill to attach hooks with screws, or according to directions.