Suspended Shelving

I originally  had a frame hanging in this space in the kitchen,  but I decided I  needed the picture elsewhere.  Which left me we with a very blank wall.  No good.  So  I went into the garage, and took inventory of what  I had.  I had a leftover 2×8 board from a previous project…  a few hours later, I had some stinkin’ awesome hanging shelves!

Materials Needed:
(1 )     2×8 @ wood plank 8′
(18)    2.5″ Screw in hooks
(2)      1×2″ wood boards 8′
6′ of small link chain
Stain
Spray Paint (Optional)

Tools Suggested:
Saw (Miter Saw)  Or you can easily have your boards cut at your hardware store.
Sander
Drill
Level
Tape measure

Cut List:
(3)  2×8″ @ 33″
(4)  1×2″ @ 33″
(6)  1′ sections of chain ( I just pried open links)

First  cut, sand and paint and or stain your 2×8’s and your 1×2’s.
I chose to paint my 1×2’s the color of the wall in hopes it would blend in.  ( I think it worked fairly well.)  I stained my boards with Jacobean Minwax Stain. 
I also decided that  I didn’t want my hooks and chain to be silver toned,  so I used Rust-o-leum Oil Rubbed Bronze.

Once all your pieces are dry you can begin the installation proccess.

Using a pencil mark where  you would  like your shelf to begin and end.
Now locate the studs  within your “ideal” area. Once you have found them you will screw your 1×2″ board  into the studs, don’t forget to use a level. ( THIS DOES NOT NEED TO DECIDE WHERE THE CENTER OF THE SHELF WILL BE!) See the picture above.

 

Once the 1×2’s are secured,  you can put in your hooks.  I would suggest pre-drilling a hole.  It would take quite a bit of work without it.  I chose to put mine 5.5″ in from each end.

Once you have screwed in the hooks,  you can repeat the process on the planks. Again, measure in 5.5″ to find the hook placement.

Next you will need to have 6 separate 1′ sections of chain.  I don’t have cutters,  I just  pried them apart.
You will  loop one end of your chain onto the hook mounted to the wall.  The other end will loop onto the hook secured to your shelf plank.  Rest the back of the shelf on the wall mounted board.

For good measure  I would suggest screwing the shelf to the wall mounted board.  (Just drill through the top of the shelf plank, down into the 1×2″.)

As an after thought, I took  2 spare hooks, and mounted them under a shelf  to be used as mug hooks. It just adds a little somthin’, somethin’,  don’t you think  !?

Lastly, add decor, then stand back and admire your awesome, new, cheap shelves!

Corey