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 2x8 board from a previous project...  a few hours later, I had some stinkin' awesome hanging shelves!




Materials Needed:
(1 )     2x8 @ wood plank 8'
(18)    2.5" Screw in hooks
(2)      1x2" 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)  2x8" @ 33"
(4)  1x2" @ 33"
(6)  1' sections of chain ( I just pried open links)

 First  cut, sand and paint and or stain your 2x8's and your 1x2's.
 I chose to paint my 1x2'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 1x2" 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.

 

   At this point,  I mounted all of  the 1x2's.   I  did my spacing 14.5" from the bottom of one support, to the bottom of the next. 

  If you are doing 3 shelves, you will need 4 supports.  There will be one board that will not have a shelf resting on it.  It will be needed to support the hooks for the top shelf. 

 Once the 1x2'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 1x2".)

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