GRAINBENCH ORIGINALS
The Little Gallery Ledge
A shallow wall display for favourite pictures, cards and small books.
30 in W × 5 in D × 3-1/2 in H
Printable drawings, a labelled cut list and nine assembly stages. No account or email required.
Common materials. Clear details.
One 1x4 board and one 1x2 board.
Use straight, dry stock and check its actual thickness. The PDF lists quantities, hardware sizes, part labels and the cutting layout.
Shopping list
- 1x4 x 8 ft: 1 board; actual 3/4 x 3-1/2 in.
- 1x2 x 4 ft: 1 board; actual 3/4 x 1-1/2 in.
- Assembly screws: 8 x #6 x 1-1/4 in flathead wood screws, plus spares. Not pocket screws.
- Wall fixings: 2 washer-head cabinet-mounting screws, typically #10 x 3 in for the wood-stud / 1/2 in drywall installation described. Match fixings to the actual wall.
- Other supplies: Interior wood glue, sandpaper and interior finish.
Before the first cut
Tape, square, pencil, supported crosscut saw, drill/driver, clamps, sander, and suitable eye/hearing/dust protection. Countersink bit, appropriate pilot bits, spirit level and stud finder. No pocket-hole jig is needed.
Digitally checked; not physically built or load-tested. Follow the PDF’s fixing, stability and inspection instructions.
Your parts at a glance
Dimensions in inches. Stock names are nominal; finished dimensions are actual.
| ID | Part | Qty | Stock | Length | Width | Thickness |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| R | Wall back | 1 | 1x4 | 30 | 3-1/2 | 3/4 |
| B | Shelf base | 1 | 1x4 | 30 | 3-1/2 | 3/4 |
| F | Front retaining lip | 1 | 1x2 | 30 | 1-1/2 | 3/4 |
A clear way through
Keep the PDF beside you for the dimensioned drawings and drilling layouts.
01 Cut back (R), base (B) and front lip (F)
Cut all three pieces to 30 in, with square ends. Match lengths and mark lower edges. Keep full board widths; do not round the joining edges.
02 Mark screw rows on back (R) and lip (F)
On the OUTSIDE face of R and F, mark a screw row 3/8 in above the lower edge. Mark four positions along the length: 3, 11, 19 and 27 in from one end. These rows must meet the centre of the 3/4 in B edge.
03 Dry-fit back (R), base (B) and lip (F)
R stands behind B and F stands in front of B. All lower edges and all ends are flush. B fits between the two vertical boards in depth, making 5 in overall. Check the parts close without force.
04 Pilot and countersink R and F
Drill screw-clearance holes through R and F, then pilot the corresponding B edges to suit the chosen #6 screws; follow the screw maker's bit guidance. Countersink just enough for flush heads, especially on the wall-facing back. Test a 1-1/4 in screw on matching scraps; do not crush the surface.
05 Attach back (R) to base (B)
Apply a light glue film along B's rear long edge. Clamp R against it, with bottom and ends flush. Drive four #6 x 1-1/4 in screws through R into B at low torque. Inspect the shelf surfaces for escaped tips or splits.
06 Attach front lip (F) to base (B)
Glue B's front long edge, clamp F against it with lower edges and ends flush, and drive the other four #6 x 1-1/4 in screws. Keep the base flat and the lip vertical; allow the glue to cure with the assembly supported square.
07 Sand and finish back (R), base (B) and lip (F)
Ease exposed edges lightly by hand, leaving joining faces square. Sand with 120 then 180 grit as appropriate and remove dust. Test the finish on an offcut. Follow its preparation, ventilation, application and full cure directions. Keep the wall-facing surface flat and screw heads flush.
08 Locate wall fixings through back (R)
Find two sound wood studs and confirm safe drilling locations. Position the ledge level, then mark holes through R at the actual stud centres, about 2-1/2 in above its lower edge. Keep holes at least 1-1/2 in from the ends. Shift the ledge if necessary; do not rely on preselected hole spacing or drywall alone.
09 Mount through back (R); inspect the ledge
For the specified stud wall, use the two cabinet-mounting screws with at least 1-1/2 in effective penetration into sound wood after allowing for the 3/4 in back and actual wall finish. Follow the fixing maker's pilot instructions. Seat washer heads against R without crushing it. Check level and a firm wall connection before placing light display items.
A little help along the way
You may sell your finished makes. Please keep the plan files and images with GrainBench. Plan usage terms → · Questions or corrections?
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