DIY PHOTO LEDGE
I've seen quite a few different tutorials for photo ledges when we were looking to make some, but they all were kind of the same and I was looking for one that was lower profile so they wouldn't stick out from the wall too far. Since that didn't seem to exist on the great wide web, we decided to make our own and here's how you can too!
MATERIALS YOU'LL NEED:
1 x 4-inch Pine Board
1-1/4-inch Wood Screws
4-inch Finish Head Screws
TOOLS YOU'LL NEED:
Table saw (if you don't have access to one, a circular saw works too!)
Pencil
Level
Sandpaper or sanding block
Drill & 1/8-inch drill bit
Screw gun
Stud finder (optional)
Step 1. Using a table saw or circular saw, rip down your 1x4 pine board to 2 1/2 inches wide and keep both pieces.
Step 2. Determine the length you'd like your photo ledge to be and cut both pieces to length.
Step 3. Once your boards are cut to length, lay the wider board on a flat working surface (this is the base) and place the thin board on top making sure the front faces are flush.
Step 4. Next using the 1/8-inch drill bit, pre-drill a hole approximately one inch from the end of the boards. This is so the wood doesn't split when you screw them together using the 1-1/4 inch wood screws. Continue this process roughly every 12 inches down the full length of the boards, keeping the edges flush as you go.
For example, our photo ledges are 49 inches long and we used four screws to attach the boards together.
Step 5. Once your photo ledge is assembled, on the area of the wall that you plan to mount it, locate and mark the studs with a pencil. Transfer these measurements to the front face of the baseboard of your photo ledge and mark again. Then with the 1/8-inch drill bit, pre-drill on the marks through the baseboard.
Step 6. Use sandpaper or a sanding block to smooth out any rough spots and clean up the edges before staining.
Step 7. Then stain the photo ledge with the color of your choice. We used Minwax Special Walnut (one of my favorites!). Wipe or brush on and use a clean rag to wipe off any excess stain. Let dry.
Step 8. Once dry, use a level, 4-inch finish screws, and a screw gun to mount your photo ledge to the wall. The 4-inch screws will be put through the pre-drilled holes to avoid splitting the wood. And there you have it!!
Of all of the projects we've done in our home, these photo ledges are seriously one of my favorites and the most affordable! It's such a great way to display your photos and decor with the ability to change them up without adding additional holes in your wall!