How to Build an Open Shelving Above Cabinets

Measure and mark two 1-by-10-inch planks to the desired length of your shelves. Cut to length, using a circular or table saw. Lay the planks on a flat surface and designate one edge of each plank as the fronts of the shelves. Use a drawing compass or trace around a curved object to round the front corners of the shelves. Cut on the curved lines with a jig saw.

Lay the shelves on a flat surface. Measure and note the length and width of the cut end of a 1-by-6-inch plank. Use a carpenter's square to draw a rectangle with those dimensions on the end of the shelf. One long side of the rectangle is formed by the cut end of the shelf. A short side of the rectangle is formed by the back edge of the shelf. Repeat to draw rectangles on the back corners of both ends of both shelves.

Cut out the rectangular areas, forming notches that will be used for constructing the shelving unit.

Measure and mark two to the desired overall height of the shelving unit. The ends should be precisely cut at 90 degrees. Trim the planks. The 1-by-6-inch trimmed planks will be used as vertical supports for the shelving unit. Measure the distance between the notches in the shelves. Measure, mark and trim two 1-by-4-inch planks to that length. These planks will form the horizontal shelf supports.

Assemble the shelving unit on a flat surface where it will not be disturbed for a few hours. Position the shelves parallel to each other, resting on their back edges. Apply wood glue to the notches in the shelves. Fit the vertical 1-by-6-inch support planks into the glued notches. Align the cut ends of the support planks to the top edge of the top shelf and to the bottom edge of the lower shelf. Square the joints, then use weights to prevent the joints from shifting as the glue dries.

Apply glue to the cut ends and a 1-inch long edge of each horizontal support plank. Position the glued long edge of one support against the back edge of the underside of the top shelf. The glued ends of the horizontal support will be flush with the vertical supports. Position the glued long edge of the remaining horizontal support against the back edge of the top of the lower shelf. Use weights to hold the shelf unit in place. Allow the glue to dry according to the manufacturer's recommendations.

Secure the joints of the shelving unit, using countersunk 1 1/2-inch coarse-thread drywall screws. Begin by attaching the vertical side supports to the shelves. Drill countersunk pilot holes, evenly spaced about 2 inches apart, through the ends of the supports into the notches in the shelves. Screw the vertical supports to the shelves. Drill two evenly spaced pilot holes through the vertical supports into the ends of the horizontal shelf supports. Screw the vertical supports to the horizontal supports.

Turn the shelving unit so it rests on the lower surface of the bottom shelf. Drill countersunk pilot holes through the upper surface of the top shelf into the horizontal support. The holes should be evenly spaced, about 4 inches apart. Screw the top shelf to the support. Turn the shelving unit over, then repeat to secure the lower shelf to the lower horizontal support.

Fill the countersunk holes with wood putty. After the putty had dried, sand the shelving unit smooth.