How to Build a Fireplace Book Shelf

Place the 1-by-12-by-18-inch hardwood board with one 12-by-18-inch side flat on a work surface. This is the base for the shelf. Measure in 3/8 of an inch from each end and mark the measurement with a pencil.

Drill three evenly spaced 1/4-inch diameter countersink holes across the 12-inch width of each end, beginning and ending at the pencil marks. These are the mounting holes for the shelf ends. Use a 1/4-inch countersink bit and drill the countersink 3/16-inch deep.

Lay the shelf base on one 1-by-18-inch side. Apply a bead of glue 3/8 of an inch from each end on the side opposite the countersink holes. Place the 1-by-12-by-6-inch boards on each end of the 12-by-18-inch side opposite the countersink mounting holes, on top of the beads of wood glue. These are the shelf ends. The 1-by-12-inch ends of the two shelf ends should be on top of shelf base.

Drive one pan head wood screw through each countersink hole in the bottom of the shelf base into the bottom ends of the shelf ends with a screw gun.

Sand the assembled shelf with fine-grit sandpaper in the same direction as the wood grain. Wipe the shelf off with a tack cloth.

Brush on an even coat of wood finish with a paintbrush. Allow the finish to dry for at least four hours and apply a second coat.