How to Recycle Scrap Lumber and Make the Perfect Rustic Farmhouse Shelf

This rustic farmhouse shelf unit is a great project for using lumber scraps. The size can also be easily adapted to the scraps that you have available.

Supplies and Equipment:

Proxxon Chop and Miter Saw KSG 80

Proxxon Disc Sander TSG 250/E

FolkArt Monument Gray Milk Paint

Liquid wood adhesive

Clamps

Hanging hardware

Scrap lumber

Instruction for making a rustic farmhouse shelf:

1. Gather lumber scraps. I used slats from leftover lattice.
   
   
   
2. Cut the blanks for the shelf using the chop saw or Proxxon Table Saw FET. I'll share my measurements, but they are easily adaptable to your needs. The lattice slats were 1½" wide and 3/8" thick. I cut two 7½" lengths for the bottom of the box; one 7½" length for the back brace; two 3" lengths for the sides; two 8¼" lengths for the front and back of the bottom box; and, two 11½" and two 8½" lengths for the back.
   
   
   
3. Set the longitudinal fence stop to ensure the blanks are identical lengths. 
   
   
   
4. I did a minimal amount of sanding since I wanted a rustic look, but used the disc sander to smooth out any gross splinters.
   
   
   
5. With the blanks all cut it's assembly time—glue, clamp, dry, repeat. Start by gluing and clamping the two bottom pieces. 
   
   
   
6. Next, glue the 3" side pieces in place.
   
   
   
7. Attach the hanging hardware to the back brace piece.
   
   
   
8. Assemble and glue the six pieces of the back unit. You can get creative with the four vertical slats for the back. Make them equal or uneven lengths. Square the tops or cut them at angles. This is a rustic piece—they can be a little wonky.
   
   
   
9. Next, glue the front and back pieces to the partially constructed box.
   
   
   
10. Finished the shelf as desired, or leave it unfinished. I used a one-to-one dilute solution of milk paint and water.
    
    
    
11. Display and enjoy your rustic farmhouse shelf.
    

Carole