A picture ledge is an attractive way to organize and display framed pictures without the need for putting lots of random holes in the walls.
A ledge sticks out just enough to hold a piece of art or a picture frame. The design is minimalist and streamlined compared to a big, bulky shelving unit or even traditional shelves.
That’s why it’s perfect for small living spaces, studio apartments, and college dorms — really, just about any place that’s tight on space (but you want to be big on style).
To build a picture ledge, start by ripping a piece of 1-by-6 on a table saw with the blade set at a 45-degree angle.
You’ll create three pieces from one board: a one-inch piece with a bevel on one edge, a one-and-a-half-inch piece with a bevel on one edge, and a three-inch piece with two beveled edges at opposing angles.
Arrange the two smaller pieces on top of the larger one so that the profile looks a bit like a “J.” Before nailing the boards together in this arrangement, coat each joint with wood glue.
After sanding, staining and sealing, the ledge is ready to mount to the wall with the taller lip at the back.
Be sure to locate the studs and pre-drill those locations before screwing the picture ledge to the wall.
Watch the video for step-by-step directions!
Danny. PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE lower the blade on that table saw !!!! I say it on almost every episode of TH.. one of the first things I was taught in trade school in 1976 was no more than a quarter inch above stock. Better to cut a finger than LOOSE IT !!!!!!!
Thanks for looking out for Danny, Tony! We appreciate our passionate fans.
Take care. 🙂
Nice. I love your project and as they are doable. I do love watching all the Home Improvement shows but many times they are out of reach — due to talk or lack of /tools equipment. Yours are just right. Love the shelve…gotta add this to my summer wanna dos list.
Glad this idea inspired you! Please share this video if you think it’d help your friends. 🙂