Learn how to build a simple wooden display shelf. Perfect for a display at a farmer’s market or craft fair.
Do you ever participate in local farmer’s markets or other handmade markets? If so, you know that displays can be EXPENSIVE! Not only that, it can be tricky to find just the right size and style to showcase your items. I’m partnering with The Home Depot to show you how I built this simple wooden display shelf using the new DEWALT Atomic Compact Impact/Drill Combo Kit.
I built several of these wooden display shelves this summer for local markets and they are so simple to build and customize to your liking. Not to mention the fact that they only cost a few dollars to build. Follow along as I show you how you can build your own using this step by step tutorial and printable plans.
DEWALT Atomic Impact/Drill Driver Combo Kit
The DEWALT Atomic Compact Impact/Drill Combo kit packs a lot of power into compact sizing. The kit comes with a compact impact driver and compact drill, along with two 20-volt batteries and a charger. The kit also includes a handy zippered bag to keep your tools organized and together.
The brushless motors mean more power and a longer life. The compact size make these tools easy to handle, whether you’re carrying them to a job site or using them in your home workshop. I really enjoy them both and have used them on several projects already, including the one I’ll be sharing today.
How To Build A Wooden Display Shelf
Materials needed:
- 1 – 1×8 board at 6′ long
- 3 – 1×2 boards at 8′ long
- 1 1/4″ brad nails
- 1 1/4″ wood screws
- 220 grit sandpaper
Cut List:
- 3 – 1×8 @ 18″ long
- 4 – 1×2 @ 24″ long
- 6 – 1×2 @ 19 1/2″ long
- 6 – 1×2 @ 7 1/4″ long
Time needed: 1 hour and 30 minutes.
- Cut and sand the wood
Cut your lumber down to size and sand it down with 220 grit sandpaper. It’s easiest to do the sanding before assembly.
- Assemble the shelves
For each shelf, you’ll need two 7 1/4″ 1×2 boards and two 19 1/2″ 1×2 boards. Frame the shelves with the boards. Clamp in place and nail together using 1 1/4″ brad nails. Repeat this step for the remaining shelves.
- Mark the locations for the shelves
Line the four vertical supports up. Using a square and a pencil, mark lines across the vertical supports. The top and bottom marks should be 3/4″ in from each edge. The center shelf is centered on the supports.
- Drill pilot holes
Using the DEWALT Atomic Compact Drill, I drilled two pilot holes at each marked line. Use a 3/32″ bit for the pilot holes.
- Attach the bottom shelf
Line the first vertical piece up against the edge of the bottom shelf. Using the pilot holes as a guide, drill pilot holes part way into the wood shelf. Attach the vertical support using 1 1/4″ wood screws.
- Attach the middle shelf
Work your way up the display, adding the middle shelf. Drill pilot holes through to the wood shelf. I used my DEWALT Atomic Impact Driver to drive the 1 1/4″ wood screws into the wood to secure the shelves.
- Attach the top shelf
Follow the same steps to attach the top shelf. Drilling a pilot hole partially through the wood shelf, then driving in 1 1/4″ wood screws. When all sides are attached, the shelf is ready to be finished.
- Finishing the wooden display shelf
Finish the wooden display shelf using the finish of your choice. I chose to stain the shelves with Varathane stain, wiping down the excess with a cloth rag.
Simple Wooden Display Shelf
I absolutely love the versatility of these shelves. You can adjust the sizing to make them taller, shorter, wider, narrower. Whatever you like!
You can see how I used mine in a local store where I have a small table set up. They allowed me to use vertical space to showcase more products. I’ll be using them in some upcoming markets next month as well!
If you’d like to build your own, be sure to download the printable plans. You can build them exactly the same as mine, or change up the scale and use the plans just as a reference. If you do build them, I’d love to see how you’ve used them!
Special thanks to The Home Depot for partnering with me on this project today. If you’d like to learn more about the DEWALT Atomic Compact Impact/Drill combo kit, be sure to check out The Home Depot website!
DISCLOSURE: I acknowledge that The Home Depot is partnering with me to participate in the promotional program described above (the “Program”). As part of the Program, I am receiving compensation in the form of products and services, for the purpose of promoting The Home Depot. All expressed opinions and experiences are my own words. My post complies with the Word Of Mouth Marketing Association (WOMMA) Ethics Code and applicable Federal Trade Commission guidelines.
That Dewalt Atomic set is awesome! We use the same thing on the job site frequently!