*this post includes affiliate links to products we have used and enjoy
When we bought our home a few months ago, we knew we wanted some open shelving in our kitchen. With a limited budget, we sought out to purchase some wood so we could make the shelves ourselves. Luckily, Scott is super handy, and not only could he make the shelves, but also the metal brackets that we used to attach to the wall and support the open shelves. We actually ended up getting two long pieces of wood for FREE! Now, when you first look at these planks, you might think, “eww, they don’t look like anything special.” But just you wait! ;-)
Scott first sanded the wood planks – outside in the freezing cold of Ohio I might add! He’s a trooper.
Once he had them sanded where we liked, he brought them back inside the basement and used a foam roller brush to apply a topcoat finish. After researching finishes, we went with General Finishes brand, and couldn’t be happier!
A few of the reasons we would really recommend General Finishes topcoat are:
- Minimal Smell – Given we did this project in winter, applying the topcoat happened in our basement, and we didn’t notice a smell at all!
- Easy application! It went on so easy using a form roller. We applied three coats and it turned out awesome!
- It really brought out the color of the wood, which we didn’t even really know was there!
- Quick drying time – Scott put on three coats in one day and was able to hand the shelves the next day.
Once our four shelves were dry and ready to hang, we decided where each one would go. We used a stud finder and level to make marks on the wall, where to place the brackets. Then we started screwing the brackets to the wood shelves and to the wall. Scott really made it all look so easy! I (Rachel) assisted, cheered on, and documented the process. Ha!
Ofcourse, then we had to start labeling and organizing our storage glass jars to put on our shelves. We are kind of obsessed with these and already have more saved in our shopping cart to order – one day!
This project only cost us about $45 for the topcoat, foam roller brush, and nut and bolts for the brackets. Not too shabby! And we absolutely love the unique look of each shelf, holes and all! Now we can easily access salts, spices, baking ingredients — and it also looks so pretty in our kitchen… win, win!
If you’re curious as to our glass jars of choice – we really have grown to like the Kilner Glass storage jars with the clip tops. These tops are easy to open and close when using them. Also, ascetically pleasing!
What may look like a dried old piece of wood could really shine with some sanding and topcoat! Find some pieces of wood others might just want to get rid of, and you can turn them into beautiful shelves in your home!
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