Here is a small shelf that you can make very easily to grow herbs over the winter. My son is in a small apartment, and he is looking for a way to grow some herbs this winter. So, he needs a shelf and most likely he’ll put a grow light on it to help things along. This shelf really doesn’t take a lot of tools or a lot of time. And it uses common dimensional lumber period. So grab your hammer and saw and get ready for winter.

Tools and Materials

OK really, for this project you’re only going to need a square a measuring tape some clamps, hammer, and a saw. I suggest a circle saw but you could use a handsaw – it’ll just take a little longer. Oh, you’ll need a Router also with a three-quarter inch straight cut bit. And an orbital Sander with 220 grit sandpaper. For materials you’re going to need five 6 foot long 1x6s. And of course, the finish of your choice.

Layout

Almost all the way out to this project. You just need to decide where you’re putting your shelves and if you’re following the dimension sketch below that should be very easy take your left and right boards clap them together then mark the shelf location simultaneously across both.

Routing the Dados

With the parts clamped together now is the time to route the dados. I would suggest that you set up a fence for each one and use that as a guide to ensure the dados are routed correctly. Setr your bit depth to 3/8” which is half of ¾”, the thickness of the material you are using.

Cutting

Go ahead and cross cut 2 of your boards into 3 foot long pieces be sure all four pieces are exactly the same length. At this point you should also cut a toe kick 3 inches wide And three feet long.

Sanding

With everything cut use your orbital Sander and 220 grit sandpaper to sand everything nice and smooth including the edges.

Assembly

If you have routed everything identically, and cut everything to the same length assembly will be very easy. Apply glue to the date I was on one side and insert Repeat the process for the other side. All the shelves. You may have to actually clamp everything together but if you do so do it next to the shelves.

With everything in place make sure that your assembly is square and put 3 nails for each shelf end. This will hold everything in place when you take the clamps off.

With the shelves assembled go ahead mark your toe kick and cut the piece to fit. Then install with glue and nails.

Finally you probably should attach 2 feet the feet are about 16 inches long one on each side centered and you can cut curves or whatever you care to to make them look fancy. These feet should keep and keep it from swaying around the shelf upright.

Edge routing

Now that you have everything assembled take your router within 1/8 inch roundover bit and round all the edges. This will make it much easier and softer when someone touches

Finishing

With everything assembled sanding should be done but you may want to take a piece of sandpaper, 220 grit, and just dust all the corners. Then you can apply your finish of choice. A good semi gloss exterior latex would be perfect for this project because it will be generally impervious to any water that might get on it from the plants. Also it is easy to apply and very easy to clean up.

Well at this point I think your project is done. I know mine is. Though I will say my son will be putting the finish on for himself later on.