Check out this little storage niche I saw at BHG.com!
Can I Say Cute?
I know I’m supposed to be a big contractor man, but I might as well be honest… this made me say
“How cute is that!?”
Nobody tell my Dad.
But seriously! Isn’t this awesome? I totally thought about running out and getting my tools! I have all the materials right in the shop, even the bead-board.
You can build something like this in a few hours if you’re properly prepared.
You can either build the whole thing right in-place, or you can build it in the shop and just pop it in in one peice. The shop option would allow for cleaner attachment of the shelf, but building it in-place would be easier for someone with less experience.
There are 10 small pieces of wood in this little unit. It’s not rocket science!
To Build-It In Place:
- Use a stud-finder to locate your wall studs.
- Mark the opening you want to cut-out so you can build your unit between the existing studs.
- Cut out the drywall or plaster (tools depend on what your wall type is)
- Install a short piece of framing at the top and bottom of the opening, between the existing studs… you now have an opening with framing on four sides.
- Cut a peice of bead-board paneling to fit the opening and just hold in place by cutting it tight, or use some glue…it just goes against the backside of the opposite side of the wall.
- Cut the “sill” including the little “returns” that go out to the side. You can see more examples of this at my post on Windows, Casing, & Sills.
- Install the sill and use small nails or screws to hold it in place. Put your nails near the edges where they will be covered-up by the side jambs.
- Cut and install the top of the frame (jamb), you can nail this to the short framing peice you installed in step 4.
- Install the side fames on either side of the opening, between the sill and the peice you just installed in step 8. All of the frame (jamb) peices should be cut (ripped) to be the correct depth so that the front edge is even with the wall face.
- Install the casing and the apron as seen in the picture. It’s easier than it sounds.
- A shelf can be added, but it will either need exposed support, such as a peice of quarter round, or you’ll have to toe-nail it or screw it using the same method.
I threw together a little 3-D model for you to get an idea of the parts involved. Both the model and the directions above are just to get you going… they’re not perfect at all and won’t cover every contingency…
In this view, you can see how the parts go together…
The computer shows the corners of the casing doubled up. You would want to cut a mitered joint in the top corners.
Have fun! And don’t worry if it’s not perfect! A little caulking or putty and some paint can work wonders!
~ RG
{ 5 comments… read them below or add one }
Excellent and now bookmarked for the hubby as a potential project. (I am sure he extends his thanks!)
I love that, I may have to do that in our guest bathroom!
This is a great solution to replace the ugly medicine cabinets the buider put in our house. I was not excited to try to patch that hole! Thanks
When it’s cute, it’s cute. And that certainly is. You may have given me the courage to use the Sawzall reciprocator my brother gave me for Christmas last year!
I’m so glad to hear that this idea might be useful for some of you! And @LaurelStreet, thanks for the support on my lingo. Careful with that Sawzall cutting through walls though… they’re notorious for catching an electrical line as you go! If you’re just cutting drywall, a hand tool such as a utility (razor) knife, or a keyhole saw would be best. For wood paneling you can use a circular saw with the blade depth set at the right depth for the panel thickness.