Crafting a Plate Rail

Use clear pine for a painted finish, white oak to match Craftsman- style wood finishes.

• 1x6 cut to desired length for back piece
• 1x4 cut to desired length for top shelf
• Miter box
• Hand saw
• Short 2x4 for corner blocks
• 1-inch outside corner molding
• Decorative molding as desired (for ideas and samples, see next page)
• Finish nails
• Sandpaper
• Hot-glue gun and hot-glue sticks
• Latex paint if desired

Step 1: Cut corner blocks.

1. Use a miter box to cut corner blocks from 2x4 material. The short sides of the triangular blocks should be 2-1/2 inches long.

Step 2: Fasten 1x4 to 1x6.

2. Stand the 1x6 on an edge. Place the 1x4 on top and align edges flush. Fasten the pieces together using 6d finish nails.

Step 3: Add corner blocks.

3. Place the corner blocks at 12-inch intervals. Fasten the blocks using 6d nails. Nail into both the 1x4 and 1x6. Be sure nail points don't protrude.

Step 4: Attach rail to wall.

4. Locate wall studs and fasten the plate-rail frame to the wall by driving nails through the 1x6 into each stud. Use nails long enough to penetrate 1-1/2 inches into studs.

Step 5: Add molding.

5. Cut decorative moldings to fit between the corner blocks. Fasten the molding to the frame using 6d finish nails. For best results attaching small moldings, use a glue gun and hot glue. Apply glue to the back of the molding and set it in place. Hold firmly until the glue sets, about 30 seconds. Clean up excess glue immediately.

Step 6: Add corner molding.

6. Apply corner molding around front and sides of the top of the plate rail. Cut corners of the molding using the miter box.