How to Build DIY Wooden Hexagon Shelves

Make Cuts

Cut your wood to the below dimensions.

Cut Boards

Cut your boards to length. You need 6 boards for the first hexagon and 4-5 for additional wooden hexagon shelves, depending on your configuration. Ours were 12-1/4 inches before we trimmed the angles. You can adjust this measurement depending on your desired scale for the hexagon shelves.

Cut your boards to length. Depending on your configuration, you need 6 boards for the first hexagon and 4-5 for each additional hexagon. Ours were 12-1/4 inches before we trimmed the angles. Depending on your desired scale for the hexagon shelves, you can adjust this measurement.

1. Once all boards have been cut, set the angle on your miter saw to 30 degrees and trim one end of each board.
2. Set a guard on your saw to the length you want.
3. Trim the uncut end of each board, butting the cut end to the guard. This keeps all pieces consistent.

The angles should be running in opposite directions on the ends so that the long face tapers in.

Plan First Hexagon

Before assembling the first hexagon, check that all edges and angles line up. If a piece doesn't fit, you may need to trim it with your miter saw. You'll build off of the center hexagon, so it's important to double-check your measurements. Make sure your work surface is level and has enough room for the entire build.

Lay Out Shelf

After you're sure the first hexagon lines up, you can begin to add to it. Moving forward, you'll need to adjust how the boards lay; sometimes, the short face will point inward; other times, it will face outward. Play around with the configuration of your wooden hexagon shelves until you find one that suits your taste, adding as many hexagons as desired. Our shelf features four hexagons.

Assemble Shelves

Once you have the configuration you want, begin securing the pieces together.

To do this:

1. Start with two sides of the first hexagon. Run a bead of wood glue where the two cut angles meet.
2. Fold the angles together and press firmly, allowing the glue to seep out and wiping up as needed.
3. Place a piece of painters tape along the corner to act as a clamp as the glue dries.
4. When the glue has begun to set, use a nail gun to run two 1-1/4-inch brad nails through the angled side of the joint and into the straight run of the other board. You can alternate the sides of the joint you nail if desired.

Repeat this process with the remaining pieces to complete your first hexagon, and then do the same thing to connect your remaining hexagons. As you secure pieces to already formed joints, you may need to do one nail in the center instead of two nails on either side.

Paint Edges

1. After all the hexagons are formed, and the glue is dry, sand the outside edges and corners smooth, if needed.
2. Wipe away sawdust with a tack cloth.
3. Cover your workspace and apply paint or stain as desired. (We stained our shelf sides and painted the outside edges gold.)
4. If staining the edges, mask off the area with painters tape before you begin.
5. Let dry according to the manufacturer's instructions.

Install Shelf

Once your finish has dried, remove any painters tape.

To install:

1. Decide how you want your shelf to be hung on the wall.
2. With that in mind, install hanging brackets to the back of the shelf with 1/2-inch screws. Brackets should be placed in the corners of the top hexagons in your configuration.
3. Locate wall studs with a stud finder, and attach the honeycomb shelf to the wall, drilling into the studs if possible.
4. Use drywall and stud anchors when drilling into the wall sections without studs to make sure your wall can sustain the weight of the shelf and its contents.