Housekeeping Storage Solutions Shelves How to Build DIY Photo Ledges Picture ledges are the ultimate interchangeable decorating solution, and they're an easy afternoon project. By Hannah Bruneman Hannah Bruneman Hannah Bruneman is an editorial associate at BHG.com. Her contributions focus on home renovation and decor trends. Her work has been featured in Better Homes and Gardens, Ladies Home Journal, Southern Living and more. Learn about BHG's Editorial Process Updated on February 2, 2023 Share Tweet Pin Email Photo: Carson Downing Project Overview Working Time: 1 hour Total Time: 1 day Skill Level: Kid-friendly For a hanging solution that doesn’t involve a lot of planning, a photo ledge is the answer. Make an instant gallery wall with several photo ledges so you don’t have to hang each frame individually. This inexpensive project makes it super easy to change out photos and art when the mood strikes. Update it with seasonal decor or as kids grow. They’re perfect for displaying children’s books face out for quick access at reading time, record albums, spice jars, a collection of small toys or keepsakes, and more! Building the shelves doesn’t take long, either—the longest wait time is for painting, if you choose to do it. Here’s how to make your own wall ledges this weekend. What You'll Need Equipment / Tools Tape measure Pencil Saw Clamps Nail gun Paintbrush Stud finder Drill Level Materials Wood Sandpaper Wood glue Primer Paint, if desired Screws Instructions Make Cuts Cut your wood to the below dimensions. Cut Meaurements Piece Dimensions Quantity 1 x 4-inch board 30 x 4 x 1-inches (1)30 x 1-1/2 x 1-inches (2) 1 Cut and Prep Wood Each ledge will be made up of three strips of wood, but you only need one board to make the project. Measure, mark, and cut a 1 x 4-inch piece of wood into two 30-inch long pieces. Cut one of the 30-inch boards in half so that you have two smaller pieces approximately 2 inches wide each. Sand all three pieces smoothly. How to Use a Circular Saw Build Ledges Glue one of the slim 2-inch pieces flush with one edge of the wide piece. This will create a "lip" on the end of the picture rail so no frames will slide off. Clamp together to hold in place. Wait a few minutes until the glue is tacky, then nail with a nail gun to secure. To give your ledges an even surface for painting, fill in the nail holes with wood filler, then smooth them over with a putty knife and let dry. Repeat this process for the second thin piece, but glue it to the top of the 1 x 4 base to create a taller "back" (wall-facing) piece. Prime and Paint Prime and paint or stain your photo ledges in the color of your choice. If you prefer the look of natural wood, simply seal to protect them before hanging. Apply two to three coats for best coverage, allowing adequate time to dry between each. Editor's Tip: We recommend resting your photo ledge on pieces of scrap wood to make painting the edges a little easier. Locate Studs and Hang Since your picture ledge will be supporting frames and other potentially heavy items, hang it on wall studs for extra security. Locate studs and mark their corresponding locations lightly on the back panel of the ledge. Drill pilot holes at the marked spots before drilling screws into the wall. Use a level to make sure your photo ledge will be even. Related Articles How to Build Laundry Room Shelves How to Build a Simple Shelf How to Give Your Nightstand a DIY Storage Upgrade How to Build a Ladder Bookcase How to Build Garage Shelves 38 DIY Headboard Ideas for a Low-Cost Bedroom Refresh How to Frame an Interior Wall with Metal Studs How to Build an Outdoor Cooler Cabinet to Serve Drinks in Style How to Build a DIY Cabana to Create a Shady Oasis for Your Backyard How to Build a Custom Vent Hood for a High-End Kitchen Look How to Build DIY Drawer Dividers How to Find Wall Studs—Even If You Don't Have a Stud Finder How to Make a Picture Frame How to Make a Farmhouse Planter Box to Upgrade Your Porch How to Make a DIY Industrial Bar Cart in Just an Afternoon How to Frame a Window Opening Newsletter Sign Up By clicking “Accept All Cookies”, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts. Cookies Settings Accept All Cookies