DIY Rustic Folding Shelf!

This DIY Rustic Folding Shelf opens to double in size - which is really great for laundry day!
Start with 2 pieces of wood cut to the size you want your shelf...soften the edges with a router...
You'll need 3 hinges for a 6 foot shelf...Mark where your hinges will go...
Chisel out the place for your hinges...you'll want the hinges to fit flush in the wood...
Sand the chiseled place to smooth...
This is how your hinges will be attached...but DON'T attach them yet...first (if you want to) distress the wood...


Distress and stain your wood...I have detailed instructions on the blog but didn't have room here for all the HOW-TO! (See blog post)
Here's what keeps the shelf from falling when open! A piece of Angle Iron!


Measure about 2 " past one of the pieces of wood...
And cut your Angle Iron to that length...(and file the edge to smooth out the rough places)
Drill 2 holes in the Angle Iron...(Use a drop of oil on your drill bit and drill very slowly to keep from damaging your bit.)
Attach the Angle Iron to the underside of the piece of wood that will be towards the back -- w/ hinges up...
Put your bracket into studs to strengthen the shelf...here's how it looks folded up...when you open it, the angle iron on each end will keep the shelf sturdy and straight.


There were too many steps to get into a lot of detail here my friends...if you want to make this, just come over to the blog for the full tutorial...xo
All Things Heart and Home
Want more details about this and other DIY projects? Check out my blog post!
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Frequently asked questions
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  1 question
  • Willy Willy on Jun 02, 2019

    IF the angle not sticks out further than the width of the bottom of the shelf when it’s folded, isnt The angle iron a hazard?

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  • Molly Molly on Aug 14, 2017

    One of the best on this site. Best Explained, best for professional finish,

    best for ingenuity, just plain best! Your laundry room is so perfect. Thank you.

  • Kat Kat on Jul 26, 2021

    I tried it about a year ago, but I left a big mess with holes in the wall that had to be filled and painted. Now I know why! This time I’ll do it right, with angle iron! Brilliant!! 👏👏👏👏

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