From Blah Bookcase to Basket Bonanza! Add a Shelf to Your Bookcase Top

Believe it or not, I had three options hanging out in my dining room. Now, I knew that none would fit the entire length but I was trying to get an idea for the direction that I wanted to go. So, I put all three up on top of the bookcase and stepped back to take them all in.

One was way too big, it went from the back wall and hung way over the front edge. One was too small, it didn't ever come close to covering the top. But, my stair tread was just right. It didn't go all the way back to the way but I would say it went 90% of the way and that bullnose edge on the front looked amazing on top of the crown molding.

I needed equal overhang on each end of my wall unit. Enter my new favorite toy... a digital tape measure! I don't know why but after all these years, I still have trouble reading a regular tape measure. This one is so awesome! I love it! But still "Measure Twice. Cut Once."

So, using that digital tape measure, I put the stair tread on top and moved it to the correct amount of over hang.

I made a cut mark with a piece of chalk.

I used my sliding miter box saw to cut my stairtread.

I used my little mouse sander to get it nice and smooth all over.

I set to staining it. I love disposable nitrile gloves to protect my hands and fingernails. My son bought a box of 50 and every time I stain something, I am thankful that he had the foresight to do that.

And if I am working on a project, my chicken supervisor always shows up to inspect my work.

Here it is before the stain.

Here we have the Before shelf topper picture...

And After! It isn't super noticeable but when it comes to decorating the top, it makes a huge difference. I ran around my house gathering baskets and in no time the whole unit looked phenomenally better. I am calling this little fix up a success. I had one stair tread and only needed to buy 2 more. They were about $12 a piece so all in all budget friendly fixup. Do you have some pieces of furniture that look like they have a top but don't? I have several pieces through out my whole house.

I also tried putting galvanized tubs up on top but I liked the baskets best. What about you? What would you put on top? Now, I didn't permanently attach these to the top because it didn't seem to be necessary but if you do decide to more permanently attach them, I wouldn't use glue just screws or maybe brackets because they are beaucoup heavy!

I hope you all have a Happy New Year!