Builder's Studio: DIY Corbel Scarf Rack
In this episode of the Builder's Studio, we created this stunning DIY corbel scarf rack with a storage rod and a shelf on the top. This was an easy build that can add to your organization but also act as a decorative component in your entryway or closet space. The corbels used have a beautiful profile that will fit in to a wide range of styles. If you are looking for a weekend DIY home project, this is a great choice!
Products used in this video:
- Full Blue Ridge Brackets sold as a set of two (Part #892093)
Assembly Instructions
What we used:
One set of Blue Ridge Brackets sold in a set of two (Part #892093)
Dowel Rod (1” x 36”)
1” x 10” Red Oak Lumber
Other items needed:
| • Drill Press | • Wood Glue | • Clamps |
| • Ruler/Measuring Tape | • Drawing Utensils | • Sander |
| • 1” Forstner Bit | • Rubber Mallet | • Drill |
| • Scrap Wood | • Chisel | • Stud Finder |
| • Level | • Drywall Anchors | • Stain/Paint (optional) |
Instructions:
Lay the corbels side by side where they are mirroring each other and mark the reference point where you would like to have the dowel rod sit. Create these reference points by measuring the placement on both corbels and ensure the marks are the same on both.
Take your forstner bit and use a rubber mallet to make a small mark on each of the corbels to make sure you can center them on the drill press.
Using a 1” forstner bit allows for more control of the depth of the cut. On the drill press it is important to use proper clamping procedures and remain a safe distance from the cutting bit.
Line your marks created earlier with the drill press and turn it on. The depth of the hole is up to your preference but keep in mind that this will affect the overall width of your assembly. We decided to use a depth equal to the top of the forstner bit. Repeat this cut on both corbels.
Now that the holes are drilled for our dowel rod, check the measurements and ensure you are at the desired width of your assembly.
Add some wood glue to each hole and install the dowel rod. Not much glue is needed in this process, because the final shelf top will secure everything. To finish this step add a bit of clamping pressure to ensure your rod is square with the top of your corbels while drying.
Next, prepare to cut your top down to size. A 1” x 10” nominal board will give you roughly a 2 ½” overhang off the front of the shelf. The width of the corbel assembly in the previous steps is 42”, so cut your top at 44” long to create a 1” overhang over the sides of the corbels.
Now, sand the top to 220 grit and get it ready to attach to your corbels.
To attach the corbels to the shelf top, flip the shelf upside down and lay your corbels on the surface. Align them with the back of the shelf top. Then, measure and mark the proper overhang on each side of the shelf to ensure they are centered. Use a pencil to mark a reference point for each corbel's attachment location on the shelf. With a ruler, mark the center point of each corbel on the top edge of the shelf, as well.
We will be using screws through the top of our shelf and some wood plugs. So next we will want to transfer the marks made in the last step to the top side of the shelf.
After completing your markings, clamp your top to a secure surface and prepare to drill your pilot holes. Use a two-step drill bit to create the attachment holes.
Once the holes are drilled on the top side of your shelf, place the assembly back together. It is likely easiest to set it on its side with the back of the assembly that will be against the wall sitting flat on your work surface. Add some clamps to keep everything positioned as you prepare to drill. Get a longer screw and drill it into the holes previously created to connect the corbels to the top.
Now that the top is attached, take a piece of scrap wood from our 1”x10” used before and try to grain match the best you can. Mark those areas and create your plugs using the drill press and a plug cutting bit. Take a chisel and pop the plugs out.
To install the wood plugs, add a little bit of glue into each pre-drilled hole and use a mallet to tap them into place. Let the glue dry and sand them to 220 grit to match the rest of the shelf top.
Now that the shelf is assembled, add a coat of finish or paint and get ready to install it onto your wall.
These corbels come with two keyhole brackets installed on the back for easy installation. Because this is a heavier build you will want to make sure one side of the shelf is installed into a wall stud. Find a stud and mark where the keyhole brackets will go. Measure the distance between both corbels brackets, then mark that same distance on the wall.
Once you have an idea of where you would like the shelf to go on the wall, hold a level up to it. This allows you to create additional reference marks you can use for attachment. Mark the distance from the top of your shelf to the keyhole brackets onto your wall. Then, check the overall width between each corbel and make sure that matches your reference marks on the wall before installing any screws.
Next, predrill holes at the marks just made to aid in the insertion of screws and drywall anchors.
Place the entire assembly on the wall and make sure your screws in your brackets fit correctly into the drywall anchors. Everything should feel level and secure!