Trash To Treasure: A Shelf Fit For A Pirate

So this is pretty much a repeat of the chalk board post for several reasons:  1) I found this piece on the roadside and had a plan for it the second I saw it, 2) it started out as one thing and ended up as another, 3) I used the same technique as the chalkboard to restore the finish, and finally 4) it is going into the PirateBedroom.  Hold onto your hats here we go.

This piece was a headboard that I pulled over and picked up on a Monday, which y’all know, is pick up day in my neighborhood.  I actually stopped for some bed rails and noticed a foot board which I put in the back of the van as well.  Given a few minutes to contemplate what I would do with it on the way home, I remembered I was considering building a display shelf for my nephew’s room.  The light bulb went off, and I earmarked the footboard for a shelf project. 

As projects go this one was simple.  I measured to determine the size shelf brackets I would need and purchased two fairly masculine looking brackets from the Lowe’s around the corner.  I ran the foot board through my table saw to cut off the legs of the footboard. 

Next I refinished the shelf by using the blend and fill pencil to fill in the scratches, and wiped off the excess pencil with a paper towel. 

I used Restore-A-Finish and #0000 steel wool to wipe on two coats of the product on the shelf.  I was not heavy handed with the steel wool, I applied back and forth with the grain of the wood. 

The next morning it was still glossy with finish that hadn’t soaked completely into the wood, so I buffed the entire piece with an old cotton t-shirt rag. 

Once again I was blown away at how the piece was restored, and very glad that I had not chosen to paint the shelf. 

Once in the room I hung the brackets using a laser level, and because the shelf was 55 inches long I was able to find two studs to secure the brackets.  I then used a couple of short screws to secure the shelf to the brackets from the underside of the shelf. 

My nephew was immediately excited to put things on his shelf, and not all of those things fit with the pirate theme.  But hey we decorate these rooms to live in, and if planes, cars, and trophies bring that sweet boy happiness than who am I to stop him.   

There you have it another trash to treasure project.  This bedroom is very close to being done, and I promise to cook or bake something for you guys real soon.