This woodworking project was built and designed by Chris from Laneworks. For more inspiring woodworking videos and creative builds, visit Chris’s YouTube channel, Laneworks.
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Why Build an Orb Shelf?
The Orb Shelf is an eye-catching circular shelf perfect for displaying your favorite items. Its unique design serves as both a practical storage solution and a decorative accent, enhancing any room’s visual appeal.
Building your own shelf also allows you to customize the look and feel to perfectly suit your home’s decor style. Whether you’re showcasing plants, collectibles, or books, this project is a versatile addition you’ll enjoy for years.
Concept and Design
Chris designed the Orb Shelf to be approximately 20 inches in diameter, providing ample storage without taking up significant space. A circular shape naturally draws attention and adds visual interest to your walls, creating a focal point in your home.
Before making any cuts, Chris created a cardboard template to visualize the final design clearly. This preliminary step is an excellent way to confirm sizing and appearance before committing to the woodworking stage.
Selecting Materials and Preparing the Wood
For this project, Chris chose affordable and accessible 1×6 pine boards, making it approachable for woodworkers of all levels. Pine is lightweight yet sturdy enough to support various decorative objects.
Chris carefully measured and cut three main boards that would form the primary structure of the shelf. Precision during this phase is important because it helps ensure alignment and stability during assembly.
Cutting the Slots for Shelves
To securely hold shelves within the circular frame, Chris designed evenly spaced slats. Each slat required precise measurements and careful marking, ensuring the final shelf would have a clean, professional look.
He used dado cuts for the shelf slots, creating neat and secure grooves to hold each shelf in place. Properly executed dado cuts help strengthen the structure and improve the overall appearance.
Shaping and Cutting the Circular Frame
With the slots in place, Chris cut out the circular shape using woodworking tools like a jigsaw or bandsaw. Cutting slightly outside the marked line allowed him to refine and perfect the shape through sanding.
This approach helps achieve a perfectly smooth and evenly rounded frame, crucial for both aesthetics and ease of assembly. Proper shaping enhances the visual appeal and ensures everything fits seamlessly together.
Assembling the Orb Shelf
With all the individual components prepared, Chris assembled the shelf by carefully fitting each piece into place. Glue and screws provided a strong, lasting bond, ensuring durability for long-term use.
During assembly, Chris used a pin nailer to hold components securely while screws were driven in. This practical step streamlined the build process and ensured everything remained perfectly aligned.
Sanding and Finishing
After assembly, thorough sanding removed rough spots and created a smooth, finished surface. This step was essential for preparing the wood for stain and protective coating, enhancing the shelf’s final appearance and feel.
Chris chose a contrasting stain for the slats, selecting a modern black finish against the natural pine. This visually appealing contrast highlights the unique design, but you can easily customize colors to match your home’s style.
Final Protective Coat
To protect the wood and enhance durability, Chris applied a clear lacquer finish. This protective coat sealed the wood, ensuring longevity and easy maintenance over time.
The lacquer finish also enhanced the natural beauty of the wood grain and added a subtle sheen, providing a polished and professional appearance. Proper finishing ensures your shelf looks attractive for years.
Final Thoughts
Chris’s Orb Shelf project demonstrates how woodworking can create both practical storage solutions and beautiful home decor. Building your own shelf not only offers the satisfaction of crafting something yourself but also provides the flexibility to personalize it to your liking.
If you’re ready to build your own Orb Shelf or explore more woodworking ideas, Chris at Laneworks provides detailed guidance and helpful insights to inspire your next project.
Watch the full video and subscribe to Chris’s channel: