This project was built and designed by Tyler from DIYTyler. It’s a custom nook shelf featuring a curved top, made with care and detail for his daughter’s birthday.
Blending clean cherry boards with more textured, gnarly pieces, Tyler created a unique and personal shelf. The curved design and rich wood grain give this project both elegance and warmth.
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Breaking Down the Cherry
Tyler begins by cutting longer cherry boards into more manageable pieces. He uses a miter saw to select and size both clean and figured cherry for different parts of the project.
The smoother boards are reserved for the shelf’s structure, or carcass. The gnarlier, more textured pieces are used for trim, adding contrast and character.
Milling the Material
After cutting, the cherry is milled to prepare it for assembly. Tyler flattens two sides using a jointer and finishes the process with a planer to create smooth, parallel faces.
This step reveals the rich figure hidden in the wood. What looked dull and worn becomes beautiful, warm cherry with deep grain and color.
Next, Tyler resaws boards on the bandsaw to get thinner pieces. These are ripped down to final dimensions on the table saw, ready for glue-up.
Assembling the Shelf
The main structure is built from these milled boards. Tyler glues them up using clamps to ensure tight joints and a flat surface.
After the glue sets, any squeeze-out is scraped off and the panels are planed again to final thickness. This step ensures everything fits together perfectly.
During assembly, he uses wood glue and 23-gauge pin nails to hold the pieces in place. Dowels are also added for strength, carefully drilled and glued into the sides.
Once dried, the dowels are cut flush with the surface. The clean joinery makes the piece sturdy and refined.
Shaping the Curved Top
The highlight of the project is the curved top. Tyler marks the arc and carefully cuts it out on the bandsaw, using several passes to achieve the smooth curve.
The arch isn’t a perfect circle, which adds a bit of handmade charm to the design. It helps the shelf stand out and feel more custom.
After sanding, the arch is secured to the back using dowels and glue. Tyler ensures it’s straight and square before moving on to the front detail.
Creating and Adding the Trim
The front trim is shaped from darker, gnarly cherry to create visual contrast. Tyler selects each piece for grain and character before cutting it on the bandsaw.
Using a fast cap scriber, he measures the curves precisely. The trim is glued in place with spring clamps, and dowels are added to reinforce the fit.
This attention to grain direction and shaping gives the shelf a clean, intentional look. It frames the structure and emphasizes the curved design.
Final Finishing
Once the trim is installed, Tyler sands the entire shelf thoroughly. He rounds sharp edges and smooths the surfaces to prepare for finish.
He applies General Finishes Enduro polyurethane, which enhances the color and grain. The result is a rich, warm tone that highlights the beauty of the cherry.
The finish also provides long-lasting protection. It’s a durable choice for a shelf that will be used daily.
Installing the Shelf
After some final shaping, Tyler cuts out a section for the arch to fit into its new home. He mounts the shelf securely using brass screws, completing the project.
The final product is both beautiful and practical. It’s a special gift, made by hand, and perfectly fitted into a small nook space.
Why This Project Stands Out
This shelf is a great example of thoughtful woodworking. It combines basic techniques with fine details like dowel joinery, curved cuts, and trim shaping.
It’s also a reminder that simple furniture can be made meaningful with the right materials and care. The finished piece brings both joy and function to the space.
Want to See the Full Build?
Please support Tyler by visiting his website here: diytyler.com