Floating shelf frame - ARGH

Submitted by solomonson on Sat, 12/11/2010 - 07:29

I don't know if it's supposed to be this way or if I'm just dumb, and I'd love someone to tell me which one it is.

 

So I've made the frame.  The problem is that because of the 7inch long ends, the 5.5" studs don't quite reach the top of the frame rectangle – there was a slight gap of maybe 1/8" – 1/4".  I screwed in the top to see what would happen and got the top of the frame almost flush.  It seems ok but the top is slightly bowed, and on top of that, the frame is wider than the actual shelf – if I attach it to the wall, it's not going to be perfectly flush and a bit of the frame will show!  Should I just scrap this frame and trim the ends down to 6.75" or so?  What did I do wrong?  

 

EDIT: And I did attach the 7" ends to the outside of the frame.

Forums

tnslb

Sat, 12/11/2010 - 12:43

So, the frame is deeper than the shelf?  Can you get out your tape measure and check the measurements of everything?  The math adds up, it *should all work ;)  Did you put the frame pieces on their sides, or something?  Can you take a picture?

solomonson

Sun, 12/12/2010 - 09:17

Well, after freaking out in my post, I got enough presence of mind to get out my tape measure.  Turns out my 1 x 2s were not really 1 x 2s, they were more 7/8 by 1 7/8, or something like that.  And 5.5" pieces were less than 1/8" short.  My husband fussed at me again to get a T-square, which I should.  So I cut my end pieces down just a hair and the next frame was perfect.  I just need to plan a little better.  Laugh Thanks.