Build an Exterior Window Shelf

I am at it again. I love the style of shelves that we built in my dining room.  I decided to take this one step further and use the same design to create a great area on my back porch that would connect my kitchen to the outside.  I decided to build an exterior window shelf.

 

Exterior Window Shelves:

This is what I had to begin with.  I had wood trim around my kitchen window.

Here is a list of tools that I used on this project:
Orbit Sander with Cloth Dust Bag
Slide Compound Miter Saw, 12-Inch
Exterior Wood Screw
18-Volt Compact Drill/Driver Kit
Drill Bit Set
Minwax Regular Finishing Wax
Stanley 42-480 48-Inch Level
2in by 12in piece of wood.  The length will depend on how long you want to make the shelf)
2in by 2in wood for the shelf brackets

I actually used some reclaimed wood that we came across recently.   II cut some of it down for the brackets and had to sand the wood to get the old paint off of it.

The first thing I did was tear off the bottom piece of trim.  I wanted the shelf to sit flush against the window.

The next step was to build the shelf brackets

I cut 3 different lengths.  The top piece was 11 inches long, the bottom piece 9 inches.  I then cut the angle pieces with a 45 degree angle.  I cut it at 7 1/2 inches.  The inner corners of the angle was approximately 4 1/2 inches.

Since my shelf was somewhat longer, I opted for 3 brackets instead of 2 for a more sturdy base.

I made sure to drill holes in the top pieces so that the wood wouldn’t split and it would make it easier to drive the screws in.  Once the hole was drilled, I screwed it into the bottom piece.

I now have an L shape.  The next step was to add the angle piece for strength.

I drilled holes in these as well prior to screwing them in.

Once they were all assembled, I began attaching them to the wall, starting with the center on  I then measured out to make sure they are all even and centered.

Make sure you use your level to confirm they are straight up and down.

Once I had all 3 brackets installed, I added the shelf to the top.  I screwed this in by screwing through the underside of the top piece of the brackets up into the shelf.

I then applied wax on top of the wood.  You can leave it raw, or you can paint or stain it.  I love the raw look and the wax brings out the natural beauty of the wood.

 

I also painted the brackets white.  This shelf will be serving many purposes this summer.  I can see myself growing some pretty awesome herbs here, and the convenience of having it right by my kitchen faucet makes watering a breeze.

I can also see us using this often for our many barbeques and parties.  It would be a great place to set out drinks or appetizers.

 

I cannot wait for summer to hit so that I can put this to full use!

Sometimes I am surprised at the things I am able to accomplish on my own  This project was one of them.  I did this all by myself.  Hubhy was pretty impressed.

I hope you’ve enjoyed this DIY exterior window shelf tutorial.  Thanks for taking some time out of your day to see what was happening at Twelve On Main.

Have a great day and remember….

*This post contains affiliate links.  All opinions are my own. *
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