Rustic Industrial Shelf

This post should probably come with a disclaimer: how NOT to build a rustic, industrial bookshelf. I made so many mistakes, which of course are the best teachers, but this is not my first rodeo or bookshelf build.  


And in my frustrated state, I didn't take quite as many photos as I should have, but hopefully this tutorial will help.  

I started with six almost 40" x 3 1/2" pallet boards for the sides.  First mistake: I probably should have  trimmed the ends off to even them up.  I marked up 13 1/3" to place a shelf bracket.  My shelves are made from two 5 1/2" boards so I cut the brackets 11" long.  

I added the brackets to create two shelf sides.

Next I added the middle shelves, using the professional balance it between the patio and workmate method (excuse the dog fertilized yard in the background).  The shelves are 34" long. 

Mistake #2--I cut the pieces for the top and bottom 34" as well, but they needed to be 35 1/2" long to accommodate the width of the sides.   I didn't have any other pallet boards the correct size.  I instead used a piece of barnwood for the base and two not quite so perfect pieces for the top--it worked.

I sanded the piece well and then used Fusion Mineral Paints all natural Beeswax on it.  This wax is yummy, so soft and buttery.

I added casters for a more industrial feel, putting locking locking casters on the front.  

Next mistake, I decided I could use the boards I had cut for the top and bottom for the back so I cut more boards this size.  I was going to place the boards horizontally across the back and use a thin board attached to the side perpendicular to the back boards--um ya, fail!

Plan B was a better plan, a thin luan board cut to the back side with a picture of my town circa late 1940 Modge Podged on the back.   I found the photo on the Library of Congress page--they have many non restricted photos you can use.  I made an engineer print at Staples. Spray the enlargement with a few light coats of clear spray to keep the ink from running. 

When the modge podge was dry,  I screwed the back on, using the pipe clamp to help square it up. The back did get fairly wrinkled with the glue, but I like it--think it makes it look older and of course when things are on the bookshelf, all of the background won't be seen.

I love these old anagrams in a wire fry basket.  

I am smitten with the waxed wood, the black and white photo, the wheels.

I am pretty sure rustic industrial is my new favorite style.  i see more projects like this in my future.