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Encasing Built-in Drywall Shelf in Wood

kendog2
9 years ago

We have a built-in drywall shelf on one wall in a bedroom. We will be repainting soon. We don't care for the textured drywall look of the shelf and would like to cover the bottom with wood and the front with some kind of molding for more of a craftsman look. The top of the shelf is about 6'4" above the floor. The shelf measures 12" deep x 5" thick. The room is 11 1/2 ft. square with an 8 ft. ceiling.

I'm not sure what type of molding would work for the front of the shelf. We're considering running rope lighting along the top of the shelf and wiring it into the wall. If we do that, should we install the molding 1/2 inch or 1 inch higher than the top of the shelf in order to conceal the rope lighting? Should we install one piece of molding to cover the face or use layers such as a flat piece to cover the entire face and one or more pieces of molding over that?

For the bottom of the shelf, we're thinking of using beadboard with lines running perpendicular to the wall. Does anyone have any other suggestions? Do you think wider planks would look better than beadboard? If we go with beadboard, would it be better to use the 4' x 8' sheets or the individual pieces? Install with finishing nails or screws? Would glue be necessary as well? Any advice on the best technique to make a smooth joint with no gaps between the face and bottom pieces would also be much appreciated.

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