How to Build Recessed Shelves

Sand the trim faces and slightly round all edges. Apply finish. Predrill the sides for 4d finishing nails, position the shelf unit in the wall, then drive and set the nails. Align the trim frame and secure it with 4d nails in predrilled holes through the front edges of the unit into the studs.

Fill all nail holes with matching wood filler. When the filler dries, sand the filler flush and lightly sand the face frame with 220-grit. Wipe away sanding dust with a tack cloth. Add one more coat of finish to the face frame.

Drywall is rarely as flat as it looks, so you may discover small gaps where the face trim meets the wall. If so, fill the gaps with painter's latex caulk. Smooth the caulk with a wet finger and let it dry. Then paint the caulk the same color as the wall.