How to Make and Install an Arts and Crafts Plate Rail, Continued

5. Installation:

• To install the rail, they first drew a level line on the wall then attached a temporary strip of wood to act as a support as the self was being secured to the wall. The shelf was attached by drilling clearance holes into the ledger and then installing screws directly into the wall studs. They connected the sections with biscuit joints to align the edges and reinforce the corners. The final piece of decorative trim was a pre-finished strip of oak that was used to cover the screw heads after the shelf was attached.

RESULTS:

It is amazing how just the right architectural woodwork can change a room from simple to simply wonderful. In just one day, Robert and his daughter, together with Ron's help and encouragement, were able to create exactly the look Robert had envisioned with results that really made a difference.

Before                                              After