Tiered Leaning Plant Shelves Woodworking Class

With Sineah McGrady

You do not need to take any of our Woodworking Fundamentals classes including Woodworking I, II, or III in order to take this class. No experience is required.

Create your own high-end, designer-style furniture without the high-end price tag. In this project-based workshop, you'll build a modern leaning ladder shelf, perfect for any space in your home. We'll guide you through every step, from selecting and cutting wood to assembling a sturdy, beautiful piece using simple yet strong techniques like pocket-hole joinery. Join this supportive beginner-friendly workshop, expand your handy DIY skillset, and connect with a community of fellow makers!

What You’ll Make:

  • A three-tiered leaning shelf, standing approximately 4 feet tall and 18 inches wide. Perfect for displaying plants, books, or decor, this versatile piece fits beautifully in any room.

Skills & Concepts You’ll Learn:

  • Essential woodshop safety

  • Measuring and cutting wood to precise dimensions

  • Using pocket hole joinery for strong, hidden connections

  • Assembling furniture for a sturdy, professional finish

  • Sanding techniques for a smooth, ready-to-finish surface

Equipment & Tools You’ll Learn:

  • Miter Saw, Table Saw, Pocket Hole Jigs (Kreg Jig), Drills, Orbital Sander, Brad Nailer

Class Outline:

  1. Introduction & Safety Overview: Woodshop rules, project plan, and safe tool use. Power point shared for reference.

  2. Demonstration: Instructor demonstrates each step of the project from cutting to assembly in stages.

  3. Hands-On Practice: Students receive guidance and feedback as they build their own shelf.

  4. Wrap-Up: Tips for home finishing (stains, paints, or oils), and personal feedback.

Other Class Details:

  • Prerequisites: None. No Experience Required.

  • Class Capacity: 6 maximum, 3 minimum

  • Materials Provided?: Yes

  • Age Limit: 14+. Guardian required if under 18 (info)

  • Partner Ticket Available?: Yes

  • Available for a Private Class?: Yes (info)

  • Clothing/Equipment Requirements?: Comfortable well fitted clothing, close-toed shoes, put your hair up, and be prepared to get a little dirty.

About the Teacher

Sineah has been teaching beginner woodworking classes at the Denver Tool Library since 2018. She grew up in Maine, constantly curious to do things independently. After moving to Denver in 2016, Sineah discovered the Tool Library and soon after began encouraging others to safely use tools and build things with their own hands. She started teaching friends in her own backyard until we opened up the workshop. She has taught stool/ plant stand, bookshelf, leaning shelf, cutting board workshops and more. Sineah will encourage you to creatively problem solve and by the end of class, will send you home with a project intended to impress your friends and yourself. Check out Sineah’s work on Instagram at @diyworkshopcollective