In the spirit of Merdeka this year, I wanted to create a DIY project that represents our rich culture – and what better way to celebrate than with food? Being proud Malaysians, we love our food and delicacies. So, I came up with a project to make a tiered shelf to showcase our beloved kuih or any festive treats.
Imagine having a beautifully crafted wooden display that sparks conversation around the cherished traditions of our local cuisine. Whether it’s the colourful layers of kuih lapis or the delicate details of onde-onde, this display rack can be the centrepiece of your table, serving both style and purpose.
What’s even better is that this tiered rack can be used for all the other Malaysian celebrations throughout the year. From Hari Raya to Chinese New Year to Deepavali, it’s the perfect way to present various delicacies on different occasions.
This DIY project is not only a celebration of our love for food but also a reflection of the unity and diversity we cherish as Malaysians.
PROJECT - DIY Tiered Shelf
Materials
3 pieces of 10cm x 40cm wood
2 pieces of 10cm x 30cm wood
2 pieces of 10cm x 20cm wood
2 pieces of 10cm x 10cm wood
2 pieces of 2cm x 30cm wood
Tools
Ruler
Drill driver
Counter sink bit
Philips bit
Sandpaper
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
Mask
Goggles
Start by gathering your materials. You’ll need three pieces of wood, each measuring 10cm x 40cm for the shelves. For the legs, cut two pieces at 10cm, 20cm and 30cm each. You’ll also need two pieces of wood measuring 2cm x 30cm to use as braces.
1. Start by gathering your materials. You’ll need three pieces of wood, each measuring 10cm x 40cm for the shelves. For the legs, cut two pieces at 10cm, 20cm and 30cm each. You’ll also need two pieces of wood measuring 2cm x 30cm to use as braces.
2 Follow the diagram or image to make your markings. On the three shelf pieces, mark both short sides 8mm in from the edge. Then, mark at 2cm and 8cm intervals. For the brace pieces, draw a centre line and mark at 2cm, 8cm, 12cm, 18cm, 22cm and 28cm.
2. Follow the diagram or image to make your markings. On the three shelf pieces, mark both short sides 8mm in from the edge. Then, mark at 2cm and 8cm intervals. For the brace pieces, draw a centre line and mark at 2cm, 8cm, 12cm, 18cm, 22cm and 28cm.
3 Time to drill! Use a drill driver with a countersink bit to drill holes at all the marked spots.
3. Time to drill! Use a drill driver with a countersink bit to drill holes at all the marked spots.
4 Smooth it all out. Grab some 320-grit sandpaper and sand down all the edges and surfaces until everything is smooth and splinter-free.
4. Smooth it all out. Grab some 320-grit sandpaper and sand down all the edges and surfaces until everything is smooth and splinter-free.
5 Now, switch to a Phillips bit and screw the brace pieces to the three leg pieces to make the base, following the diagram. Make sure the two bases mirror each other.
5. Now, switch to a Phillips bit and screw the brace pieces to the three leg pieces to make the base, following the diagram. Make sure the two bases mirror each other.
6 With the two bases secured, start attaching the shelves one level at a time. This will lock everything in place.
6. With the two bases secured, start attaching the shelves one level at a time. This will lock everything in place.
Aida Ihsani is a self-taught DIYer and woodworker with over eight years of experience. Through her women’s woodworking workshops, she has empowered over 1,000 women from all walks of life to be confident in using power tools and start their DIY journey. For more on Aida’s workshop, visit www.aidaihsani.com or @iamaidaihsani on Instagram.
Whether it’s the colourful layers of kuih lapis or the delicate details of onde-onde, this display rack can be the centrepiece of your table, serving both style and purpose. Photos: Aida Ihsani
5 Now, switch to a Phillips bit and screw the brace pieces to the three leg pieces to make the base, following the diagram. Make sure the two bases mirror each other.
2 Follow the diagram or image to make your markings. On the three shelf pieces, mark both short sides 8mm in from the edge. Then, mark at 2cm and 8cm intervals. For the brace pieces, draw a centre line and mark at 2cm, 8cm, 12cm, 18cm, 22cm and 28cm.
4 Smooth it all out. Grab some 320-grit sandpaper and sand down all the edges and surfaces until everything is smooth and splinter-free.
3 Time to drill! Use a drill driver with a countersink bit to drill holes at all the marked spots.
6 With the two bases secured, start attaching the shelves one level at a time. This will lock everything in place.
Start by gathering your materials. You’ll need three pieces of wood, each measuring 10cm x 40cm for the shelves. For the legs, cut two pieces at 10cm, 20cm and 30cm each. You’ll also need two pieces of wood measuring 2cm x 30cm to use as braces.
