DIY Guide: How to Make Your Own Floating Shelves

Floating shelves are a popular trend in modern home décor and for good reason. These shelves can add a touch of elegance to any room whilst being practical and functional. Floating shelves are known to create a beautiful and minimalistic look, with the illusion of shelves that are suspended in mid-air. Fortunately, these shelves are simple to make, and the process is relatively easy.

One big advantage of floating shelves is that they do not require brackets or supports, unlike the traditional wall shelves. This means they appear to be floating on the wall itself, which makes them an excellent option for small spaces. Floating shelves can be used for various purposes, such as displaying keepsakes, holding books, storing files, and showcasing artwork or photos. In this article, we will guide you through the process of making your own floating shelves and provide some tips and tricks to help you achieve the look you desire.

Step-by-Step Guide to Building Your Own Floating Shelves

1. Materials and Tools

Before you start building, you’ll need to gather all the necessary materials and tools. You’ll need wood (preferably medium-density fibreboard or plywood), a saw, screws, a drill, a level, a measuring tape, sandpaper, and paint or stain.

2. Determine the Size of the Shelves

Determine the desired length, width, and depth of the floating shelves. Measure the space available and draw out the designs to ensure the correct sizes are achieved.

3. Cut the Wood to Size

Using a saw, cut the wood to the desired length, width and depth. Sand the edges until they’re smooth.

4. Sand the Shelves

Sand the shelves until they’re smooth before applying paint or stain. This will make it easier to achieve a professional-looking finish.

5. Apply Paint or Stain

Apply paint or stain to the shelves if desired to match the existing decor. Allow enough time for the paint or stain to dry before proceeding.

6. Measure and Mark the Wall for the Shelf Placement

Measure and mark the position of the shelves on the wall using a measuring tape and level. This will ensure that your shelves are installed straight and level.

7. Install the Floating Shelf Brackets

Attach the floating shelf brackets to the wall, making sure they’re level and evenly spaced. Use screws to secure the brackets to the wall.

8. Install the Floating Shelves

Slide the shelves onto the brackets and secure them in place using screws. Make sure the screws are hidden by positioning them underneath the shelves, nearest to the wall.

9. Check for Level and Stability

Ensure that the shelves are level and sturdy before adding any items onto them. Adjust the shelves by loosening the screws and adjusting their position as necessary.

10. Add Your Decorations

Now it’s time to add your favorite decorative items onto your new floating shelves. From flower vases to framed photos or books, these shelves will instantly add a personal touch of style to your home.

Section II: Materials and Tools Needed for Building Floating Shelves

If you’re interested in building your own floating shelves, then it’s important to have the right materials and tools on hand. In this section, we’ll go over the items you’ll need to get started.

1. Wood

One of the most important things you’ll need is the wood for your shelves. Choose a high-quality, durable wood that can hold up the weight of your items. Popular types of wood for floating shelves include pine, oak, and cedar.

2. Saw

To cut your wood to the desired size and shape, you’ll need a saw. A circular saw or jigsaw works well for this task. Make sure to take safety precautions when using any type of saw.

3. Sandpaper

After cutting your wood, you’ll need to smooth out any rough edges with sandpaper. Use a fine grit to achieve a smooth finish.

4. Drill

To install your shelves, you’ll need to drill holes into the wall and the wood. Make sure to have a drill with the appropriate bit size for your screws.

5. Level

It’s important to ensure that your shelves are level when installing them. Use a level to ensure that your shelves are straight.

6. Stud Finder

To ensure that your shelves are securely attached to the wall, you’ll need to locate the studs. Use a stud finder to find the studs in your wall before drilling any holes.

7. Screws

Choose screws that are appropriate for the weight of your shelves and the material of your walls. Make sure to have enough screws on hand for all of your shelves.

8. Brackets

Brackets will help support your shelves from underneath. Choose brackets that fit the size and style of your shelves.

9. Paint or Stain

After your shelves are installed, you may want to paint or stain them to match your decor. You can choose a paint or stain that complements the color of your walls or furniture.

10. Measuring Tape

Before cutting your wood or installing your shelves, it’s important to measure out the correct size and placement. Use a measuring tape to ensure accuracy and precision in your project.

With these materials and tools on hand, you’ll be well-equipped to build your own floating shelves. In the next section, we’ll go over the steps for actually building your shelves.

Materials Needed

Before we start with the actual steps on how to make floating shelves, it is important to prepare all the necessary materials needed for this project. The following are the materials and tools needed:

Wooden Board or Lumber

The most important material that you will need when making floating shelves is a wooden board or lumber. You can purchase boards or pre-cut lumber from your local hardware stores. It is important to measure the size of the wall where you plan to attach the shelves. This will help you determine the size of the shelves that you need to make.

Wood Glue

Wood glue is important to ensure that the floating shelves are sturdy and secure. It is recommended to use wood glue that is specifically designed for woodworking. You can choose between Titebond, Elmer’s, or Gorilla Wood Glue.

Screws

You will also need screws to attach the floating shelves onto the wall. It is important to choose the right size of screws depending on the thickness of the wooden boards. The length of the screws should also be considered depending on the depth of the shelves.

Stain or Paint

You can choose to paint or stain the floating shelves depending on your preference. Painting the shelves will give a more modern and contemporary look while staining it will enhance the natural beauty of the wood. It is important to use paint or stain that is appropriate for wooden furniture.

Sanding Block or Sandpaper

Sanding the wooden boards or lumber is important to smoothen the surface and edges before assembling and attaching the shelves. You can use a sanding block or sandpaper to smooth the rough surfaces of the wood. It is recommended to use a fine-grit sandpaper to prevent scratches or damages to the wood.

Happy floating shelf making!

I hope this article has inspired you to try your hand at making your own floating shelves. Remember to measure twice, cut once, and always put safety first. Thanks for reading and I hope you come back again for more DIY ideas and inspiration. Until then, happy crafting!