Awesome Floating Shelves

My wife and I wanted an entertainment center that went with our new wall mounted TV. We have a young child, so the entertainment center must be able to withstand the abuse. Store bought shelves were too expensive given the sizes I wanted. Other D.I.Y. plans were flimsy and had no provisions for non destructive removal. You basically have to destroy them during removal. This design inflicts minimal damage to the shelves. The screws holding them to the wall anchor boards are countersunk and painted over to hide them. All that is needed for removal is a magnet and a screwdriver. Please read the entire Instructable before beginning.

Warning: Build at your own risk. Use good judgment around power tools. If you don’t feel comfortable around power tools, ask for help from someone who is. Take all necessary precautions when working around electricity in your home. I assume no responsibility for any accidents that result from attempts at my project. Also, while these shelves can support a fair amount of weight, climb on them at your own risk. That being said, have fun and enjoy this project.

Step 1: Tools & Parts Needed

Tools Needed:
Table Saw w/ 80 tooth carbide blade
Miter Saw w/ 80 tooth carbide blade
Drill Press, hand drill, & right angle drill (the drill press and the right angle drill aren’t required but it made things easier)
Palm Sander & sandpaper (220, 440, and 1000 grit worked for me)
Level (I used a digital style, but if you are comfortable with bubble styles then go for it)
¾” Spade bit
¼” and ½”Drill bits
Chisel or metal scraper
Measuring Tape

Parts Needed: (To make three 80” shelves)
Note: The parts you need will depend on which type of installation you are doing.
Choose Installation 1 if you are installing to heavy-duty gypsum board of at least ¾” thick.
Choose Installation 2 if you are installing to drywall or lightweight gypsum board.
You may also choose Installation 2 if you are able to accurately locate your wall studs through the heavy-duty gypsum board.
Installation 1

Qty        Description
2            Flat faced hollow core interior doors.
2            2”x3”x8’ framing lumber, as straight as possible.
18          ¼” Toggle bolts 6” long                                      
18          ¼” Flat Washers
18          ¼” Lock Washers
18          ¼” Nuts
21          ¼” Flat Head Screws 1 ½” long
21          ¼” Tee Nuts
6            Plastic Hollow Wall Anchors with Screws

Installation 2
Qty        Description
2            Flat faced hollow core interior doors.
3            2”x3”x8’ framing lumber, as straight as possible.
21          ¼” Course thread bolts 5” long
              (note: The length will have to be determined by depth of your wall coverings. 5” assumes you have ½” thick wall coverings.)
21          ¼” Flat Washers
21          ¼” Flat Head Screws 1 ½” long
21          ¼” Tee Nuts
6            Plastic Hollow Wall Anchors with Screws