DIY Floating Shelves

Intro: DIY Floating Shelves

My wife wanted some shelving in the half bath. Didn't like what was commercially available, so I hit the garage and using some scrap wood, I put these together.

STEP 1: Making the Shelves

While I'm certain there are better and more decorative ways to assemble these, this is the method I used. 2 equal pieces for top and bottom. 1 long piece for the front. A ripped down strip to fill the sides and for the back.

I used more of the side/back material to create fingers for additional strength and assist with alignment. The fingers were screwed in from the back with wood screws, pilot holes drilled to prevent splitting the thin material. You can see the second shelf being test fitted for the base, discussed further later.

STEP 2: Mounting the Base to the Wall

I marked the studs on the wall, positioned the base where I wanted the shelf to rest, and marked places to drill pilot holes. Anchor 1 side, then use the level to ensure its straight while I anchor the other stud.

STEP 3: Afix the Shelf

The shelf is really just a long thin box. I used finishing nails to help hide the fasteners with a little wood glue and saw dust. Slide the box/shelf over the attached frame until flush with the wall. Test fitting the base before this step is helpful to ensure a good snug fit without excess or the fingers being too long. Then I attached the shelf at the back on the bottom (for the lower shelf) and top (for the upper shelf) with screws to help ensure they are not seen.

STEP 4: Finishing Touches

I had sanded the pieces before attaching to the wall. I finished them with some beeswax mixture I purchased to keep a natural look. I had wood left over so I attached a small piece to the wall with L brackets to hold the toilet paper holder to tie it together.

Spent maybe an hour putting these together, and while they are not masterpiece level, my wife loves them.

Comments

[DonaldH80]

Where are the cut sheets?

[JohnW51]

I bought these on Amazon a few years ago. Don't remember the price, but it was very reasonable.

[bgorman16]

I looked them up and they're still available for $15 or $16 for the set of three.

[RAY & GEOS]

what size of the boards?

[ludionis]

Think I made them about 2 ft long, basically made them too use the wood I had laying around. You can customize them to your specific need, concept should work for about any width. I kept them about 5" deep to reduce the risk they get overloaded.

[Pa1963]

You can buy the brackets pretty cheap on ebay. Just drill holes in a 2x whatever and bam!

[dlindstrom]

I am more interested in the toilet paper holder, how is attached to the wall?.

The whole setup is greatness.

[ludionis]

I used simple metal L brackets on the underside and against the wall. Positioned them so the tp holder arms block them mostly from view. It's not as stable as I like, but since it literally only holds 1 roll of tp and a box of wipes, doesn't need to be rock solid

[jessyratfink]

I love these! They;re just what I was looking for in my bathrooms. :)

[SusanS337]

These are great! Commercial floating shelf hardware is expensive and heavy; you've created a design/method that is a lighter and sturdier version for the same effect. A masterpiece for sure!

[JohnSmith-Workshop]

Soo cool, now the mystery of floating shelves is finally reveled. Pretty neat instractable.

[seamster]

Very nice, simple method. I like it, thank you!

[Penolopy Bulnick]

Great shelves! I love the little one with the toilet paper :)