Floating shelves are a popular home décor trend, and for good reason. They offer a sleek, modern look while providing functional storage space. Best of all, you can build your own floating shelves with just a few tools and materials. In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know to create your own DIY floating shelves.
Materials
- 1×8 Boards: For the top and bottom sections of the shelf.
- 1×2 Boards: For the front and side pieces of the shelf.
- 2×2 Boards: For the cleat and legs that mount the shelf to the wall.
Wood Screws:
- 1 1/4-inch wood screws for assembling the shelf box.
- 1/2-inch wood screws for attaching the legs to the cleat.
- 2 1/2-inch wood screws for mounting the cleat to the wall.
- Wood Glue: For bonding the wood pieces together.
- Drywall Anchors: For mounting the cleat if a wall stud is not available.
- Finish Nails: To secure the shelf box to the cleat.
Tools
- Saw: To cut the 1×8, 1×2, and 2×2 boards to size.
- Drill: For drilling pilot holes and driving screws.
- Screwdriver: For driving screws into the wood and wall.
- Tape Measure: To measure the wood and mark cutting lines.
- Level: To ensure the shelf and cleat are level.
- Stud Finder: To locate wall studs for mounting the cleat.
- Clamps: To hold pieces together while the glue dries.
- Pencil: For marking measurements and the shelf position on the wall.
How to Build Floating Shelves
- Cut the Boards: Begin by cutting two pieces of 1×8 boards to the desired width of your shelf.
- Trim the 1×2 Pieces: Trim the 1×2 boards to the appropriate lengths for the front and side pieces.
- Assemble the Shelf Box: With all the components cut, it’s time to assemble the shelf box. Start by drilling two pilot holes through the longer 1×2 pieces and into the ends of the shorter 1×2 pieces.
- Glue and Screw: Apply wood glue to the ends of the shorter 1×2 pieces. Then, secure them by driving 1 1/4-inch wood screws through the longer 1×2 pieces and into the ends of the shorter ones.
- Construct the Shelf: Sandwich the assembled 1×2 frame between the top and bottom 1×8 boards to complete the shelf structure.
- Drill Pilot Holes: To secure the layers, drill pilot holes through the top and bottom sections of the shelf and into the 1x2s.
- Apply Wood Glue: Spread a layer of wood glue between each section to ensure a strong bond.
- Secure with Screws: Drive 1 1/4-inch wood screws through the top and bottom sections of the shelf, anchoring them into the 1x2s to hold the layers together firmly.
- Cut the Cleat: Cut the 2×2 pieces to the appropriate size to create the cleat, which will be mounted directly to the wall to support and secure the shelf in place.
- Attach the 2×2 Legs to the Cleat: Start by drilling two pilot holes through the cleat and into each leg. Apply wood glue to the end of each leg, then secure them by inserting two 1/2-inch wood screws through the cleat and into each leg.
- Position and Mount the Shelf: Begin by marking the desired location for the shelf on the wall. Ideally, you should screw the cleat into a wall stud, which you can locate using a stud finder. If attaching to a stud isn’t possible, use drywall anchors for added support.
- Level and Secure the Cleat: Position the cleat on the wall and use a small level to ensure it’s perfectly horizontal. Once aligned, secure the cleat by driving 2 1/2-inch screws through it and into the wall.
- Mount the Shelf Box: Slide the shelf box over the cleat. To ensure the shelf stays in place, drive one final screw or finish nail through the shelf and into the cleat.
- Admire Your Work: Step back and admire your newly installed floating shelf.
Building your own DIY floating shelves is a rewarding project that adds both style and functionality to your home. With the right tools, materials, and a bit of patience, you can create beautiful shelves that look like they were installed by a professional. Whether you’re a seasoned DIYer or a beginner, this ultimate guide has everything you need to get started.
