DIY Floating Shelves
Updated: Jan 20, 2022
Can you believe I'm finally posting this tutorial?! Sorry for the wait!
A couple of months ago, Jeremy got to work on building the floating shelves that would hang over our coffee bar. I was in the process of shooting video to share on Instagram when I broke my ankle mid project. I never finished shooting the video that we needed so I decided to write it all in a blog post. Below are the steps on how he built our floating shelves!
Supplies
1/4" Plywood
(3) 8' 1x3 common board
(3) 8' 2x4's
Box of pocket screws
Screws for mounting to the wall
Kreg Jig
Miter Saw
Circular Saw
Drill
Wood Filler
Sander
Pre-Stain Wood Conditioner
Varathane Early American Stain (or whichever you want)
Polycrylic
HOW TO
Step 1: Measure
First, we measured how long we wanted our shelves. This was relevant to the size of of our sideboard table, but in case you're interested, our shelves are 64" long and 10 14" deep. Your measurements will be different depending on your space.
Step 2: Cut Plywood
The plywood is going to be the top and bottom of your shelf. You're going to cut it 3/4" less than your desired depth and 1 1/2" less than desired width. This will leave room for the trim pieces later on.
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Step 3: Cut your 1x3's
Cut the 1x3 boards to the desired length and depth of your desired shelf measurement. These will be the front and side pieces of your shelf.
Step 4: Miter the 1x3's
Miter the ends of the 1x3's at a 45 degree angle.
Step 5: Pre-drill holes into your 1x3's
Pre-drill holes into the top and bottom of your 1x3's every 6-8 inches (on both the front and side pieces). This is how you will connect them to your plywood
Step 6: Attach 1x3's to Plywood
Attach front and side trim pieces to precut plywood using screws.
Step 7: Find your studs
Finding your studs and marking them before assembling your wall mount will be very helpful later on. You can use painters tape to mark where they are.
Step 8: Build the wall mount
The wall mount is what the shelf will slide over (see picture above so this makes sense). Let's name it "E" to simplify it.
First, measure the inside dimensions of your shelf from end to end, then, cut a 2x4 that size. This will be the long part of your "E"
Okay now stay with me. Next, measure the inside depth of the box. Subtract the depth of the long 2x4 (when its laying flat like in the picture). Take an additional 1/4" off (to account for....). Whatever number you get, thats how long you'll cut the shorter 2x4's (the shorter pieces of the "E").
Depth of box - depth of long 2x4 - 1/4" = Length of 2x4 pieces
You need a short 2x4 every 11-12 inches ( but you don't want any where your studs are because you want to be able to drill that long 2x4 into the stud).
Attach the short 2x4's to the long 2x4 using pocket holes.
Step 8: Test Fit
Test fit the shelf over the bracket. Make any necessary adjustments.
Step 9. Attach your bracket to the wall.
Drill into the studs (this is why we marked them earlier). You shouldn't have any 2x4's in your way because we pre-measured earlier!
Step 10: Fill Holes and Stain
Use wood filler to fill any holes in your box. Sand it down. Prep your box with a layer of wood conditioner for a smoother application and then stain. We used one coat of Varathane Early American. Next, seal the box with Polycrylic.
Step 11: Assemble shelf
Finally, you'll slide your box over your bracket and you're done!
I hope this helps you guys and as always, I'd love it if you tagged me in your projects!
Love y'all,
Jess
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