Dear readers, are you looking for a chic and practical way to store your books, vases, or plants? Floating shelves are the answer! Not only do they look modern and minimalist, but they also save space and can be customized to fit any room design. In this article, we will guide you on how to build floating shelves step by step. Whether you are a beginner or a DIY enthusiast, you can complete this project in a day or two. Let’s start!
Step 1: Gather Your Tools and Materials
Before we start building, let’s make sure we have all the necessary tools and materials. For this project, you will need:- 1×2 wood boards (the length depends on how many shelves and how long you want them to be)- 1×3 wood boards (for the cleats that attach the shelves to the wall)- Screws (long enough to go through the wood and into the wall studs)- Wall anchors (if your wall is drywall or plaster)- Wood glue- Sandpaper- Paint or stain (optional)- Paintbrush or roller- Saw- Drill- Level- Tape measureOnce you have everything on this list, we can move on to the next step.
Step 2: Measure and Cut the Wood
The first thing you need to do is measure the length of the wall where you want to install the shelves. Then, decide how many shelves you want and how far apart you want them to be. Typically, floating shelves are 10-12 inches apart. Once you have these measurements, you can cut the wood boards accordingly. Use the saw to cut the 1×2 boards for the shelf frames and the 1×3 boards for the cleats. Sand the rough edges with sandpaper.
Step 3: Assemble the Shelf Frames
Now, it’s time to assemble the shelf frames. Take two 1×2 boards and attach them perpendicularly with screws and wood glue. Repeat this step for all the shelves you want to make. Make sure the frames are sturdy and square. You can use a level to check if they are straight.
Step 4: Attach the Cleats to the Wall
Before you can attach the shelf frames to the wall, you need to install the cleats first. These are the support brackets that will hold the shelves in place. Measure and mark the wall studs where you want to install the cleats. Then, cut the 1×3 boards according to the length of the shelves. Attach the cleats to the wall studs with screws and wall anchors if necessary. Use a level to make sure they are level and straight.
Step 5: Mount the Shelf Frames
Once the cleats are securely attached, you can mount the shelf frames onto them. Slide the frames onto the cleats and attach them with screws through the bottom of the frames. Make sure the frames are level and evenly spaced. You can paint or stain the shelves at this point if you want. Let them dry before placing anything on them.
TIPS:
– If you want your floating shelves to be extra secure, you can use L-shaped brackets to attach the frames to the cleats from the inside.- You can add decorative brackets or corbels to the bottom of the frames for a fancier look.- To make your shelves even more unique, you can use different wood stains or paints for the frames and shelves.
In Conclusion
Congratulations, you have just built your own floating shelves! It wasn’t too hard, was it? Just remember to measure twice, cut once, and use the right tools and materials. Floating shelves are a great way to show off your favorite items while keeping your space clutter-free. We hope you enjoyed this tutorial and learned something new. See you in our next article!
