How to Make and Install Floating Shelves - DIY Home Improvement Guides - How to Repair and Remodel your Bathroom, Kitchen and more

Local Guides

All Guides
Alabama
Alaska
Arizona
Arkansas
California
Colorado
Connecticut
DC
Delaware
Florida
Georgia
Hawaii
Idaho
Illinois
Indiana
Iowa
Kansas
Kentucky
Louisiana
Maine
Maryland
Massachusetts
Michigan
Minnesota
Mississippi
Missouri
Montana
Nebraska
Nevada
New Hampshire
New Jersey
New Mexico
New York
North Carolina
North Dakota
Ohio
Oklahoma
Oregon
Pennsylvania
Rhode Island
South Carolina
South Dakota
Tennessee
Texas
Utah
Vermont
Virginia
Washington
West Virginia
Wisconsin
Wyoming

networx

Home Improvement > Other Projects > How to Make and Install Floating Shelves

Build Hollow Floating Wall Shelves That Attach Invisibly to Hidden Cleats to Create Decorative Wooden Shelving

Construct a one-by-two poplar framework for each shelf to cover with plywood. Cut and miter strips of poplar to face the exposed plywood edges on the front and sides. Secure each component with glue and nails. Spackle the nail holes and then sand and paint each shelf. Wall-mount poplar cleats to studs and seat the hollow shelving on top.

Step by Step Instructions with Video

Click here to play video

Step
1

Cut Panels for the Top and Bottom of Each Shelf

Set up a table saw and fence to cut 1/2-inch plywood skins to measure. Cut an identical pair of panels to cover the top and bottom framework of each individual shelving unit. Units may be of different lengths, if desired.
View Video for Details >>

Click here to play video

Step
2

Rip One-by-two Poplar Strips for Each Shelf Unit's Framework

Cut poplar into one-by two inch strips for the frameworks of all the floating wooden shelves. Rip the strips to identical width so that all the finished shelves will be of uniform thickness when the strips are assembled on edge.
View Video for Details >>

Click here to play video

Step
3

Cut the One-by-two Poplar Strips to Length

Cut one-by-two poplar for each floating wall shelf's framework. Make a pair of long sides, a pair of short sides, and a pair of cross braces for each, cut to measure so they will fit the plywood skins made earlier.
View Video for Details >>

Click here to play video

Step
4

Glue and Nail Each Shelf's Framework Together

Apply glue and position a pair of long sides and short sides in a long rectangle of correct dimensions. Secure them with a nail gun, and then glue and nail the cross braces.
View Video for Details >>

Click here to play video

Step
5

Apply Glue and Set the Plywood Skins on Each Framework

Apply carpenter's glue to the edges of the framework. Position the plywood skin and staple through the skin into the framework along its perimeter and the cross braces. Repeat for the other side.
View Video for Details >>

Click here to play video

Step
6

Face the Three Closed Edges of Each Shelf

Cut one-by-two facing strips to cover the three exposed edges of each shelf unit. Miter the ends so they meet to form neat corners. Glue and nail the front piece, followed by the end pieces.
View Video for Details >>

Click here to play video

Step
7

Spackle the Nail Holes and Sand All Surfaces Smooth

Use a putty knife to fill all the nail holes, and then use a small sander to smooth everything to the touch. All surfaces should be ready for finishing.
View Video for Details >>

Click here to play video

Step
8

Paint All Exterior Surfaces of Each Shelving Unit

Finish all exterior surfaces of the shelving units before they are mounted. Work outside in a well ventilated area to minimize fumes from the paint. Apply two coats per manufacturer's directions and allow each coat to dry.
View Video for Details >>

Click here to play video

Step
9

Level and Mount Cleats to the Wall in Desired Locations

Use painter's tape to visualize the best position for each shelf. Mark stud and cleat positions and ensure they are level before screwing them into the studs.
View Video for Details >>

Click here to play video

Step
10

Slip the Hollow Opening on the Shelf over the Cleat

Pre-drill counter-sunk screw holes in the back top edge of the shelf. Clip the open back over its cleat and tap it in place. Drive screws through the holes into the cleats to secure.
View Video for Details >>