Floating Shelf

PROJECT: personal

DATE: summer 2024

MATERIALS: pre-veneered white oak plywood, solid white oak, pine, steel rods

DIMENSIONS: 40" wide, 14 1/4" deep, 2" thick

SURFACE TREATMENT: clear plant-based wax-oil finish

I wanted a floating shelf that would be flush with the adjacent wall, and didn't sag when you put stuff on it.

Adapted from Everyday Builds' method of building floating shelves, I designed and built a floating shelf that was strong, didn't destroy the drywall, didn't require special tools, and I could confidently build with precision.

Digital model made in SketchUp.

Threaded rods screwed into wall studs.

Bracket made of pine, slides onto rods.

Bracket parts assembled with bridle joints and glue.

Bracket held in place with nuts and washers.

Shelf is hollow with pine blocks glued in for support.

Lap joints, also known as rebate joints.

Shelf slides onto bracket.

Mitred butt joint.

The shelf is level.

The shelf doesn't sag when loaded.

Satin finish.

Next Project