By DIY floating shelves are a great way to make your home look so much more sophisticated and bring a new dimension to your home decor.
So if you’ve ever wondered how to make your own, then keep reading. Because whether you’re on a budget or fancy trying a new hobby, this is a great project to get started with.
What are floating shelves?
Floating shelves are shelves that appear to float on the wall. They are held in place by hidden brackets or metal rails that are attached to the wall. Floating shelves can be made from a variety of materials, including wood, glass, and metal.
They are popular because they are strong and beautiful at the same time. They can also cover up imperfections in the wall or provide amazing space for decorating. Floating shelves are easy to build and cost only about $5 each.
They provide a perfect spot for decorating the living room wall with pictures, plants, vases, and other favorite things. The floating shelves look like floating shelves, but they are not–they are held in place by hidden brackets or metal rails that are attached to the wall
Why use floating shelves?
There are many reasons to use floating shelves. Perhaps the most obvious reason is that they look great! They add a touch of style and sophistication to any room. But there are other reasons as well. Floating shelves are very versatile; they can hold just about anything. And because they’re attached to the wall with brackets, you don’t have to worry about them falling down – even if you put a lot of weight on them.
Another advantage of floating shelves is that they’re very easy to install. You don’t need any special tools or skills, and you can do it yourself in just a few minutes. Plus, since they attach directly to the wall, there’s no need to find studs or drill into your walls. This makes them perfect for renters or people who want to change their decor often!
What you need to make your own floating shelves
Making your own floating shelves is a fun and easy project that can be completed in just a few hours. In addition, this project can be customized to fit any space, and it’s a great way to use up scrap wood from other projects.
All you need to make your own floating shelves are some basic materials and tools:
– 1/4 inch thick sanded plywood project panel
– pine boards for the frame that will hold the box like plywood floating shelves on them
– barn wood scraps
– aluminum flat bars
We used barn wood scraps and aluminum flat bars to attach the shelves. The studs were in odd places behind the sheetrock, making it difficult for us to find a way to attach them securely to the wall. We found that using these brackets with aluminum flat bars was the answer we needed!
You’ll also need a drill, saw, clamps, screwdriver, level, measuring tape, and square.
How to make your own floating shelves
The first step in this process is to cut the wood boards down to size. They should be 8 feet long, but you will need to cut them down to size so that they can fit in your desired location. Once they are cut down, attach the brackets with screws.
Next, stain and paint the shelves however you like. We recommend using Minwax wood stain for a beautiful finish. You could also leave them their natural color if you prefer.
The last step is to attach the top and bottom shelf boards using screws. Make sure everything is level before doing so. Then, add the spacer blocks on either side of the cleat and screw those in as well.
Now your floating shelves are complete!
Tips for installing and using your DIY floating shelves
Installing floating shelves is a great way to add storage and visual interest to any room in your house. While they are easy to install, there are a few tips that will make the process go more smoothly.
First, be sure to measure the space where you want to install the shelves and purchase brackets that will fit those dimensions. It’s also important to follow the instructions for installing the brackets accurately–otherwise, your shelves may not be stable.
Once you have your brackets installed, it’s time to put up your shelves! Be sure to use a level when hanging them so they are straight. If you want to stain or paint them before installation, now is the time–just be sure to let them dry completely before mounting them.
Finally, once your shelves are up it’s important to finish them with a sealant of some kind. This will protect them from stains and wear and tear over time. You can buy furniture wax or oil specifically for this purpose, or you can make your own at home using just two ingredients!
For more top tips keep reading our blog and see what else you can uncover today!
