Making a wooden floating shelf in an afternoon
The floating shelf gives the illusion of flying on the wall, without any visible support. This guide is for intermediate-level DIYers and requires only simple tools: saw, drill and sander. You will make a sturdy shelf that easily supports about ten kilos per meter of length.
Choosing and preparing the board
Prefer a stable solid wood such as oak, beech or pine, 2 to 3 cm thick and 20 to 30 cm deep. A length of 60 to 80 cm is ideal for a first project. Cut the board square, sand with 120 then 220 grit, and apply two coats of oil or varnish.
- Mark the location on the wall and draw the height and level with a spirit level
- Choose a solid wood board 2 to 3 cm thick, sawn to the desired length
- Sand all faces with 120 grit, then 220 grit for a smooth feel
- Apply two coats of linseed oil or varnish, letting it dry well between coats
- Make the hidden supports: two hardwood battens screwed into the back face of the shelf
Making the invisible supports
The supports consist of two hardwood battens (beech or oak) screwed into the back face of the shelf, which slot into wall supports fixed to the wall. The load is distributed on 8 mm wall anchors suited to your support: Molly anchors for drywall, drive-in anchors for concrete or solid brick.
Fixing the shelf to the wall
Drill the wall with an 8 mm bit, insert the anchors and screw the wall supports checking the level with a spirit level. Slot the shelf onto the supports, then check it is perfectly level. To remove it, lift it slightly and pull it toward you.
Precautions and mistakes to avoid
- Drilling into an electrical or plumbing line: use a metal and wire detector before drilling
- Choosing anchors too small for the weight the shelf will have to support
- Forgetting the spirit level: a crooked shelf is immediately noticeable
- Gluing the supports instead of screwing them
- Overloading a shelf that is too long without a central reinforcement
Making a wooden floating shelf is a rewarding project that turns a bare wall into elegant storage. With well-designed supports and careful fixing, your creation will stay in place for years.