April Wilkerson has shared a fantastic woodworking project that demonstrates how to build free floating bookshelves that can hang on the wall. This project is perfect for anyone looking to add functional and stylish storage to their space.
Materials and Tools Needed
- 3/4 inch plywood for the body
- 1/4 inch MDF for the back
- Wood glue
- 18 gauge brad nailer
- White oak solid wood for face frames
- Wood filler
- Finish
- French cleats for hanging
- Paint sprayer
- Sandpaper (220 and 320 grit)
- Clamps
- Measuring tools (level, tape measure)
Step 1: Understanding the Design
April starts by explaining that there are numerous ways to create bookshelves, including floating shelves, cabinets, or even recessed options that fit into the wall. For this project, she focuses on building free floating boxes that can be customized in size according to your space.
Step 2: Constructing the Boxes
The construction of each box involves using dados and rabbits for the joints. A rabbit joint interacts with an edge, while a dado does not. The body of the boxes is made from 3/4 inch plywood, and the back is constructed from 1/4 inch MDF, which April pre-paints to match the wall color for a seamless look.
Step 3: Assembly Process
Using an 18 gauge brad nailer, April assembles the boxes quickly. She emphasizes the importance of applying wood glue on every joint for added strength. She plans to create nine boxes in total, each varying in size for aesthetic appeal.
Step 4: Adding the Face Frames
Once the boxes are assembled, April moves on to applying the face frames made from solid white oak. She has a helper, Jacob, who cuts the miters while she glues and nails them in place. She offers a tip to use a scrap piece of wood to ensure the miter fits flush against the box.
Step 5: Filling and Sanding
After the face frames are attached, April fills all the nail holes with a wood filler that matches the white oak grain. She sands the entire box and face frame with 220 grit sandpaper to prepare for finishing.
Step 6: Finishing the Boxes
April chooses a matte finish to maintain the raw wood look, applying three coats using a paint sprayer. She prefers using a high volume low pressure (HVLP) sprayer for a smooth finish with minimal overspray. She also pre-finishes the inside of the boxes before assembly.
Step 7: Preparing for Installation
For hanging the boxes, April opts for a French cleat system. She explains how to create a recess for the cleat on the back of each box, ensuring they will hang flush against the wall. She emphasizes the importance of using wood glue alongside the brad nails for secure attachment.
Step 8: Adding Lighting
To enhance the aesthetic, April plans to install LED light strips within the boxes. She cuts a track into each box during the CNC cutting process to accommodate the lights and uses a rapid fuse glue to attach the aluminum tracks.
Step 9: Installing the Shelves
April carefully marks the positions for each shelf on the wall, ensuring that everything is level before attaching the French cleats. She finds the studs in the wall for secure mounting and explains the process of hanging the boxes, which fit perfectly onto the cleats.
Step 10: Final Touches
After installation, April is thrilled to see the completed floating shelves. She fills them with books, plants, and decorative items, showcasing the versatility of the design. She encourages viewers to customize their shelves according to their personal style and needs.
April’s project not only demonstrates the functionality of free floating bookshelves but also allows for personal expression through design. This guide provides all the steps needed to create stylish, functional storage for any space. For more projects and detailed plans, visit Wilker Do’s.