This woodworking project was designed and built by Jose from Build It With Jose. It provides an elegant yet simple solution to add practical storage space and a decorative accent to any bathroom or living area.
For more woodworking projects and creative home ideas, visit Jose’s YouTube channel, Build It With Jose.
Watch the full video and subscribe to Jose’s channel:
Benefits of Adding a Floating Shelf
A floating shelf not only offers convenient storage but also adds visual interest and elegance to your space. With no visible brackets, it creates a sleek, modern look ideal for bathrooms or any room needing extra shelving.
Building your own floating shelf allows you to choose dimensions, materials, and finishes that perfectly match your existing decor. It’s a straightforward DIY project suitable for beginners and experienced woodworkers alike.
Materials and Tool Selection
Jose built this shelf using durable maple wood, prized for its strength, attractive grain, and ability to hold up in humid environments like bathrooms. Maple provides an excellent surface for painting or staining, allowing flexibility in matching your decor.
Basic woodworking tools, such as a drill, impact driver, router, and clamps, were used to ensure accuracy and ease during the build. Proper preparation and selection of tools helped Jose achieve professional-level results.
Preparing and Shaping the Wood
Jose began by cutting the maple to a suitable width, ensuring it would fit securely between the studs in the wall. Careful measurement and accurate cutting at this stage ensured a smooth and stable installation later.
After sizing the shelf, Jose added decorative details using a router. Practicing the desired design first on a scrap piece of wood helped ensure accuracy and prevented mistakes on the finished shelf.
Installing Dowels for Support
To securely mount the floating shelf, Jose drilled precise holes into the shelf’s back edge for dowels. These dowels provide hidden support once the shelf is mounted, creating the seamless floating appearance.
Attention to proper spacing and depth was essential for strong support. Each dowel was carefully glued into place, and excess glue was promptly cleaned to ensure a neat finish.
Sanding and Finishing
Jose thoroughly sanded the entire shelf, removing any mill marks or rough areas. Sanding helped achieve a smooth surface, ideal for an attractive, professional-quality finish.
After sanding, Jose applied multiple coats of white lacquer, though any preferred finish could be chosen to match your room’s decor. This step not only added visual appeal but also protected the wood from moisture and daily wear.
Installing the Floating Shelf
To install the shelf, Jose first marked a level line on the wall and identified stud locations for maximum stability. He drilled pilot holes into the wall studs and secured sturdy support screws or used appropriate drywall anchors where studs were unavailable.
Once the supports were firmly in place, Jose carefully slid the shelf onto the dowels. This created a sturdy, reliable installation, completing the stylish floating shelf look.
Why This Shelf is Worth Building
This floating shelf project provides both a practical and attractive addition to any home, adding valuable storage without sacrificing style. It’s a quick project that can instantly upgrade a bathroom, bedroom, or any other living area.
By building your own floating shelf, you can create a custom solution tailored specifically to your needs and aesthetic preferences. The sense of satisfaction in completing this simple yet impactful project is well worth the effort.
Watch the full video and subscribe to Jose’s channel: