Looking for a stylish and functional way to display your favorite items? In this tutorial, Johnny Brook from Crafted Workshop will guide you through building simple DIY floating shelves.
Materials Needed
- 2 x 8 board (or equivalent hardwood)
- 1/2 inch dowels
- Wood glue
- Waterlox Original Sealer/Finish
- Blind shelf supports
Tools Required
- Circular saw
- Drill
- Dowel drilling jig
- Jointer
- Planer
- Table saw
- Miter saw
- Drill press (optional)
- Clamps
- Sanding tools
Step 1: Prepare Your Wood
First, if you’re using rough lumber, you’ll want to square it up using your jointer, planer, and table saw. Start by jointing one edge, then cut the shelf pieces to a rough length using the miter saw. The dimensions for the top and bottom pieces should be 18 inches long by 6 inches wide, while the side pieces should be 5.5 inches long by 6 inches wide.
Step 2: Flatten and Size Your Boards
Once you have the boards cut to size, flatten one face and one edge on the jointer. This will give you a reference surface to work from. Next, place the flat face down on the planer and bring the opposing face parallel. Aim for a thickness of about 1.125 inches.
Step 3: Layout Joinery
Using the Rockler 1/2 inch dowel drilling jig, mark where you want to place your dowels. Placement isn’t super critical, as these shelves won’t be supporting heavy items, just knick-knacks. Set the depth on the drill bit to avoid drilling through the face of the shelves, and start drilling your dowel holes.
Step 4: Assemble the Shelves
For assembly, add glue to the dowels and pound them into the corresponding holes. Be careful not to add too much glue, as it can create pressure that misaligns the pieces. If you encounter any misalignment, use a clamp to help adjust it.
Step 5: Add Finishing Touches
After the glue has dried, clean up any misalignments with a hand plane and add a chamfer to all edges with a router for a polished look. This step is optional but enhances the aesthetics of your shelves.
Step 6: Prepare for Installation
Next, lay out the hole locations for the blind shelf supports. Ensure these are mounted to studs, spacing the holes 16 inches on center. Mark the locations accurately using a center punch.
Step 7: Sand and Finish
Sand both shelves up to 180 grit to remove any burn marks from the router. For the finish, apply Waterlox, a blend of tung oil and resins that creates a beautiful, water-resistant finish. Allow the finish to dry for 24 hours between coats.
Step 8: Install the Shelves
Use a stud finder to locate the studs in your wall. Mount one of the blind shelf supports to the stud using 2.5 inch screws. Then, mark the location for the other shelf support by leveling the shelf and applying pressure to mark the wall. Install the second support and test fit the shelf.
Step 9: Final Adjustments
Ensure the shelves are aligned and spaced appropriately. For a clean look, space the upper shelf about 10 inches above the lower shelf. With everything in place, your floating shelves are complete!
These simple DIY floating shelves are a fantastic project that can be tailored to fit any space. Whether you use hardwoods or a simple 2×8, the results are beautiful and functional.