Shelving + Woodwork
Make Floating Shelves

Make Floating Shelves

Floating shelves - shelves that are attached to the wall without any visual means of support - are a spectacular way to show off your favourite pictures and accessories. Assemble two or three shelves on a wall for a truly eye-catching display.

Time to complete job: A morning, including painting.
Approximate budget: Around £25 for three shelves.

You will need:

  • Drill
  • 12mm MDF
  • Panel pins and screws
  • Tape measure
  • Spirit level
  • Pencil
  • Wood glue
  • Wall plugs or wood screws
  • Saw
  • Hammer
  • Screws
  • Beech effect sticky-backed plastic
Tip: If you suspect the walls may contain wiring or pipes, use a pipe and cable detector to check before starting work. These can be hired, or you can buy one for around £15.

Step 1: Measuring and drilling

For each shelf, cut two pieces of MDF to the desired depth for the sides, and cut one piece for the top and two pieces the desired length for the front and back.
Mark the wall where you want the top of the shelves, using a spirit level to make sure the marks are even.
For each shelf, hold the back piece below the marks next to the wall and drill two holes into the wall through the MDF. Take the MDF piece away and place wall plugs into the drilled holes in the wall.
 
 
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