DIY Floating Bookcase
by
Susie @ The Chelsea Project Blog
(IC: blogger)
Nothing says...Hello Sophisticated Living Space....quite like an easy-build floating bookcase with beadboard backing and a creamy white finish. Here's how to make it happen in your home.
Step 1: Measure for wood: (1) Determine the desired length and width of the shelves and (left and right) vertical panels. I used pine wood (3/4" by 11"). MDF (3/4" thick) is also a good option, but will require more cuts. (2) Then determine the number of furring strips needed. Each strip is the length of the shelf. Two strips per shelf are needed except for one shelf, which needs only one. Example: I have 5 shelves and used 9 furring strips. Why is most of the unit black? Good question. The original finish was black crackle and very rustic. When the room was redone, the unit was trimmed out and the crackle finish sanded away.
Step 3: Attach furring strips and assembled unit to the wall. First, use BOLTS to secure the furring strip that rests on top of the baseboard to the wall. My shelves are 43" wide and I used 3 bolts per weight bearing furring strip. Then hang the assembled unit over the strip and secure the two together throught the predrilled holes in the shelf. Support the unit and immediately bolt the other furring strips to the wall under each shelf. Screw the shelves to the furring strips. The furring strips that rest on top of the shelves can be screwed or just glued since they bear no weight. They are only there as a frame for the beadboard.
Step 5: Sand rough parts, caulk gaps, wood putty and sand over counter-sunk screws, and apply primer/paint. I primed with Zinsser 123 and allowed to dry to this see-through finish about 24 hours. Then, two coats of Behr Premium Plus Ultra Primer + Paint in Semigloss were applied. Allow at least 24 hours between coats and to cure for at least one week. After unit is fully cured, apply wax to shelves if desired. I used Johnson's clear wax on the tops of shelves only.
Step 6: Add accessories and enjoy.
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Published January 21st, 2015 3:36 AM
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Susie @ The Chelsea Project Blog on Jan 29, 2015TY so much.....Yes I hope you do make it!! and...I realized that it was TMI for this space and have made adjustments.....everything has a learning curve...lol.
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