Diy Floating Shelves

Mimzy lombardo
by Mimzy lombardo
8 Materials
$25
2 Hours
Medium

This floating shelf method is so easy, cheap and sturdy you won't believe it!

I first installed these floating shelves in my kitchen 10 years ago right after we bought this house. And boy Oh boy have we put them to the test. I have to admit, when I first installed the shelves I wasn't confident they would hold all the weight I wanted to load on them. But over the years we've really put these things to the test, and they have proven doggedly sturdy. So sturdy, that when I attempted to take them down during this most recent kitchen refresh, I had to cut the shelf off the wall with my reciprocating saw.

1. The first step to this method is cut a 2x4 into a 1x2. I used my jigsaw for this because I didn't have a circular saw at the time. So it obviously doesn't need to be perfect, but it does need to be a true 1 inch by 2 inch board. You CANNOT buy a 1x2 off the shelf at Home Depot because those are actually 3/4 inch by 1 1/2 inch. That won't fit snugly inside the hollow core door.

2. Locate and mark your studs...you MUST secure this 1x2 cleat to the studs. Then transfer the markings from the wall to your 1x2 and drill holes big enough to accommodate your lag screws.

3. Fasten the 1x2 to the wall with the lag screws using your electric drill with a nut driver attachment. You could also use a wrench for this part it'll just take a lot longer and require more elbow grease. I think this is the way I did it the first time...now I own a few more tools...thank God.

4. Next cut your door to your desired depth. Originally my shelves were 9" deep, but this time they're just under 8" deep because I used the same shelves I had to cut off the walls. VERY IMPORTANT...floating shelves installed using this method CANNOT be deeper than 9". Any deeper than 9" will not be properly supported. So check to make sure the items you want to place on the shelves will fit on a 9" or smaller shelf.

After you cut the door, push the cardboard deeper into the door so the 1x2 will fit inside the door. Then dry fit the door onto the 1x2 cleat to make sure everything fits(this is all much more clear in the video).

 

5. The next step might be the most important...wood glue. I used gorilla glue on mine and it works like nothing else. Make sure to spread the glue on BOTH the top AND the bottom of the 1x2 cleat. Put your shelf back onto the cleat and snug it up flush with the wall.

6. Last...install finish nails all the way down the top and bottom of the shelf about every 6 inches or so through the door and into the 1x2 cleat. Allow the wood glue to dry for about 24 hours, caulk and paint your shelf. Then style it to your hearts content. 

This floating shelf method is super easy and cheap. I got my doors for free, but you can buy an 18" bifold door at Habitat for Humanity for $5 and if you cut it in half you can have two 8' long floating shelves for displaying art or glasses in your kitchen.

This video tutorial shows more detail to the process of installing floating shelves the easy way.

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Mimzy lombardo
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  2 questions
  • Lynn Lynn on Nov 24, 2019

    What is the color of your cabinets?

  • Louise Friday Louise Friday on Nov 24, 2019

    How many cleats? what size? I don't see them listed in suggested materials list, thank you

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  • AlisonMary AlisonMary on Nov 24, 2020

    Excellent idea 👍 Thank you

  • Linda Linda on Nov 25, 2020

    WOW this is an easy and awesome idea! And regarding the saw, I often use my jigsaw for projects such as this. And EVERY time I do I saw to myself " Geez a table saw sure would be nice!" I believe I would save money and time because its so easy to rip long pieces. Thanks for posting. You did a great job. I just purchased an old 1900's house and will use this idea to modernize the kitchen. Many thanks, Linda

    • Mimzy lombardo Mimzy lombardo on Nov 28, 2020

      Thank you Linda! I’d love to see some the project in your old house! Do you post here on Hometalk?

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