How to Build Floating Shelves

Download a larger version of the drawing and a list of materials needed

Crosscut the 7-1/4-inch-wide top (A) to 24 inches long with a miter saw. Make sure the ends are square before proceeding.

Cut end blocks (B) and rails (C) to length. Position as shown, glue, and clamp. Check for square by measuring diagonally; if misaligned, reposition.

When the glue has dried, drive 6d finishing nails through the end blocks and into the rails to strengthen the joints.

Clamp the assembly B/C to the underside of the top (A), the end blocks flush with the back edge of the top. Fasten with #8x1-1/4-inch flathead wood screws in countersunk holes.

When you need to countersink screw heads and counterbore for plugs, do them both at once with a countersink bit of proper size.

Dry-fit the front rail (E), which has been miter-cut at each end, and mitered side rails (F) to the front and sides of the B/C assembly. Glue and clamp them in place.

Strengthen the attachment by driving 4d finishing nails through starter holes in the front (E) and side rails (F). Sink the nailheads below the surface with a nail set, then fill the holes with wood putty.

Turn over the shelf assembly and apply glue to the exposed edges of parts B and C, then position the bottom (G), and clamp. Secure the bottom with 4d finishing nails and set the heads. Fill the nail holes.

From 2x2 material, cut a wall cleat (D) to length. Sand smooth all surfaces of the cleat, then insert it in the cavity at the back of the shelf to test for fit. There should be a 1/4-inch gap at both ends.

Miter-cut cove molding (parts H and I) to size. Apply glue to the back of the cove molding pieces and clamp them in place against the bottom side of the top (A). Secure the cove molding with #16x5/8-inch brads. Set the heads and putty the holes.

Complete the shelf by miter-cutting the quarter-round molding (parts J and K) to size. Apply glue to the molding back and position at the bottom of the front rail (E) and side rails (F). Fasten with brads, set the heads, and putty the holes.

Use a stud sensor to locate the nearest wall studs. Position the cleat so it extends over them. Using a level, draw a pencil line on the wall at the top of the cleat. Fasten the cleat to the wall with two #8x4-inch flathead wood screws.

To attach the shelf to the wall cleat, you'll have to drill two countersunk screw holes in the top of the shelf for #8x1-1/2-inch flathead wood screws.

Slide the shelf onto the wall cleat. Mark the screw hole locations on the cleat by inserting a finishing nail through the screw holes in the shelf and tapping lightly. Remove the shelf and drill pilot holes in the cleat.

Reposition the shelf on the wall cleat and align it with the screw hole locations. Fasten it in place on the cleat with 1-1/2-inch wood screws driven into countersunk holes flush with the top.