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DIY Floating Shelves for Easy Storage

In this tutorial for DIY floating shelves, we’re outlining the simple steps of building wall to wall wood shelves in our workshop space. This tutorial was originally published in April 2015, and we’ve included updated photos. Enjoy!

Close up of chunky DIY floating shelves | head to Yellow Brick Home for the step-by-step floating shelf tutorial!

Without a doubt, the most important component of our workshop will be – scratch that, is – the ability for heavy-duty storage. For almost two years, our workshop has been a mess. We’ve been tripping over power tools and our bulky air compressor. We’ve been wading through paint cans and digging through cardboard boxes. All to find the fine grit sandpaper. It’s a miracle anything was ever accomplished in this house at all!

Finally, we have some shelves! Some really big, really hunky, really strong DIY floating shelves!

Scott stocks the shelves in our workshop | head to Yellow Brick Home for the step-by-step floating shelf tutorial!

After making a list of all the easy access items we’d like to store in the workshop (vs. what’ll end up going in the garage), we calculated and re-calculated how many shelves we’d need, how high they’d go and how much space they’ll allow. We measured our big bins, the height of two paint cans and checked inventory on all the glues, tapes and things that allow us to complete any given project. The prep and planning was a good week’s worth of work alone. And then, we got to work work!

For anyone who wants to take on this same project, your shopping list will vary depending on the width of your shelves, but here’s what we bought for four 6′ wide, wall-to-wall DIY floating shelves:

Supplies for 6′ shelves

Tools Used

1| Locate the Studs

First, we took a minute to locate the studs behind our drywall. Jack likes to get involved, too, which always helps.

searching for studs for our floating shelves | head to Yellow Brick Home for the step-by-step floating shelf tutorial!

2| Create a Ladder Support System

We needed to ensure that our shelves are strong, so we needed to build a support system that we would ultimately hide beneath the plywood sheets. We cut our 2x4s to the widths of our wall – two per shelf. To create a ladder-like support structure, we also made 14″ cuts from the remaining 2x4s, which was enough for 7 supports, end to end.

To save time and avoid needing to make any pocket holes, we used 2.5″ wood screws to create 3 sides of our internal structure, with about 12″ between each support. Note: Measure each shelf independently, as drywall is rarely (if ever?) square. For example, some of our wall widths varied by a 1/2″. The more precise your cuts, the better your outcome!

creating the ladder system for our floating shelves | head to Yellow Brick Home for the step-by-step floating shelf tutorial!

3| Attach Shelving Supports to the Wall

We attached our ladder support system to the wall, putting two 4″ screws into each and every stud along the way. The level became our best friend at this point, and as is typical with inexpensive 2x4s, we did have some less than perfect twists in the wood. A good tug while keeping things level was necessary to get our support in place, and a right angle drill adapter was used for the studs to the left and right of the main wall; it was a tight squeeze.

The remaining 2×4 was screwed on to the front, and again, we made sure to level, level, level.

installed the ladder system to the wall for our workshop shelving | head to Yellow Brick Home for the step-by-step floating shelf tutorial!

We continued up the wall, allowing for different heights between the shelves, starting with 18″ at the bottom, two at 16″ and one at 14″. These shelves aren’t going anywhere!

strong enough to hold a Scott! | head to Yellow Brick Home for the step-by-step floating shelf tutorial!
Always level when installing floating shelves. Level, level, level! | head to Yellow Brick Home for the step-by-step floating shelf tutorial!

4| Touch Up Paint with Wall Color

I added a light coat of our wall color along the 2x4s, but only where the 2x4s meet with the wall. My thought was more preventative than anything; any imperfect cuts in our plywood would hopefully blend into the wall.

5| Add Plywood Sheets to Top and Bottom of Supports + Stain

Now, let’s talk about those plywood sheets! We had all four sheets cut down to 17″ strips at the hardware store, which was the perfect depth to skin our ladder supports. (Think: 1.5″ 2×4 + 14″ support + 1.5″ 2×4 = 17″)

This meant that we only needed to use the circular saw to cut down the 6′ widths. The edges got a gentle sanding, and I stained everything using Special Walnut. (We opted to nix polyurethane altogether, since these shelves will be holding All the Things that’ll just scratch it up. It feels less precious this way, somehow.) Once the plywood was ready to go, a mallet helped to ease the boards into place – top and bottom – and we used a nail gun to secure the sheets along the ladder support.

6| Add the Front Face to the Shelving + Stain

With everything in place so far, we had a height of exactly 4″ for each shelf, and although we initially planned on using the leftover 1/4″ plywood to create the false fronts, we figured that for the amount of work we’d already put into these shelves, we should make it count. And so, we picked up 1×6 aspen planks, ripped them down to 4″ on the table saw, stained them, and, finally, popped them on with our nail gun. It was absolutely worth it!

Installing the front face to our thick and chunky floating shelves | head to Yellow Brick Home for the step-by-step floating shelf tutorial!

7| Enjoy!

You guys! We love them. The project turned out way better than we imagined it would, and we both joked that they were too nice for the workshop! In any case, the goal was to make them super strong (check!) and durable (check!), and we can’t wait to load them up.

Our chunky floating shelves installed! | head to Yellow Brick Home for the step-by-step floating shelf tutorial!
Our chunky floating shelves installed! | head to Yellow Brick Home for the step-by-step floating shelf tutorial!
Our chunky floating shelves installed! | head to Yellow Brick Home for the step-by-step floating shelf tutorial!

We have a few more finishing touches for the room that we’d like to finish up this week, but it’s so close to being complete! These DIY floating shelves will change the way we’re able to use the space! And once we’re organized in the workshop, maybe – maybe – we might be able to finish the kitchen. Word on the street is that our back door will be here mid-May, I say, as I knock on wood.

Upate October 2021:

Our chunky floating shelves installed! | head to Yellow Brick Home for the step-by-step floating shelf tutorial!
Our chunky floating shelves installed! | head to Yellow Brick Home for the step-by-step floating shelf tutorial!

PS: All links have been updated to reflect our current tool recommendations, or you can also see how to build your tool library! Find all our workshop updates, organizational tips and blog posts right here. For other floating shelves we’ve created, see these corner floating shelves, DIY beadboard shelves with brass rails, and open shelving made from stair treads.

Thank you for following along!

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  • Jessica@CapeofDreams4.28.15 - 7:54 AM

    The shelves are stunning. You are right that they are much too nice for a workshop, but it will make the room much more useful. I was hoping to see them all loaded up with tools.ReplyCancel

    • Kim4.28.15 - 8:07 AM

      We hear you! Building the shelves left no time for wrangling the tools this weekend. We’re hoping to tackle a little at a time over this week.ReplyCancel

  • Sarah4.28.15 - 8:21 AM

    I looove that pocket door.ReplyCancel

  • Seng4.28.15 - 9:05 AM

    This looks amazing!!!! Wish I had a nook I could do this in :)

    I love the stain!!!

    Seng
    http://www.sengerson.comReplyCancel

  • Emily4.28.15 - 9:07 AM

    I love how this room is turning out!ReplyCancel

  • Amber4.28.15 - 9:09 AM

    They look fantastic!!ReplyCancel

  • Sara4.28.15 - 9:28 AM

    These are INSANELY awesome, guys.ReplyCancel

  • jenn aka the picky girl4.28.15 - 9:45 AM

    Wow. This just looks amazing! Also, are you guys constantly on B12? Because I do NOT know how you have this much energy!ReplyCancel

    • Kim4.28.15 - 3:18 PM

      Ha. I could USE some B12. Excuse us while we nap. ;)ReplyCancel

  • The Kentucky Gent4.28.15 - 10:13 AM

    NEVER in a million years would I have imagined that these shelves were made with plywood. They look soo good!

    Josh – The Kentucky Gent
    http://thekentuckygent.comReplyCancel

  • AnnMarie4.28.15 - 10:31 AM

    These are gorgeous! I covet your workshop like whoa, and I just love that it’s off the kitchen — and so, so pretty.ReplyCancel

    • Kim4.28.15 - 3:17 PM

      It really is the heart of our home. It just looked TERRIBLE until about a month ago, ha!ReplyCancel

  • Katherine4.28.15 - 10:50 AM

    At the end of this post, I actually said aloud: “those are some sexy shelves”

    Nicely done!ReplyCancel

  • alix4.28.15 - 12:45 PM

    those shelves are lovely. man, when we get a new house i want your help!!!ReplyCancel

  • Rita4.28.15 - 1:33 PM

    Kim, The room and shelves look great. I don’t know how you have the time to do all the projects you have accomplished thus far.ReplyCancel

    • Kim4.28.15 - 3:49 PM

      It’s a mystery to us, too. (Hi, mom!)ReplyCancel

  • Looking good! When I saw your teaser on Instagram, I definitely thought the colored socks (and feet) belonged to Kim ;)ReplyCancel

  • Abby4.28.15 - 3:42 PM

    these look great! would you mind sharing how long you let the special walnut stain sit and how many coats you used? thanks!ReplyCancel

    • Kim4.28.15 - 3:48 PM

      Hi Abby! I only used one coat on the plywood, and I put two on the aspen planks to match as close as possible. We allowed it to sit for a couple hours before installing, but I’ll admit they were slightly tacky upon installation. By Monday evening, they were dry and ready for loading up!ReplyCancel

  • Kirsty Daffodil5.4.15 - 5:00 PM

    Oh you make it look so easy! Well done.ReplyCancel

  • jenni5.5.15 - 10:50 AM

    Love these!
    Just wondering if you could give a ballpark for your total wood cost.
    :)ReplyCancel

    • Kim5.5.15 - 10:59 AM

      Sure thing! We did choose a slightly pricier aspen plank for the front edges, but 2x4s could also do this trick. For these 4 shelves at 6′ each, we came in around $100-$125.ReplyCancel

      • Kim5.5.15 - 11:00 AM

        That price includes the 4″ wood screws we picked up, too! :)ReplyCancel

  • Katie7.16.15 - 3:29 PM

    love this. like super super adore it! I am also in LOVE with the wall color, what is it, if you don’t mind me asking!ReplyCancel

  • Patricia9.5.15 - 10:23 PM

    I have an odd nook which I put wire shelves but am going to change that as I need something that will cover the linens in there. This will look great there. Thanks.ReplyCancel

  • Donna9.8.15 - 9:02 PM

    The shelves are amazing and I want them in my family room but I also want that paint to go with them. Any chance you remember the brand and name of it? These are just gorgeous!ReplyCancel

    • Kim9.9.15 - 2:16 PM

      Hi Donna! It’s Stratton Blue by Ben Moore.ReplyCancel

  • Cade10.9.15 - 6:29 AM

    I really like the look of these shelves and I’m thinking about doing something similar; However my space doesn’t allow me to have three walls do you think these would be strong enough for lots of books if only attached to two walls?ReplyCancel

    • Kim10.9.15 - 8:02 AM

      Hi Cade, this would definitely work if only attached to 2 walls, but I’d keep the length and depth to a minimum. The ladder structure we’ve hidden beneath the surface is super strong, but I wouldn’t load a ton of paint cans on it if it was only on 2 walls. What are you hoping to stack on the shelves? How much depth will you need? Keep these things in mind before building!ReplyCancel

  • Daniela10.26.15 - 7:35 AM

    These are amazing! Thanks for posting step by step, I might just attempt something similar.ReplyCancel

  • […] really have a clear vision for how I wanted to build the shelves. In the end, I went with Yellow Brick Home’s method of building the shelves and wrapping them. I ran to Home Depot, finalized my plan whilst in the […]ReplyCancel

  • Haley12.29.15 - 1:36 PM

    Just made these last night for a couple of corner floating shelves and they were super easy. Thank you for the tutorial!!ReplyCancel

  • DIY Floating Shelves1.4.16 - 9:36 AM

    […] Big, Hunky and Strong Shelves: Without a doubt, the most important component of our workshop will be – scratch that,is – the ability for heavy-duty storage. For almost two years, we’ve been tripping over power tools and our bulky air compressor, wading through paint cans (only to realize the can we need is at the bottom of a (via Yellow Brick Home) […]ReplyCancel

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  • Karen1.19.16 - 7:20 AM

    Love love your floating shelves. I’m planning on doing some
    In my kitchen and you have the best plans I have come
    across!
    Thanks so much for all the instructions and the shelves
    are just beautiful!!ReplyCancel

  • Katie carson1.28.16 - 5:53 AM

    Shelves look great. Any idea what the wall color is?ReplyCancel

    • Kim1.28.16 - 7:41 AM

      Thanks! It’s Stratton Blue by Ben Moore.ReplyCancel

  • Mike Forsberg2.13.16 - 6:12 PM

    Question: How do you account for a wall that is not perfectly straight? I want to build something similar to this but I am worried that the wall it will be going up against is not totally straight. Is it easy to get the veneer to be flush against a wall that isn’t so straight?ReplyCancel

    • Kim2.13.16 - 7:22 PM

      Hi Mike! Our walls are the farthest thing from straight. We measured each and every shelf individually – from the ladder-brackets to the veneer. Some veneers had to be longer than others, but with such a short depth, it really won’t make a huge visual difference. Especially when you load the shelves up with whatever your planning – you won’t even notice!ReplyCancel

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  • Megan4.12.16 - 8:20 AM

    What is the wall color in this room? I have been looking for a color for my master bedroom and I think this is the one! Thanks!ReplyCancel

  • […] DIY Floating Wood Shelves! […]ReplyCancel

  • […] DIY Floating Wood Shelves! […]ReplyCancel

  • […] DIY Floating Wood Shelves! […]ReplyCancel

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  • Justin Henley6.13.16 - 5:56 PM

    Just finished my floating shelves and they turned out great! Thanks for the wonderful idea.ReplyCancel

  • […] storage and display surfaces that update underused walls. Hang them wherever you want to stow. Diy floating wood shelves! Yellow brick home. The shelves are stunning. You are right that they are much too nice for a workshop, but it will […]ReplyCancel

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  • Vik9.1.16 - 7:02 AM

    Amazing shelves. Love it!!ReplyCancel

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  • Martina10.3.16 - 8:25 PM

    Would love to do this in my dining room. The nook is a little
    Over 12 feet…do you think that is too long for these types of shelves?ReplyCancel

    • Kim10.4.16 - 8:18 AM

      I think you can still do it! You’ll just need to build a wider ladder structure, obviously, and you’ll need to secure it to the wall about every 16″ (screw into every stud if you can!). Assuming you can secure the shelves on the sides, too, you should be fine. I wouldn’t go much deeper than a 16″ shelf though for that stretch.

      Would love to see photos when you’re done!ReplyCancel

  • C R Myers10.13.16 - 11:39 AM

    I have completed two sets of floating shelves and we are thrilled with the outcome! Thanks for a great set of instructions!ReplyCancel

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  • Maria palminha11.12.16 - 8:52 PM

    What colour is the walls and the shelves look amazing with it thanksReplyCancel

    • Kim11.13.16 - 5:17 PM

      Hi Maria, it’s Stratton Blue by Ben Moore.ReplyCancel

  • Priscila11.18.16 - 12:01 PM

    Will these work as garage shelves? I’m wanting to do this on a long wall, would I need extra support in the middle and ends since I would store heavy bins?ReplyCancel

    • Kim11.18.16 - 12:10 PM

      How long is the wall? I don’t know if I’d go too much longer than this, depending on the weight of the shelves for safety reasons. We were able to go not only in the back wall, but also the walls to the left and right as well, and hit every stud along the way! These shelves are SO STRONG, but I’d be careful with ‘floating’ shelves much wider thank these.ReplyCancel

  • Simmy12.12.16 - 8:29 AM

    I love it. They look so chic…but what if I wanted to do something that is “not” in between 2 walls.ReplyCancel

    • Kim12.12.16 - 9:50 AM

      I’d recommend keeping the width to a minimum, no longer than, say, 2-3 feet, and make sure to hit at least 2-3 studs from the back.ReplyCancel

  • Ted1.31.17 - 11:14 AM

    Hi. What kind of plywood did you use for this project? The wood looks very smooth vs the standard plywood sheets they sell in most hardware stores.ReplyCancel

    • Kim1.31.17 - 11:35 AM

      Hi, Ted! It’s a tiny bit more expensive, but we bought a more finished plywood sheet, as opposed to the chip board you might be referring to.ReplyCancel

  • Kristen3.20.17 - 6:51 AM

    Love these shelves! Also love your paint color!! What color and brand is that?ReplyCancel

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  • Seth6.1.17 - 5:58 PM

    I thought this was so awesome I went ahead and did it myself in our laundry room! It turned out great! Though it was a little more work since the distance was almost 10ft which is longer than the 8ft plywood sheets. I’d post pictures but I don’t see any option to do that…ReplyCancel

    • Kim6.2.17 - 8:31 AM

      Would love to see! Feel free to shoot us an email: team at yellowbrickhome dot comReplyCancel

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  • Greg12.8.17 - 6:38 PM

    Hi,
    Great job – We gonna build some for our bedroom soon and was wondering, as we don’t have a nail gun, what size of nail do you recommend?
    Thanks.ReplyCancel

    • Kim12.9.17 - 10:05 AM

      Hi Greg! A nail gun or brad nailer will make the job a LOT easier, and I’m almost positive you can rent one from Home Depot or Lowe’s for a day. If that’s not an option for you, you can just finish nails, but it will be a bit more labor intensive. Either way, it can be done! Good luck!ReplyCancel

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  • Edward2.6.18 - 7:30 AM

    Hi. If I were to put heavy storage bins on these shelves should I upgrade to the 1/2″ plywood?ReplyCancel

    • Kim2.6.18 - 9:39 AM

      We have heavy storage bins and countless paint cans, and we’re okay using what we did! It’s the ladder support structure underneath the plywood that’s the most important and provides the strength. However, if you’re still unsure, it definitely wouldn’t hurt to go with the 1/2″ plywood skin, but it may be overkill.ReplyCancel

      • Edward2.6.18 - 11:46 AM

        Sounds good, thanks!ReplyCancel

  • Tony5.31.18 - 5:02 PM

    What’s the spacing between top of one shelf and bottom of the other.ReplyCancel

    • Kim6.1.18 - 9:55 AM

      They’re a bit different! From the post: We continued up the wall, allowing for different heights between the shelves, starting with 18″ at the bottom, two at 16″ and one at 14″.ReplyCancel

  • Brittany W7.11.18 - 1:09 PM

    Hi guys! What hardware store did you visit to purchase the materials? I am a local Chicagoan (River North), and the wood at my nearby big box hardware stores doesn’t look that great. Thanks!ReplyCancel

    • Kim7.11.18 - 1:14 PM

      We just went to the Home Depot on Elston in Logan Square!ReplyCancel

      • Brittany W7.11.18 - 1:39 PM

        Thank you for sharing!ReplyCancel

  • […] is a wonderful DIY tutorial from Yellow Brick Home if you would like to create these awesome floating shelves.  They work perfectly in a small […]ReplyCancel

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  • […] are not trying to match them to your cabinets as I was in this project.  Check out this tutorial HERE.   Also, shelves can be floating box shelves like the ones in my kitchen or just a piece of wood […]ReplyCancel

  • Steve6.6.19 - 7:33 AM

    Wow, those shelves look fantastic!! I think I’m going to do the same thing with my floating shelves. Hiding the 2 x 4s inside the shelves is genious! I made floating shelves without them and they are floating… and a little droopy in the middle lol
    PS – I agree with you, that is way too nice to be a workshop! :)ReplyCancel

  • MARJORIE6.20.19 - 10:41 PM

    LOVE these and want to do the same in our bathroom, actually.  However, where do you buy Aspen planks?  ReplyCancel

  • Jason7.10.19 - 6:05 PM

    I just finished mine today and they looks fantastic. Prepping for our first baby, what a great addition to the room in what would be unused space.  Thanks so much for the help. ReplyCancel

    • Kim7.10.19 - 6:32 PM

      So happy to hear it! Please tag us @yellowbrickhome if you share on socials. We love to re-share!ReplyCancel

  • […] you need shelves that look great, are super strong and durable then Yellow Brick Home has got you […]ReplyCancel

  • Suzette12.14.19 - 3:54 AM

    Hey! These look amazing! Was wondering what would be the cost for material/labor to perform this type of job?ReplyCancel

    • Scott12.14.19 - 8:22 AM

      We tackled this project ourselves a few years ago, but If I had to guess, I’d say we spent around $100 or so? Hope this helps!ReplyCancel

  • Tom G3.6.20 - 9:00 AM

    WOW! My wife & I recently purchased a home that was built in 1905, and with that pocket door, these shelves will look perfect in our kitchen, THANK YOU  for these.ReplyCancel

  • […] help save money and to get the specific look we wanted. We adapted this tutorial from my friends at Yellow Brick Home to the length, depth, thickness, and material (we used maple) that we wanted. I am so happy with […]ReplyCancel

  • Emily Gardner4.18.20 - 9:42 AM

    I love these shelves – thank you so much for the detailed tutorial! I can’t wait to make our own and we will definitely tag you! I was curious if the finishing nails show through on the aspen plank fronts? Or are they pretty camouflaged and you didn’t need to do anything to cover them up? Thanks! :) ReplyCancel

    • Scott4.18.20 - 9:35 PM

      Thanks for the kind words! We chose to leave the nail holes as-is. It wasn’t worth the effort to fill them since the stain is on the medium-dark side.ReplyCancel

  • […] and Scott at Yellow Brick Home made these awesome floating shelves by building a ladder frame out of 2x4s, then attaching plywood to the top and bottom. The front […]ReplyCancel

  • Mark5.10.20 - 1:26 PM

    These shelves look great! we are going to try to tackle this for a nook in our den to create shelves for all of our cards/games! Did you drill pilot holes for attaching to the wall and when attaching the ladder structure to the long 2×4?ReplyCancel

  • Jerry5.14.20 - 1:02 PM

    Hi! This is amazing! What was your process to cover the nails after you installed the stained ply and aspen wood?ReplyCancel

  • Terry11.17.20 - 5:34 PM

    Nothing is toooo nice for a workshop, treat it as your sanctuary!ReplyCancel

  • Jen1.3.21 - 12:48 PM

    What is an aspen plank?  No one at Home Depot knows….ReplyCancel

    • Kim1.4.21 - 9:34 AM

      It’s a type of common wood, but depending on where you are, it could vary by region.ReplyCancel

  • Kevin Fenn2.10.21 - 12:56 PM

    We just finished making these in our family room and thanks to your blog, they turned out awesome!  I even got a picture of me standing on them as well just because, why not!  We’ll be enjoying these shelves for many, many years. ReplyCancel

  • Kelsey2.19.21 - 10:10 PM

    Hi! What’s the brand of the stain? I assume Special walnut is the name. Thanks!! ReplyCancel

  • […] A great tutorial on building a wall of floating shelves. […]ReplyCancel

  • Graeme11.22.21 - 4:55 PM

    The shelves are awesome! Do you think you could produce a strong shelf using 2x2s instead of 2x4s? I’m trying to reduce the thickness of the shelves, while preserving the unique look.ReplyCancel

  • Kevin3.15.22 - 6:29 PM

    This was perfect for what we needed. They came out beautiful! Thank you!ReplyCancel

  • Brittany4.18.22 - 7:06 PM

    If i don’t have a wall to mount it to on the ends, would you do this same process? Do i need more support? Looking to do true floating shelves around my tvReplyCancel

    • Scott4.19.22 - 10:53 AM

      Hi Brittany, these floating shelves are built utilizing three-sided support. For true floating shelves, we’d recommend brackets like these.ReplyCancel

  • Marc5.22.22 - 7:18 PM

    Hi. This looks amazing. I have two spots I want to put them. Both have three sides. In the first location I have studs on each end as the shelves will be 24″ deep, but the other location – where I’d put a 15″ deep shelf – has no studs along the sides adjacent to the shelves. I have three studs along the back across ~58″. 
    Any suggestions? Drywall anchors? Or am I better off modifying with vertical supports at each end? Maybe 2x2s? Obliviously this changes the look, but it’s better than the shelf collapsing.ReplyCancel

  • Tramaine12.3.22 - 7:51 AM

    I can’t find aspen plank in my area. I was just going to use the plywood to use as the face cover but in your write up you said using aspen plank was a much better choice. I’m new to diy so I’m trying to figure out what the big difference would be between the two to see if I should continue searching for the plank or if plywood will work just as fine.ReplyCancel

    • Scott12.5.22 - 11:47 AM

      We used aspen since it take stain well and is reasonably priced. Plywood would also work for the front finished edge, but you’d likely want to use plywood banding to cover the raw edges.ReplyCancel

  • Mitali12.19.22 - 7:42 AM

    Hi, my dad was more fascinated by your drill!! Which drill are you using here?  ReplyCancel

  • Kenny2.2.23 - 7:52 PM

    What size nails did you use on the nail gun?ReplyCancel

    • Scott2.3.23 - 2:12 PM

      For this project, I believe we used 1 1/4″ 16 guage.ReplyCancel

  • Sonia2.12.23 - 8:34 PM

    thanks so much for your amazing plans and all of the info! for the framing/bracket, I decided to use 2x2s instead as I wanted it to be a bit thinner and didn’t need it as heavy duty. my wall isn’t completely flat and protrudes towards the center where one of the studs is – do you know how I can account for this so its flush to the wall and is still relatively strong?ReplyCancel

  • Scott4.9.23 - 12:08 PM

    How far did you space  the 2x4s?ReplyCancel

    • Scott4.10.23 - 9:18 AM

      I believe these were roughly 12″ on center.ReplyCancel

  • Katie6.26.23 - 9:34 AM

    Do you think I could do these with 2x2s for food pantry items if I didn’t want them to be quite so thick? Or do I need the 2x4s for strength? Thanks!!ReplyCancel

    • Scott6.27.23 - 10:19 AM

      I think it would totally depend on how wide the span of the shelf will end up and what you plan to store on it. If it’s a normal width closet of around 36″, I think you’d be fine. Hope this helps!ReplyCancel

  • Emily9.6.23 - 2:05 PM

    Is the aspen blanks on the front of the shelve? New to DIY. ReplyCancel

    • Scott9.7.23 - 10:54 AM

      Hi! Yes, the aspen is on the front of the shelf.ReplyCancel

  • Annie9.19.23 - 7:47 AM

    These look great! Can I ask… if we wanted to do something similar to this but make it more of a cubby hole style? How would you suggest adding the divides to create that sort of look? Does that make any sense?ReplyCancel

    • Kim9.19.23 - 4:20 PM

      That would be a whole different build! I would connect the dividers using pocket holes. But another solution would be to just use baskets!ReplyCancel

  • Bethany10.10.23 - 2:00 PM

    Do you think this would work even on a wall without the conjoining walls, or do you feel the side walls are necessary to the support? ReplyCancel

    • Kim10.16.23 - 9:56 AM

      For a long length, the supporting walls would be pretty important – especially if the shelving will support a lot of weight!ReplyCancel

  • Emily10.28.23 - 10:29 AM

    This looks amazing! I’m looking to put up floating shelves in my mudroom and my question is did you find it hard to fit the “ladder” frame between your walls because of the door frame? I’m nervous about starting my project because I’m worried that the door frames would be in the way. ReplyCancel

    • Scott10.29.23 - 3:55 PM

      Hi Emily! We specifically designed our shelves to recess in the area just inside the door frame, so we didn’t have that issue. You should be able to angle it in from above at an angle, then secure it to the walls as opposed to sliding it in to the area. Hope this helps!ReplyCancel

  • Connor11.7.23 - 8:52 AM

    So the width or thickness of these shelves is 4 inches correct? I see you say 6 inch width but if my math is right a 2×4 (3.5 inches) plus the 1/4 inch sheets of plywood should make this 4inches and not 6 right? ReplyCancel

    • Scott11.7.23 - 9:12 AM

      Yes, the finished shelves are 4″ thick. We ripped down nominal 1×6 aspen planks to 4″ for the fronts since a nominal 1×4 only measures 3.5″ and wouldn’t have covered the entire thickness of the shelves. Hope this helps!ReplyCancel

  • Jared12.29.23 - 8:03 AM

    What type of plywood did you use? Also, what was the wood type that you used for the fascia? ReplyCancel

    • Scott1.1.24 - 6:48 PM

      We used 3/8ths inch finish grade plywood to keep the design as slim as possible.ReplyCancel

  • Jess12.29.23 - 4:16 PM

    Do you think this is possible and still strong with 1×2’s? I’d like to build this but would like it to be a bit slender.ReplyCancel

  • Joe1.21.24 - 10:18 PM

    Nice shelves, but they are NOT floating shelves.ReplyCancel

    • Scott1.22.24 - 9:50 AM

      Cool story, Joe.ReplyCancel

      • Joe1.22.24 - 5:45 PM

        Scott – a floating shelf is attached to a wall with visible signs of support. Your shelves are attached to  THREE walls so they are be supported by the two adjacent walls and therefore NOT floating. Glad I could educate you on this matter.  Now fix your title so people looking for actual floating shelves don’t end up here and disappointed.ReplyCancel

        • Scott1.23.24 - 9:41 AM

          Apologies that our free content wasn’t exactly what you were looking for. Best of luck with your floating shelves!ReplyCancel

  • Des1.27.24 - 7:58 AM

    I am wanting to do this type of shelf.  Is it possible to do this and stop half way across the wall and still be sturdy enough?  There is a fridge in the way of where I want to place the lower shelf.  The lower shelf will be above the washer and dryer to hold detergent and other clothes cleaning products. TIAReplyCancel

    • Scott1.29.24 - 10:24 AM

      Hi! We’ve also built a similar shelf that’s mounted into a corner. You can find that post here. Also, since we’ve created this shelf, floating shelf brackets like these have come down in price significantly, which has made them a viable option for DIY. Hope this helps!ReplyCancel

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