DIY Floating Corner Shelves: A Step-by-Step Guide

Hey there, fellow craft enthusiasts! Robert Kline, your friendly neighborhood art aficionado, is back with another exciting project! Today, we’re diving into the world of woodworking with a simple yet stylish DIY: floating corner shelves.

These shelves are not only practical for adding storage space to any room, but they also bring a touch of modern elegance. Plus, they’re surprisingly budget-friendly and easier to build than you might think. So, grab your tools, and let’s get crafting!

Planning Your Project

Before we jump into the sawdust and nails, let’s gather our materials and map out our plan of attack.

Materials You’ll Need:

• Lumber:
  • 2x4x8 pine or whitewood (for the cleats)
  • 1/4” x 24” x 48” plywood (for the shelf bottoms)
  • 1” x 10” x 8’ (for the shelf tops)
  • 1” x 6” x 8’ (for the shelf trim)
• Hardware:
  • 1-1/2” pocket screws
  • 1-1/4” brad nails
  • 3” Spax screws (or similar self-tapping screws)
• Other:
  • Wood glue
  • Wood stain or paint (your choice of color!)
  • Finishing supplies (sandpaper, brushes, rags)

Tools for the Job:

• Miter saw (for making angled cuts)
• Kreg Jig (for drilling pocket holes)
• Drill
• Impact driver (optional, but helpful for driving long screws)
• Nail gun (for brad nails)
• Tape measure
• Pencil
• Level
• Stud finder
• Safety glasses and hearing protection

Building Your Floating Corner Shelves

Now that we have our materials prepped and our tools ready, let’s get down to business and build some shelves!

Step 1: Building the Cleats

The cleats are the backbone of our floating shelves, providing the hidden support system.

1. Measure and Cut: Begin by measuring and cutting your 2×4 lumber to create the cleats. You’ll need two longer pieces for the wall sides and several shorter pieces for the braces that connect them.
2. Drill Pocket Holes: Using your Kreg Jig, drill pocket holes into the shorter cleat pieces. These holes will allow us to screw the cleats together securely.
3. Assemble the Cleats: Apply wood glue to the ends of the shorter cleat pieces and then attach them to the longer wall cleats using 2.5″ pocket screws. Each cleat should resemble a sturdy “L” shape.

Step 2: Mounting the Cleats to the Wall

1. Find Your Studs: Use a stud finder to locate the studs in your wall. This is crucial for providing adequate support for your shelves.
2. Mark and Pre-drill: Mark the stud locations on the wall and pre-drill holes through your cleat assemblies.
3. Level and Attach: Carefully hold the cleats against the wall, ensuring they’re level, and then drive the 3″ Spax screws through the pre-drilled holes and into the studs.

Step 3: Enclosing the Cleats to Create Shelves

Now that our cleats are securely mounted, it’s time to enclose them and create the actual shelves.

1. Attach the Bottom Panels: Cut the 1/4″ plywood to size for the bottom of each shelf. Apply wood glue to the top edges of the cleats and secure the plywood panels using your nail gun and 1.25″ brad nails.
2. Add the Shelf Tops: Measure and cut the 1×10 boards to create the tops of your shelves. Attach these boards using wood glue and brad nails, making sure the edges are flush with the plywood bottoms.
3. Install the Trim: Cut the 1×6 boards to size to create the side and front trim pieces. Attach them to the shelf assemblies using wood glue and brad nails for a polished look.

Step 4: Finishing Touches

With our shelves built, it’s time to add some personality!

1. Sand and Clean: Sand down any rough edges and thoroughly clean the surfaces to prepare them for finishing.
2. Stain or Paint: Choose your desired stain color or paint and apply it evenly to all surfaces of your shelves. Allow ample drying time between coats.
3. Add Decorative Touches: Get creative and personalize your shelves! Consider adding decorative corners, metal brackets, or a contrasting trim color for a unique touch.

Congratulations, You’ve Built Your Own Floating Corner Shelves!

Step back and admire your handiwork! You’ve successfully built stylish and functional floating corner shelves that will undoubtedly enhance any room. Now, fill them with books, plants, decorative accents, or anything your heart desires.

Don’t forget to share your creations and inspire others! We love seeing your DIY projects, so feel free to leave comments and photos below. And for more exciting craft ideas and inspiration, be sure to explore the rest of the Robert Kline Art website. Happy crafting!