These DIY floating shelves are SO EASY TO INSTALL! I’m excited to share the process with you so you can skip the mental gymnastics I went through to figure this out!
Wood Required:
- 1/2″ thick sanded plywood
- 1×3 pine board
- 1×2 common (for the wall cleats)
Stain Combo:
- Pre-stain wood conditioner
- 1 coat Provincial by Minwax
- 1 coat Simply White by Minwax
- 1 coat polyurethane top coat
The Process:
Cut all your wood to size and locate wall studs. Attach 1×2 cleats to the wall with 2″ long screws. Use a laser level here to help you keep your shelves plumb!
Sand and stain your plywood and 1×3’s. I use 220 grit sandpaper and then apply pre stain wood conditioner to help the stain apply more evenly. Add your stain and a topcoat of matte polyurethane to protect the surface.
Use wood glue (it’s stronger than nails!) and clamps to attach your plywood and 1×3’s to the wall cleats. I also used my brad nailer to attache the 1×3 to the front of the shelf because… gravity. 😉
**NOTE: I added some 1×2’s in the middle of the shelves to prevent the plywood from flexing in the middle. My span is 30″.
