How to Build Thick Floating Shelves from Plywood

Today I’ll be sharing a detailed tutorial for the floating shelves we have installed all over the house. These shelves are simple, functional and budget-friendly.

INSTALL THE HIDDEN SUPPORTS

First, you will need to locate studs in the back and side walls and mark them with a pencil. Then use a level to mark a line across the back and side walls at whatever height you choose for the shelf.

Next you will attach them to the wall, placing the support on your pre-marked line. If there is not a stud near the leading edge of the shelf you will need to use sheetrock anchors.

HOW TO MAKE FLOATING SHELVES OUT OF PLYWOOD

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Once your hidden supports are installed it’s time to make the actual shelves. First, you will cut the two outer shelf pieces. After you have cut your shelves to length, cut them to whatever depth you have chosen for your shelves, minus 3/4 of an inch.

Next, you need to cut the inner spacers. Cut two boards 4” shorter than the length of your shelf. Make sure that the thickness of the spacer is either the same or slightly thicker than the wall supports. Then assemble the shelf as shown in the picture.

Now just slide the shelf onto the wall supports! You shouldn’t need to attach the shelf to the supports as the tolerances should be tight. Then just caulk and paint!

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