Install Floating Shelves

table saw
air compressor
pneumatic drill
level
measuring tape
T-square
stud finder
one gallon paint, Stainmaster Barely There
nails
2x4s (the number will depend on how many shelves you need and how long each will be)
3/4-inch birch plywood
construction adhesive

1. Use measuring tape to determine the size of the floating shelves and mark on the walls using a carpenter’s pencil (figure A).

2. Using the level and a tape measure, measure four equidistant shelves, allowing space for books on each shelf. Our shelves were 7 inches deep.

4. Use a stud finder to plan where the 2x4s will be attached to the wall.

5. Apply a bead of construction adhesive along the back of the ledger.

6. Adhere the 2x4 ledger to the wall. Use a pneumatic nail gun to put a nail in the center of the board. Then, using level and hammer, make sure the ledger is level.

7. Use the drill and bit to affix the ledger into place (figure B).

9. Attach the top piece to the ledger with construction adhesive. Nail it to the wall (figure C).

10. Use a T-square to make sure the corners are at a 90-degree angle. Cut a block to fit between the ledger and the top piece of the shelf, and attach with adhesive and nail gun (figure D).

Figure C

Figure D

12. Attach the bottom portion of the shelf to the ledger and the front with adhesive on the top of the back portion of the wood. Nail in place (figures F and G).

Figure E

Figure F

Figure G

14. Prime and paint the shelves and the walls behind them.