How to Build a Ledge Bookshelf

Learn how to build narrow floating shelves that are perfect for a kid’s room or living area, or any small space.

By: Chip Wade

Related To:

Short on space? These narrow shelves don’t take up a lot of room, and they provide display space for books, knickknacks or artwork. These instructions are for one single shelf.

Tools and Materials

3/4" thick poplar board 3” x 8’
1/2” poplar dowel 48”
(4) 2" cabinet screws
paint
chop saw

circular saw or table saw
trim nail gun
drill
1/2" forstener bit
1/8" drill bit

Cut List:

- Piece A - bottom base: (1) 35-1/4" x 3"
- Piece B - front face: (1) Cut tapered front poplar board with one mitered end and one straight end.
- Piece C - sides: (1) Cut mitered side poplar board to the dimensions shown.
- Piece D - connecting dowels: (4) Cut poplar dowels to 1" long.

Step 1: Cut Wood

Cut Piece A, B, C and D according to the cut list. Remember, the front piece is a tapered cut with a dimension of 3/4" on one side and 1-5/8" height on the other.

Step 2: Sand Wood

Sand all the wood to smooth the edges of all sides. Sand dowels only on the ends to a very slight taper for easy placement into holes.

Step 3: Mark Layout

Stand Piece A and Piece B together as shown and mark centerlines for dowel holes according to the layout shown below.

Step 4: Drill Base Piece

Using a 1/2" Forstner bit and a drill or ideally a drill press, to drill four matching holes. Drill holes 1/2" deep on Piece B and 1-1/2" deep on Piece A. Try to make these holes as straight as possible.

Step 5: Attach Sides to Face Frame

Glue and nail Piece B to Piece C along the miter joint.

Step 6: Adhere Dowels to Face Frame

Glue four dowels (Piece D) into Piece B ensuring they are pressed into the bottom of the 1/2" deep hole.

Step 7: Finish or Paint

Prefinish Piece A and the new assembly of Piece B and C separately on all sides with the finish or paint of your choice.

Step 8: Attach Base to Wall

Use a 1/8" drill bit to pre-drill a pilot hole in all four holes in Piece A. Use 2" screws and wall anchors to attach Piece A to the wall at the desired location.

Step 9: Attach Face Frame to Base

Place the assembly of Piece B and C onto Piece A (that is already mounted to the wall). Do not put glue on the dowels, as this allows for removal of the shelf later, if needed, while still concealing the fasteners.