Build It With Ana: Floating Shelves

Posted by John Petersik

April 14, 2010
We could not be more thrilled to introduce Ana from Ana-White.com whos swinging by with an amazing build-it-
yourself project for everyone to take on at home. For those who dont already know about Knock-Off Wood, its a site
full of amazing designer-lookalike furniture plans that will save you hundreds- even thousands- if youre willing to
break a sweat and put in a little elbow grease to whip things up on your own.
And you know we love that Ana proves that woodworking isnt only about guys in overalls. Ladies can totally make
the sawdust fly just as well. So without further ado, lets get down to business with the first project that Ana is
exclusively bringing to all of our lovely readers. And dont worry, she promises its a super easy and affordable
undertaking, which is why we thought it would be right up your alley. Let the fun begin
YHL: Hey Ana, so happy to have you dropping in to share a project with us. What are we building today?
Ana: Youngsters, I want to hack your entire house. Everything. From Burgers closet to the beans crib. If I could, I
would write a blog called Young House Love HACKED. So the stalking starts today with my favorite feature in your
home, those floating shelves in your dining area.

YHL: Sounds like fun. What level of difficulty would you say this project is?
Ana: Beginner. You, yes YOU, can do this project! No, not the Youngsters, they already have shelves. YOU at home.
YHL: And how much money should someone expect to spend to build all three 72 long shelves?
Ana: For three 6 long shelves, it will cost about $50-$60, less if you have some basic supplies like paint, screws,
sandpaper and wood filler. In fact, the lumber is only going to run you about $30 (which means youll save around
$60 as opposed to buying them). Bonus: Youll have enough leftover scraps to make three 24 shelves for free!
YHL: And about how long should this project take?
Ana: It will take a couple of hours to construct all three shelves, and then youll need to paint em. If you start in the
morning, you can have these hung by night. I did!
YHL: Nice. What would our shopping list look like?
Ana: Heres all youd need to get er done:
1 sheet of 1/4 plywood, sanded on one side or lauan ($15)
10 12 pine boards ($1 Each)
1 brad nails (think the little tack nails that you use to put the back on an IKEA bookcase)
2 screws
3 screws (for mounting to the wall, you will only need about 10 of these)
wood filler
sand paper
paint (I used high gloss white)
YHL: And what tools would we need?
Ana: Nothing too complicated. Heres the list:
measuring tape
drill with countersink and drill bits
saw (or get the hardware store to cut your boards for you)
hammer
sander
paint brushes
stud finder
level
YHL: Sounds simple enough. What would our cut list look like?
Ana: When you buy your plywood, have Blue or Orange cut it into strips that are 7 3/4 wide, and 8 long. I will refer
to these as plywood strips. By having the store cut your plywood into strips, you can haul it in just about any car and
it will be easier to work with to create the exact cut list below when you get home. And you may even be able to get
the store to make the exact cuts in the list below, which will save you from any at-home sawing! Heres that exact cut
list for ya:
6 Plywood strips @ 72 (tops and bottoms of shelves)
3 12 @ 72 (fronts of shelves)
6 12 @ 69 (shelf frame)
12 12 @ 7 (ends of shelf frame and shelf)
21 12 @ 5 1/2 (shelf frame studs)
YHL: Ok, were ready. Hit us with your plans.
Ana: Alright. Lets get down to business.
1. General Instructions. Work on a clean level surface. Have your plywood cut into 7 3/4 strips by the hardware
store. Then make all of your cuts as directed in the cut list. Always use glue and countersink your screws. Keep
outside edges flush unless otherwise directed. Use proper safety precautions and equipment. Click plan to enlarge.

2. Frame. Set aside the frame, now lets drill the sleeve. Predrill with a countersink bit pilot holes for your screws in
the frame sides. Then use glue and the 2 screws to fasten the frame supports to the frame sides. Keep edges
flush. Click plan to enlarge.

3. Shelf Trim. Build the trim for the shelf by screwing the trim ends to the trim face. Click plan to enlarge.

4. Shelf Surfaces. Just like you would add a back to an IKEA bookcase, tack the plywood to the tops and bottoms of
the shelf. Keep your outside edges flush. The better job you do, the less sanding later!

5. Test Fit. Your floating shelves should look like the above photo (except I made two that are 48 long, and youll
probably be making three that are 72). Dryfit your frames with the sleeves to ensure the frame fits into the sleeve.
You may need to sand the frame in areas to get a better fit. You do want the sleeve to fit tightly on the frame to keep
it in place.
6. Wood Filler. Fill all holes on the sides and face with wood filler. Fill any and every hole if you want that shiny
finish! Overfill your holes and let dry.

7. Sand. Sand extremely well, making all edges flush and even. If you need to, add more wood filler, let dry and
sand again. The better you do at sanding, the shinier & smoother your finish will be.
8. Painting. Vacuum your shelves with a soft bristled brush. If you are using paint with primer, you can skip the
primer. Otherwise, apply a coat of primer first. Let dry, and begin adding coats of high gloss white paint. I used three
coats.

9. Hanging On The Wall. Locate the studs in your wall and mark where your shelf will be placed. If you cannot
locate a stud, then you will need to use drywall anchors to hang your shelves. Then fasten with 3 screws as shown
above into the stud or anchor in the wall. Screw in a downward direction, as shown above. This will not just give you
room for your drill, but it will also create a hook, or a stronger joint. Use at least 6 screws, in at least 3 different
locations or studs. Use a level as shown below to keep things looking straight.

10. Shelf Sleeve. Slide the shelf sleeve over the frame, as shown below. The sleeve will fit snugly. If its too snug,
you can sand down the frame a little just a bit will make a big difference. You want the sleeve to fit tightly, as we will
not be screwing the sleeve to the frame.

*And now for the Knock-Off Wood disclaimer: This plan has not been tested for weight or safety. Build at your own
risk. Knock-Off Wood (or Young House Love) are in no way responsible for any loss, damages or injury resulting from
this post.
Onward to the after picture. Check out Anas amazing shelves. We cant believe that she actually whipped up a pair
for herself (she wanted to be sure that the plans that she provided were as accurate and detailed as possible). And
we also cant believe how great they look in her home.

So a big thank you to the amazing Ana for whipping up such a fantastic make-it-yourself shelf tutorial. What do you
guys think? Will any of you be creating some sleek floating shelves anytime soon? Do you love Ana-White.com as
much as we do for the amazing (and free) plans and inspiration that it provides? Lets shower Ana with praise for
stopping in. And of course, wed love to see photos from anyone and everyone who decides to take these babies
on. Happy building to one and all!

Read more at http://www.younghouselove.com/2010/04/build-it-with-ana-floating-shelves/#LAKYKY6dcYWPrc4z.99