DIY Floating Bookshelves

MATERIALS:

• Floating shelf brackets
• Dowel jig
• 1” x 12” wood of choice cut to 72”
• 1” x 6” wood of choice cut to 9 ¼”
• Battery operated picture light
• Drill
• 1/2” and 3/8” drill bit or bit same width as shelf bracket peg
• ½” screws
• Speed square
• Pencil
• Paint in desired color
• Paint brush or paint roller and tray
• French cleat
• Wooden shims or scrap wood
• Hot glue gun and glue sticks

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Cut or have all the wooden pieces cut to size for you at the hardware store.
2. Mark the spacing for your brackets on the backboard using a pencil and speed square or ruler.
3. Drill holes with the bit that is the same size as the brackets through the backboard.
4. Mark out on the 1” back side of each shelf where the pegs of the floating brackets will go.
5. Attach the dowel jig securely to the 1” side of the board aligned with the mark and drill all the way in. Repeat for each hole needed in each shelf.
6. Paint or stain the backboard and shelf if desired. Allow to dry.
7. Attach each bracket to the board by feeding the peg through the hole in the backboard and secure with a screw. PRO TIP: use screws longer than 1” to drill into back of shelf for added security. If you want to do this place the shelves as you attach each bracket and secure as you go.
8. Secure the light onto the top of each backboard.
9. Hot glue shims or scrap wood near the bottom of the backside of each backboard to keep the whole shelf offset from the wall when it hangs.
10. Attach the top half of each French cleat near the top of each backboard on the backside. Attach the bottom half of the French cleat in place on the wall where you’d like to hang.
11. Hang each backboard, slide the shelves on and enjoy!