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How to install floating bookshelves?

AmberM

Hi there,

I'm after some advice on installation of floating book shelves close to the ceiling (above door jams). I want to line three walls of my living room.

I've included a picture below to give an idea.

The shelves would need to take a bit of weight as I'll be using them for books. What sort of shelving would I need? I assume I can't use solid planks of wood as they'd been adding too much overall weight… Is there way of installing so there are no visible brackets, or would brackets be recommended for extra reinforcement?

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EricL

Hello @AmberM

Thank you for sharing your question about building bookshelves on your wall. Using solid planks of timber is perfectly fine, it's true that it will add weight to your wall, but it also provides strength and the plank will not bow despite the weight of the books. I propose looking at using the https://www.bunnings.com.au/specrite-2200-x-600-x-26mm-timber-multi-use-pine-panel_p0419616 . It's a good compromise as it provides strength and is not too heavy to use.

For example, if you were to cut the panel into three sections at 200mm deep, you would end up with three shelves at 2200mm long. The shelf can be stained or painted and supported with an angle bracket such as the https://www.bunnings.com.au/carinya-250-x-200mm-white-angle-bracket_p3961582 . My best advice is to anchor the bracket into the wall studs with https://www.bunnings.com.au/zenith-12g-x-65mm-galvanised-hex-head-timber-screws-8-pack_p2420368 and use the https://www.bunnings.com.au/zenith-12g-x-25mm-galvanised-hex-head-timber-screws-15-pack_p2420366 to hold the timber shelf to the bracket. One way to reduce the profile of the angle bracket is to install it facing up like an "L" rather than facing it downwards. It's important that every stud has a bracket installed on it to support the weight of the shelf and the books, this includes the end of the shelves.

I also suggest having a look at this discussion - D.I.Y. shelves using raw timber by @meg_nelly

Here are some handy step-by-step guides:

Let me call on our experienced members @DIY4Knuckleheds, @Dave-1, @Nailbag, @Remarka6le and @homeinmelbourne for their recommendations.

If you have any other questions we can help with, please let us know.

Eric

DIY4Knuckleheds

G'day AmberM I agree with EricL in regard to the type of material used for the shelves as it's still a reasonably light solid piece of wood. Unless you have some handy DIY Skills, using brackets is a good idea. You could even paint the bracket the same colour as the walls if you don't want them to stand out to much. Good luck 👍😁

Dave-1

Good Evening @AmberM

Floating shelves generally hold less then ones supported by brackets of some kind. With books I would definitely go the route of some brackets. Probably a fair few as the static load of books long term is large.

I do like the idea of painting them white as @DIY4Knuckleheds has suggested. It would blend it in with your walls and ceiling. Personally I like black scrolly type right angled brackets. (scrolly brackets) It comes down to what you like style wise.

It would be a nice project to showcase in here if you decide to go ahead with it :) Please take lots of photos and ask any questions that come to mind.

Dave

Nailbag

Hi @AmberM

Unfortunately, when you can't prepare the internal wall to take heavy weighted floating shelves, then long-term success isn't viable. Inserting steel rods into soft pine 35mm framing ends up in sagging with the weight. And thats on top of managing dead centre of stud holes for the tubes.

I would follow @DIY4Knuckleheds advice with metal brackets painted the wall colour. If there is a lot of weight, you might need to consider a couple of them to be "stayed" style brackets.

Nailbag

Noyade

Hi @AmberM

"I've included a picture below to give an idea."

We may have differing ideas on the term 'floating' - but looking at the photo you provided - I see black L-shape brackets? Would you be happy to do the same?

Cheers.

AmberM

Thank you so much @EricL @DIY4Knuckleheds, @Dave-1, @Nailbag, and @Noyade for all your recommendations.

Bit to digest there! I’m very grateful for the support. I’ll post photos when I’m finished 😊

MitchellMc

Keep us updated @AmberM, and please reach out again if you get stuck; we're here to help.

Mitchell