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The project:
Transform an empty corner into a beautiful, functional feature with this DIY floating zigzag shelf! Made using affordable timber panels from Bunnings Australia, this project combines basic woodworking techniques with a modern, space-saving design.
Featuring rounded edges, a natural timber finish and alternating shelves, it's perfect for displaying plants, books and decorative pieces.
- Materials:
- SpecRite Hevea Multi-Use Timber Panel (or the timber of your choice) – 1200 × 405 × 18mm
- Selleys Aquadhere Interior Wood Glue
- Finishing nails or nails for nail gun
- Green masonry wall plugs
- Screws – compatible with the wall plugs
- + 30mm Timber Screws
- Sandpaper – assorted grits (80, 120, 180 and 240)
- Feast Watson Kitchen Timber Wax
- Timber Wood Filler
- Masking Tape
- 2–3 × Clean cloths
- Tools:
- Table saw
- AEG drop saw (mitre saw)
- Bandsaw or jigsaw
- Router with round-over bit
- Ryobi orbital disc sander
- Cordless drill and appropriate drill bits
- Measuring tape
- Carpenter's square
- Pencil
- Hammer or nail gun
- Bucket or another round object for tracing curved corners
- Safety glasses, hearing protection and dust mask
- Step 1:
Begin with your SpecRite Hevea timber panel from Bunnings Australia. Remove the packaging.
Lay the panel flat on your workbench and plan your cuts to minimise waste.
- Step 2:
Using your table saw (you can also use a circular saw with a guide), carefully rip the larger timber panel lengthways into strips approximately 200mm wide.
- Step 3:
Using your AEG drop saw, measure and cut the timber strips into the required lengths:
Larger upright panels: 200 Ă— 260mm
Smaller shelf panels: 200 Ă— 200mm
Use a measuring tape, pencil and carpenter's square to mark each cut accurately.
Ensure your measurements are consistent, as this will help the pieces fit neatly together during assembly.
- Step 4:
Take your smaller 200 Ă— 200mm shelf panels and carefully stack them on top of one another, ensuring all edges are neatly aligned.
Using masking tape, securely tape the panels together to prevent them from shifting while marking and cutting.
Next, place a bucket or another suitable round object over the corner you wish to round.
Using a pencil, trace around the curved edge of the bucket onto the top panel to create your cutting guide.
Keeping the panels taped together, use a bandsaw or Jigsaw to carefully cut along the marked curve, shaping all the panels at once.
Complete the same process with two of the 260x200 panels for the top and bottom.
This technique helps ensure that every shelf has an identical rounded corner, creating a consistent, professional finish throughout the project.
- Step 5:
Once the curved corners have been cut, use a router fitted with a round-over bit to soften the exposed timber edges.
Carefully run the router along the visible edges and rounded corners of each panel.
If you don’t have a router, please move to the next step.
- Step 6:
Using your Ryobi orbital disc sander, thoroughly sand each timber panel.
Begin with a coarser grit if necessary, then gradually work through finer sandpaper:
80 grit: Remove rough edges and imperfections.
120 grit: Smooth the timber surfaces.
180 grit: Refine the finish.
240 grit: Achieve a smooth final surface.
Pay particular attention to the rounded corners and routed edges.
Remove all dust before assembly.
- Step 7:
Lay your timber pieces out in the desired zigzag arrangement, alternating between the larger upright panels and smaller rounded shelves.
Apply wood glue to one joining surface at a time and position the pieces together.
Use clamps to hold the pieces securely in place before reinforcing the joins with finishing nails or brad nails.
Continue assembling the sections, checking that each piece is straight, square and correctly aligned.
Allow the wood glue to cure according to the manufacturer's instructions.
For additional structural integrity, I also used at least 1 30mm wood screw per join. Alternatively, use dowel to strengthen the joint.
- Step 8:
Once your shelf has been assembled and the glue has fully cured, it's time to bring out the beautiful natural timber grain!
Using a clean cloth, apply a thin, even coat of Feast Watson Kitchen Timber Wax to the timber surfaces.
Work the wax into the wood, following the direction of the grain.
Allow the wax to sit for the time specified on the product instructions, then remove any excess and buff the timber with a clean cloth.
- Step 9:
Position your completed zigzag shelf in the desired corner and use an object or another person to hold in place.
Mark your fixing locations (at least 4 spaced apart) and check for concealed electrical cables or plumbing before drilling. Also consider where the “blind spots” are on the shelving to decide where to place your screws so that they are not visible once installed. Step back to do this.
For a suitable masonry wall:
Drill holes using an appropriately sized masonry drill bit.
Insert the green masonry wall plugs.
Position the shelf and secure it using compatible screws.
For plasterboard walls, use suitable structural studs or appropriately engineered wall fixings instead of ordinary masonry plugs.
Complete the installation.
Tip: use a dining chair to rest the bottom of the shelf on, to assist with positioning and marking.
- Step 10:
Decorate your shelf to suit your home and enjoy your handcrafted addition!
For a full build video, please head over to my Instagram @alicias_woodworking_sundays
