Teach me how to remove this floating shelf safely!

Chie

Hi DIY-ers! I need your help!

I have working on make-over for bedrooms, and I would like to remove this old floating shelf in one of the bedrooms.

How can I remove this without significant damage on the wall?
Any tip and advice, please?

Thanks, guys!!!

EricL

Hello @Chie

Welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community. Thank you for sharing your question about removing your floating shelf.

To avoid damaging your wall, we need to look at the shelf and find out if it is nailed or screwed in. There is also the possibility that it is glued on. If that is the case we may not have any choice but to slightly damage the wall while removing the shelf. 

Sometimes screw and nail holes are covered with timber filler. Have a look and see if you find circular holes that are slightly off colour and are circular. Once found remove the filler, if screwed on use your screwdriver to remove the screws. If nailed on lightly tap the shelf with the hammer until it begins to move and sway, once loose pull the shelf off.

However, if you don't find either screw or nail then it is glued on. I recommend using Craftright 5-in-1 Scraper. Gently push the scraper between the timber shelf brackets at the bottom to separate the timber from the plasterboard. Use front to back and side to side motions to separate the shelf from the wall. 

Once the shelf is removed, I suggest using Poly Wall Repair Kit to fill in the damage on the plaster wall. 

Here is a handy step-by-step guide: How to fix a hole in a plaster wall

Once the wall is repaired, I recommend bringing a paint chip to the store at least the size of 10 cent coint. Ask the paint specialist for a paint match. Please make sure that the plaster is totally dry before painting over the repaired area.

We look forward to seeing your shelf removed and your project complete.

Eric