What is how to make floating shelves?

DIY Floating Shelves: A Comprehensive Guide

Floating shelves offer a clean, modern look and can maximize space in any room. Here's a breakdown of how to create your own:

Determine Shelf Size: Consider the available wall space and what you intend to display on the shelves. Larger shelves require more robust support. Depth is also important - deeper shelves can hold more but may sag more.
Choose Materials: Common options include solid wood (e.g., pine, oak, maple), plywood, or MDF. Solid wood looks great but can be more expensive and prone to warping. Plywood offers good stability and cost-effectiveness. MDF is very smooth and paintable but can be heavy and less durable than wood.
Plan the Support System: This is crucial for stability. The two main types are:
- Hidden Brackets: Metal rods or plates that slide into holes or slots routed in the back of the shelf.
- Cleat System: A French cleat or similar system attached to the wall and the shelf.

Lumber: For the shelf itself and potentially for internal support if using a hollow core design.
Support Hardware: Choose based on your chosen support system (brackets, cleats, screws, etc.).
Fasteners: Screws suitable for attaching the support system to the wall studs. Use drywall anchors only if you cannot locate a stud.
Wood Glue: For assembling the shelf (if applicable).
Finishing Supplies: Sandpaper, primer, paint or stain, polyurethane (optional).
Tools:
- Stud finder
- Level
- Drill
- Screwdriver
- Measuring tape
- Saw (circular saw, miter saw, or hand saw)
- Router (optional, for creating slots for hidden brackets)
- Sander

Build the Shelf (if necessary): If you're using solid wood, you're mostly done. For plywood or MDF, you might create a box structure with a top, bottom, and front piece, leaving the back open to slide onto the supports.
Prepare the Wall: Locate wall studs using a stud finder. Mark the stud locations clearly. This is where you must attach the support system for maximum strength.
Install the Support System: Attach the chosen hardware to the wall, ensuring it is level and securely fastened to the studs. Double-check that your screws are long enough to get a good bite into the stud.
Mount the Shelf: Carefully slide the shelf onto the support hardware. Ensure it's fully seated. For cleat systems, ensure the cleat on the shelf engages securely with the cleat on the wall.
Finishing Touches: Cover screw holes with wood filler, sand smooth, and paint or stain the shelf to your desired finish.

Weight Capacity: Consider how much weight the shelves will need to hold. This dictates the size and strength of the support system. Overloading can cause sagging or even collapse.
Stud Location: Attaching the support system to wall studs is essential for stability. Drywall anchors are a last resort for light loads only.
Leveling: Use a level during every step to ensure the shelves are straight. Slight imperfections can be very noticeable.
Safety: Always wear safety glasses and appropriate safety gear when cutting or sanding wood.