This week we’re looking at how to put a floating shelf on the wall in just five minutes. Finally, a floater you can be proud of…
If you’re thinking of putting up some shelving in the not too distant future, then why not make the bold move out to floating shelves. They look a lot cooler than normal shelves and in fairness, they’re not that hard to put up. So here’s how to get one on the wall in just five minutes.
What you’ll need:
Floating shelf
Bracket
Drill/screwdriver drill-bit
Nails
Hammer
Step 1: Prepare yourself
If you fail to prepare, then prepare to fail… or something like that. Anyway, the best way to start off any DIY job is to make sure you’re ready for it. Get all your tools close to hand and make sure to mark out where exactly on the wall you want the shelf.
Step 2: Make sure it’s on the level
Your floating shelf should come with a bracket that the shelf simply sits on top of. Get someone to hold this bracket against the wall and put a sprit level on top of it. Once you’re sure the bracket is straight, secure the left hand side of it by drilling in a screw with your screwdriver drill-bit. But remember not to drill it in all the way!
Step 3: Double check
You should now be able – but we don’t advise you – to move the bracket around in a circular motion, as if it were a clock’s hand. With your sprit level make sure the bracket is lined-up good and straight. Once it is, secure the right hand side on to the wall with the drill.
Step 4: Secure it up
If you’re confident that the bracket is good and straight then you can fully secure it to the wall. From here you can begin on securing the shelf.
Step 5: The shelf
Your floating shelf should have a chunk cut out of one side. Slide this side over the bracket and nail (or screw) it into place with whatever comes provided. Make sure to get someone to hold the shelf while you do this. Try recruiting one of the lads with false promises of a free beer after the work is done.
Step 6: Test run
Before you start putting your best china – or grandma’s ashes – on the shelf, test it out with a heavy book or two. At least there will be less of a mess to clean up if things go wrong – but hopefully they wont.
So there you have it, in no time at all you’ve put up your very own floating shelf.
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