DIY Floating Shelves

Learn how to create DIY floating shelves in a bedroom to add extra storage space on your walls. Get the project done quickly with a Wagner sprayer.

Last Spring, we renovated and made one large bedroom into two smaller ones for our son and daughter with this Space Saving Bunk Bed Design. In addition, we have built each of them custom farmhouse style desks and floating shelves.

Here is what you will need to build your own floating shelves:

Materials:

1x2s
1x3s
1/2" sanded plywood
5mm sanded plywood
1-1/4" pocket hole screws
3" drywall screws
Wood glue
2-1/4" finishing nails
Pencil
Painter's tape
Paint

Equipment:

Kreg Jig
Circular saw
Miter saw
Finishing nail gun and air compressor
Level
Drill (ideally with 90-degree attachment)
Stud finder
Square
Utility knife
Clamps
Wagner FLEXiO 4000 paint sprayer
Studio Spray Tent

Building floating shelves using plywood is simple and inexpensive. Using the Wagner FLEXiO 4000 to paint the plywood saves time, too. You’ll love how these shelves turn out!

How to Build DIY Floating Shelves

Step 1: Build the Framework

Using the 1x2 and 1x3 pieces, build the framework with pocket screws.

Step 2: Find the Studs

Using a stud finder and level, mark the wall where the shelves will go.

Step 3: Attach the Frame to the Wall

Use the drywall screws to attach the frame to the wall.

Step 4: Cut the Plywood Shelves

Cut the ½” and 5mm plywood down to size.

Step 5: Paint the Plywood Using the FLEXiO 4000

See our tips below!

Step 6: Hang the Plywood

Using wood glue, attach the plywood to the frame. Clamp them together for 1-2 hours.

Step 7: Attach the Trim

Using a finish nailer, attach the trim to the floating shelves.

Step 8: Paint Trim by Hand

Finish up by painting the trim pieces by hand or with a sprayer before installing.

And that’s it! Easy plywood floating shelves done in a day.

Tips for Using the Wagner SprayTech Flexio 4000:

Take the time to set up the Flexio 4000 sprayer correctly
Always hold the sprayer about 6-8 inches from the surface and move the sprayer in smooth even passes across your surface.
Finally, allow the paint to dry completely before adding another coat or touching up any spots.

Setting up the FLEXiO 4000:

Set the pressure control on the X-Boost power dial to medium-low. This controls how much air power is created by the base.

Set the material flow, which controls the amount that will be sprayed. Because stain is much thinner than latex paint, you want it to be about 4-6.

Change the air cap to match the direction you’re going to paint, either horizontal or vertical. I love that you can easily switch back and forth!

Add paint to the cup and tighten the nozzle assembly.

That’s it! Pretty simple, right?

This guest post was created by the Juggling Act Mama blog. Visit jugglingactmama.com for the full DIY Floating Shelves tutorial!