Floating shelves are one of the most popular DIY upgrades—stylish, affordable, and perfect for any room. In this tutorial, we’ll build reclaimed-wood floating shelves using hidden brackets. It’s beginner-friendly and looks professionally made.

Let’s begin!

🛠️ Materials & Tools

Gather all your materials before starting to ensure accuracy and consistency.

Materials:

Reclaimed wood boards (1–2 inches thick)
Hidden floating-shelf brackets
Wood screws
Sandpaper (80 & 120 grit)
Wood stain + matte sealer

Tools:

Drill
Level
Measuring tape
Stud finder
Saw (if resizing wood)
Cloth for stain

Step 1 — Measure and Mark the Wall

Use a level to ensure your shelves remain perfectly straight.

Measure the space and mark the exact height of each shelf. Floating shelves look best with 25–35 cm (10–14 inches) spacing.

Step 2 — Sand & Prep the Wood

Smooth edges ensure a clean final look and safer handling.

Sand the wood thoroughly:

Start with 80-grit
Finish with 120-grit
Wipe clean with a damp cloth

Step 3 — Install the Hidden Brackets

Installing hidden floating shelf brackets into wall studs.

Installing hidden floating shelf brackets into wall studs.

Installing hidden floating shelf brackets into wall studs.

Installing hidden floating shelf brackets into wall studs.

Hidden brackets create the clean “floating” effect with no visible hardware.

Use a stud finder to locate studs.
Drill pilot holes and secure the hidden brackets tightly.

Tip: Ensure perfect alignment across all brackets.

Step 4 — Drill Matching Holes Into the Wood

Drilling holes into reclaimed wood so it fits onto the hidden brackets.

Drilling holes into reclaimed wood so it fits onto the hidden brackets.

Drilling holes into reclaimed wood so it fits onto the hidden brackets.

Test-fit the wood to ensure smooth but tight placement.

Match the distance between brackets and drill holes into the back of your wooden shelf.

Check: The board should slide onto the bracket with slight resistance.

Step 5 — Stain & Seal the Wood

Applying wood stain to reclaimed floating shelves.

Applying wood stain to reclaimed floating shelves.

Applying wood stain to reclaimed floating shelves.

Applying wood stain to reclaimed floating shelves.

Choose a stain shade that complements your interior palette.

Apply your desired stain color (Walnut, Espresso, Driftwood).
Let it dry, then apply a matte sealer.

Step 6 — Slide the Wood Onto the Brackets

Sliding the reclaimed wood shelf onto hidden metal brackets.

Sliding the reclaimed wood shelf onto hidden metal brackets.

Sliding the reclaimed wood shelf onto hidden metal brackets.

Push the board firmly until fully secured.

Gently push the shelf onto the brackets until it fits snugly.

Re-check with your level.

Step 7 — Style Your New Floating Shelves

Styled floating shelves decorated with plants, books, and minimalist ceramics.

Styled floating shelves decorated with plants, books, and minimalist ceramics.

Styled floating shelves decorated with plants, books, and minimalist ceramics.

Styled floating shelves decorated with plants, books, and minimalist ceramics.

Natural textures and simple objects look stunning on reclaimed wood shelves.

Top styling suggestions:

Small plants (pothos, eucalyptus)
Ceramic vases
Framed prints
Stacked books
Candles

⭐ Cost Breakdown

Item	Estimated Cost
Reclaimed wood	$0–$20 per board
Hidden brackets	$10–$25
Stain + sealer	$10
Misc screws & sandpaper	$5–$10
Total cost:	$25–$65 per shelf

More real-photo DIY tutorials are coming this week. Follow along for daily step-by-step home-decor projects!

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