Replies

1. 
   Jamie_Buxton | Jan 05, 2009 07:30pm | #1

   I did it once by boring horizontal holes into the studs and inserting steel rods.   The shelves were 1 1/2 inches thick, and made of two sheets of 1/2" ply with spacers in between, so the steel rods fit into the space in the middle.

2. 
   YesMaam27577 | Jan 05, 2009 07:31pm | #2

   A 3-foot long shelf full of books is quite heavy -- approaching 70 lbs in many cases. And 4 and 5-footers will be even heavier. (Imagine trying to lift a stack of books that is taller than most people's waists.)

   Although 'floating' shelves are certainly attractive, they are not very sturdy.

   One method is to use french cleats, the biggest ones that will fit in the shelf cavity. And be sure to use screws that are big enough (#12), and long enough that they go into the studs by at least two inches. And be sure to attach each shelf to at least two studs -- three is even better.

   And then pray that you don't hear a crash in the middle of the night.

   Another is to use a similar cleat, which is only a one-piece cleat. Screw a cleat (rectangular cross-section)to the wall studs that will fit inside the shelf cavity. Slide the shelf over the cleat, then use some finish nails to hold the shelf to the cleat.

   Again, use big, long screws into the studs.

   And again, pray.

   Perhaps the best bet is to drill the studs for dowels that are at least 1" thick. Glue dowels into the studs and let the glue cure. Then 'hang' the shelf on the dowels. The dowels will be stronger than screws -- just be sure to hit the center of the stud with the drill.

   Good luck.

   Politics is the antithesis of problem solving.
3. 
   ring | Jan 05, 2009 08:05pm | #3

   The way to make them totally invisible is by building torsion box shelves. You set steel bars into the wall studs and they extend into the hollow center of the shelves. A bit of construction adhesive at the rear is enough to keep the shelves stuck to the wall.

   David Ring

   http://www.touchwood.co.il/?id=1&lang=e

4. 
   Buster2000 | Jan 05, 2009 10:58pm | #4

   Beth,

   I've seen these shelves come off the wall with a relativly small load.  The look nice, but aren't really meant for this purpose.

   Unless you follow some of the more extreme advice here (pipe into the studs etc.), I suspect you may find all your books on the floor.

   Buster

1. 
   bethh | Jan 07, 2009 12:48am | #9

   Thanks for your input. I'm not sure what we are going to do...

    

   Beth

5. 
   Redwoodie | Jan 06, 2009 05:43am | #5

   I used a different type of cleat to hang floating shelves about 10 years ago.  If you are interested, I could try to get a picture posted late this week, and perhaps dig out the original plans to give you dimensions.

   However, the shelves were hardwood, and if you already built your shelves and the trim is not the same thickness as the plywood, this probably would not work.

1. 
   bethh | Jan 07, 2009 12:49am | #10

   Thanks for your input.

   We are not sure what direction we will be going in...

    

   Beth

6. 
   Thorvald | Jan 06, 2009 08:28am | #6

   I would recommend torsion boxes rather than the design you're suggesting.  There is a good article on them at http://www.taunton.com/finewoodworking/fwnpdf/011032096.pdf

   Verne

7. 
   RalphBarker | Jan 06, 2009 10:39pm | #7

   I used a Vulcan multi-beam anti-gravity projector for mine. Problem was, the cat got really freaked when he shot into the air when walking past, and the shelves fell to the floor when the cat interrupted the beam. ;-)

   Personally, I like the torsion box/steel rod idea.

1. 
   bethh | Jan 07, 2009 12:58am | #11

   Poor cat!

    

   Thanks for your input. :)

    

   Beth

8. 
   Floss | Jan 07, 2009 12:00am | #8

   Look up Blind Shelf Support on the Lee Valley website at
   leevalley.com.

   F.

9. 
   LB | Jan 07, 2009 12:59am | #12

   Lee Valley sells these bilind shelf support

   http://www.leevalley.com/hardware/page.aspx?c=1&p=51933&cat=3,43648,43649

   Lyle

1. 
   bethh | Jan 07, 2009 05:17pm | #13

   The blind shelf supports look really good.

   Thanks, Lyle.

   I was thinking about using a bigger piece of wood for the back trim that we will attach to the shelf itself, and we could then use a French cleat. Maybe a 1 x 4. I know it would stick out on top and botton but I think that would be okay. It will be painted white against a mocha colored wall. But I wouldn't be able to put books all the way against the wall. Maybe attach the trim flush with the plywood on top? and have it show only on the underneath of the shelf?

   Just some thoughts,

   Thanks for all the help from all of you. This is a great site!

   Beth

10. 
    easyisbetter | Jul 10, 2013 07:15pm | #14

    If you are handy with drywall patching...

    1. cut out a vertical section of drywall to expose the studs

    2. attach a very sturdy 90 degree shelf support directly to studs.

    3 slide your floating shelf over the shelf support and secure.

    4. patch the drywall.

    I haven't tried this yet but I'm pretty sure it would completely solve the wieght problem for floating shelves.

11. 
    EdwinBaker | Nov 07, 2013 12:03am | #15

    Restore and Renew Your Furniture

    Shelves may break due to the load of books. Get some expert help. If you have old furnitures then, look for furniture restoration company, they might help you.