How do you build floating shelves?

To build floating shelves, cut a hollowed door, and install it over a wooden cleat. You need a hollowed door, a 2-inch-by-4-inch board, lag screws, wood glue and brad nails.

1. Trace the installation location on the wall

   Use a stud finder, pencil and 4-foot level to trace a horizontal line that matches the length of the hollow door you're using. Mark the spots where the studs are along the line.

2. Cut the door

   Attach a 40-tooth carbide blade to a circular saw. Cut the door to your desired width.

3. Cut the cleat

   Measure the length and width of the hollowed area of the door. Cut a cleat out of a piece of 2-inch-by-4-inch wood that matches the dimensions.

4. Drill holes into the studs

   Drill holes that are 1/4 inch in diameter into each marked stud.

5. Drills holes into the cleat

   Attach a 1/8-inch bit to the drill, and hold the cleat straight along the drawn line. Drill holes through the cleat and into each pre-drilled hole.

6. Install lag screws into each hole

   Use a ratchet to install a lag screw into each hole.

7. Chisel away the corrugated cardboard cores

   Use a chisel to file down each corrugated cardboard core at least 1 1/2 inches deep.

8. Test the shelf

   Place the shelf over the cleat on the wall to ensure that it fits. Make adjustments accordingly.

9. Glue the shelf to the cleat

   Apply wood glue along the top of the cleat and the inner bottom of the shelf, and install the shelf on the cleat.

10. Install nails at the back

    Install nails at the back of the shelf that go through the shelf and into the cleat. Space the nails 8 inches apart.