Q: I'm looking to add an open shelf to my kitchen like the ones pictured here. I want it to be deep enough and strong enough to hold dishes, a couple canisters, some spices, etc.
I've seen a bunch of examples from kitchen tours here, yet I am having trouble finding where to buy or how make to make them. What I'm finding is either too shallow or won't support anything more than a few pictures and accessories.
Does anyone know where to either get such a shelf or find good DIY instructions for them?
Thank you in advance!
Sent by Corrie
Editor: Readers, what sort of advice would you give Corrie? Do you have favorite sources for floating shelves, or any experience in installing them?
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I'm a big proponent of Ana White's tutorials. Otherwise spend 10 bucks buying 1x5's. Paint, Prime & Anchor and call it a (cheap) day! :)
Check out Young House Love...
http://www.younghouselove.com/2010/04/build-it-with-ana-floating-shelves/
My husband recreated these shelves and so far my heavy copper pans have held up.
Well, typically a triangular bracket for shelving can support 25-50 lbs (checking packaging or ask your home depot/lowes helper to confirm, those stores have an assortment). Then you could just purchase a board of your needed length and depth and home depot/lowes will usually cut it for you (so you don't need to buy a saw). Then paint or stain and seal as you wish! I've always mounted shelving into the wall studs (I just don't trust the drywall anchors... but that might be a paranoia). Other tools/materials you may need for this do-it yourself project: power drill with appropriate bit, screws (may come with brackets), sand paper, level (can be done without, but more measuring and marking is needed), tape measure.
Container store has a bunch of them:
http://www.containerstore.com/shop/shelving/wallMountedShelving/completeShelfKits?N=13394
The one I had doesn't seem to be around anymore, but I had it stacked with books and it was fine. If there's a store near you, it's worth a visit - I've always found them helpful.
oh, and a stud finder
knock off wood blog. I think her name is Anna White. she have amazing details for DIY and I'm sure I saw floating shelves on there. Give her a try.
I got all of mine at Ikea. I have dishes on top and hang pots from the bottom.
I have some from ikea as well holding canisters full of flour, nuts, dried beans etc... I've had them for at least 3 years (in 3 different homes & cities) & they have yet to fail me!
my brother and his wife built some using hollow-core doors mounted on some wood pieces anchored into studs. You can easily customize to whatever size you need. My sister-in-law has some basic diy instructions on her blog: http://www.gusandlula.com/2010/11/be-easier-floating-shelves.html
Go to the Container store and look at the Elfa shelving. We have a massive Fiesta ware collection along with half our kitchen hanging on one wall. One of my neighbors and I hung on it (300 pounds or so), and no issues yet. Spend the extra money and sleep easy.
I also have Ikea shelves in the kitchen. They hold all our plates/bowls/glasses/serving bowls and still feel like they could hold heavier wares!
I have used off the shelf ones before, and they work fine. If you need a custom length and you are handy, I will share with you the detail I have used in the past. Here is a picture of some from one of my last remodels. http://goo.gl/rAhtM These were made with a 3/4" plywood top and bottom and 1x edge. I left a channel in the middle and used off the shelf aluminum angles as a concealed fastener on two sides. I did not test them for load, but they are very sturdy. The other way to make them is to use a thinner plywood and make a 1x wooden skeleton that inserts in the middle that screws to the wall. Be sure to hit a stud or two!