As part of Scotty's workshop challenge, the contestants were challenged to design and build a piece of furniture for their houses. Mike and Andrew designed a circular shelving unit for their hallway, which Dan and Dani were assigned to build.
Watch the video and follow the steps for instructions on how to install your own set of floating shelves.
For more detailed instructions, download our Mitre Plan project planner here.
Before you decide what shelving to install, you need to decide what size and weight is going on them, and, of course, the location. Unfinished MDF and plywood is fine for the garage or shed, but it's not going to look so great in the living room. Top shelf floating shelves are easy to install, look good and hold up to 25 kilograms.
The first thing you need to do is decide what type of wall you are fixing the shelf to. If you are dealing with a hollow wall, screwing directly into the wall studs is best. But if you need extra support between the studs, you will need to use toggles which expand and grab inside the wall as you tighten the screws.
Make sure you check for electrical cables, plumbing and gas pipes before you start drilling.
Next, grab a spirit level and mark with a pencil where you want to install the shelf.
Hold your shelf bracket to the wall, and use the pencil through the screw holes to mark where to start drilling.
Next drill some holes. If you have a cement wall, use a masonry drill bit to drill a hole, and then insert wall plugs. There's a variety of wall plugs available for fixing into brick, stone and concrete, but they all essentially work in the same way. As the screw is tightened, the plug expands and presses against the sides of the hole firmly embedding it.
Hold the bracket up to the wall, and screw in the first screw. Be careful not to tighten it all the way yet. Once all the screws are in, then you can tighten them all at once. The screws are quite large, so it's probably a good idea to put a pilot hole in first.
Finally slide the shelf onto the bracket and there you have it. Make sure you put your fixing screws at the top of the shelf so it doesn't move.
The result: More storage and a stylish addition to the room. And remember, DIY should be fun!
It's a good idea to use an HPM powerboard to prevent accidents. If you are using power tools in wet conditions, you accidentally cut the cord, or you experience a power surge, one of these boards will prevent you from getting and electric shock.
