I’m another step closer to finishing this new, new, new pantry! Some days I feel like I knock out a ton of work and other days it feels like I’m making snail progress. I just keep plugging away and eventually something get’s finished and then I celebrate — like today with the Pantry Floating Shelves!
Video Part 1
Video Part 2
Floating Shelves
After installing the bank of cabinets on the long wall, I applied beadboard to the exposed walls. I did make sure to mark the location of my studs on both the ceiling and countertop (on painters’ tape) before covering the walls.
I’m using 3/4″ plywood for the ribs of these shelves, unlike many of the floating shelves I’ve done before. Like this, this, this, this or this…
These shelves won’t hold anything too heavy so I’m confident they will be sturdy enough for what I need.
I used wood glue and 1 3/4″ SPAX wood screws to build the “ribs”.
To install, I used 3″ cabinet screws and secured the ribs to the studs in the long wall and side walls.
The first shelf is only 8″ deep while the rest are 12″.
I installed all the long shelves and then measured and build the short shelves for the adjacent wall.
I got this far on the corners before having to go back into my shop to fix a mistake. LOL It happens!
After finishing the ribs, it was just a matter of covering them up with plywood and a face. I used 1/2″ plywood on the tops and 1/4″ on the bottom. The faces are 1×3 poplar. I installed them flush on the top with a small overhang on the underside. I used wood glue and nails to secure the plywood to the ribs.
Of course I filled,sanded, primed, sanded, filled some more, sanded again, caulked, vacuumed and wiped…really well and them painted. And they turned out awesome!
Now on to the next 23 items on the pantry to-do list. heheehheheheee ’till next time!
Renee says
Hey Sandra,
What’s the difference in strength from using 3/4in ply for the skeleton of these shelves vs. your 2x2s in your closet? I was a little surprised that you suggest its not as sturdy as the 2xs
(I’m doing kitchen shelves w/ 2x2s where a bunch of pretty Le Creuset cast iron will be displayed, so I’d love for them not to fall off my wall)
Thanks!
Sandra says
Well a 2×2 is double the thickness of a 3/4″ plywood. I think if I were planning on storing heavy items on these shelves, I would have doubled the plywood strips. Working with the plywood was easier than working with 2×2 because it’s so hard to find straight 2×2’s. Now that the plywood top is glued onto all the spines of each shelf, the entire shelf feels really chunky and solid. So it might be fine for a heavier load. I think I would still at least double up the back brace which I drove 3″ cabinet screws into the studs to support the whole thing.
Dirk says
I feel you pain on the straight 2×2 but You need to ask for “finger joint 2×2”. Those will be straight and solid!
Melissa says
Great post and love the videos (especially the end with the crud in the hair…happens to me too, without fail!)
Sandra says
Never fails…though this was one of the worst “blobs” ever! LOL
Guerrina says
Love!
Kimberly says
I’m so happy I found your website! You are one talented gal! The pantry is to die for, can’t wait to see it all finished :-)) Oh and I love the videos, so helpful.