Floating shelves are shelves that are designed to look as if they are floating against the walls on which they are fastened. While their look is sleek and effortless, the construction of floating shelves may be a difficult and precise undertaking. The design and desired support of the floating shelves are two factors that need to be researched and adequately prepared before a homeowner attempts installation.
When constructing shelves at home, homeowners would be wise to compare potential woods for the shelves. Generally, wood will not be chosen for the sake of look or design so much as for its ability to hold a specific amount of weight. Some woods, for example, are more suited to support televisions than others. Bracket size and supportability also need to be taken into account when choosing wood types.
Homeowners who choose to spruce up their shelves with sophisticated designs may choose a type of shelf that has profiled edges or grooves on it. These types of shelves are usually chosen to display specific or important items such as trophies or pictures. These extra options can be realized by the more advanced floating shelf creator, but should probably not be attempted by the novice shelf builder, as they may compromise the stability of the shelf. Many novice builders are not accustomed to accounting for weight and design.
The size of floating shelves are usually up to the homeowner to decide. They may be small enough to hold only small trinkets or they can be constructed to support complete home entertainment systems. Whatever their purpose, each floating shelf should be planned around its main function. For example, it would generally not be wise to plan and construct a shelf for the purpose of holding pictures and then decide to use it as a means to hold up a television or computer speaker.
A large part of successful installation is the implementation of appropriate brackets. They must be securely and tightly put into place so that they fit against the wall. Any stability issues that manifest during installation should be taken care of at the moment they occur, as the issue will only worsen once the shelf is in use.
Generally, floating shelves are considered to be an interesting addition to any home and are likely to be a conversation-starter amongst guests. By being different, they express a homeowner's personality. They may even showcase artistry if he created the shelf himself.