Floating Shelves
Clean, modern, useful. The trick is wall fixing — especially UK plasterboard. Covers concealed bracket method and full box shelf build.
UK-specific including plasterboard advice.
UK walls: dot-and-dab plasterboard on blockwork. Use stud finder or GripIt fixings.
Easy route: pre-made brackets from Screwfix + timber merchant shelf = custom look, 1 hour.
Get timber merchant to rip plywood to width — saves hassle without a table saw.
Always use a spirit level. Nothing ruins shelves faster than visible slope.
Decide dimensions: 600-900mm wide x 200-250mm deep
BRACKET: Buy concealed brackets. Mark positions with level
Drill, wall plugs (GripIt for plasterboard). Fix brackets
Slide shelf on. Secure with grub screws
BOX METHOD: Cut batten frame from 44x22mm timber
Fix batten to wall into studs/heavy fixings. Check level
Build box from 12mm ply — top, bottom, front. Leave back open
Sand, fill, prime, paint/stain
Slide box over batten. Secure from underneath
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