Thank you. Just made some using this method. They went surprisingly well. Made 4 shelves and only spent £30 on a sheet of MDF and managed to salvage some thick bed slats from an old bed for batons.
Excellent video. I'm thinking about building shelves in an alcove and this video has reassured me that I don't need to pay someone to do it for me. Love the speeding up and the sound effects too. Both instructional AND entertaining.
Hello! Massive thank you for this video and thanks for the one on how to template the shelves aswell. Will be doing this using 12mm and 6mm ply with 18mm ply strips cut to 20mm for the battens as it's what I've got. A faultless job and video. Very lean indeed. Exactly what I needed
We always give it a prime before caulking in the decorating trade so you get good adhesion to the timber. In time the caulk will peel and come away from unprimed wood/mdf.
Prime what? If you prime before caulk, you are adding a layer between the wood and the caulk which will in time make it even more likely to peel and come away.
Thank you I think I can make one (I hope), I have a very small space at my rent house, I don’t know where to put my things especially those rarely I used, but there are exactly space like you’re working in the video, I think I can make one but wider so that I can put large boxes there.
It would be nice if at the start of yr vids you just showed a spread of the tools you're about to use laid out so we can literally just quickly buy any we're missing, line them up in the workspace and follow along picking up each one. It feels stupid to request more out of you tho cos the vid is the best DIY vid I've ever actually seen, loved it cheers.
Very good video. In my case, we would like to install glass shelves within our alcove which is similar dimensions to the alcove you used. Do you have any recommendations regarding the approach we should take? Thank you.
Thanks! Great video. I want to build shelves just like this in my closet 50cm deep and 138cm wide. Could I use the same materials and would it hold, say 50kg per shelf? Would it help to add another piece in the middle front to back?
I’ve just built a set of alcove shelves based on this video! Amazing advice, thank you. They look great. Trying to work out if I can post a photo here hmm. I added a cupboard to the bottom of it 👌
Fantastic video! I’m curious about how much weight these shelves will hold. I want to build something like this to hold my books and I’m not sure if it will be strong enough.
@@alexhall6943 No, I ended up using a different method for a built-in. I don't think this particular shelf in the video would have held all the weight from books. Something similar to this: cdn.homedit.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/DIY-built-in-shelves.jpg
Looks like you used drywall anchors, is that correct? I’m looking to build something similar in an alcove that’s about double that width. Should the supports be anchored directly to the studs?
Hi. Thank you for the video. Excellent for greenhorn like me. Can you tell me what materials you used? Did you get the shelves ready cut off the shelf or did you cut it down?. I want to replicate what you did. My problem is no matter how accurate I think I measure, it is always a few mm off. What am I doing wrong?. By off I mean a tiny bit too small. Any advice would be really helpful. Thank you...👍
Hey, this is a great video, thank you! I'm going to attempt to make some this week, but wondered what wall plugs you used for this? They don't look like the red fischers... Thanks!
Cheers for this, exactly what I wanted to do but wasn’t entirely sure how. I’ve just made a start and attached the frame, it’s an outside wall (lates 80’s build semi) and I figured it would be brick but my masonry bit went through like butter. Do you know what it’s likely to be? I’ve used those those Duopower plugs and 5x60 screws.. do you think that will suffice?
Great video! This has helped me a lot so thank you very much! Just a quick question though, if I’m using hardwood ply instead of mdf for the top and bottoms, what timber should I use for the front facing piece? This is in relation to getting a nice consistent colour from staining the wood. Please and thank you. 🙏
@@elobiretv Thanks for the response, I actually did this in the end. I had to buy strips of birch wood “tape” and iron them onto the edges of the front facing pieces so the layers of ply weren’t visible. After staining they turned out pretty good although if I were to do it again I would use a different wood than ply - only reason I used it to begin with was because they were 1.4m length so ply was better for load bearing across bigger spans than soft woods
Cheers Cain - I just use these, they're not structural and just hold the wood in place while the glue dries: www.screwfix.com/p/angle-braces-self-colour-19-x-19-x-1-2mm-50-pack/67412
Great video, really helping with the project. The alcoves i am building them for have a concrete wall along the back and only plaster board left and right, so no wood studs to screw into. obviously i am plugging the walls, will that be a problem for a heavy load?? I'm using 34mm x 44mm timber with 5mm x 60mm screws.
Thanks. Using RAWL UNO plugs, brown ones. All sides have been glued with NMN. My first project in the new house, just need the reassurance. Thanks again.
If it's glued it should be absolutely fine - for future reference, for anything heavy in plasterboard use expanding metal fittings with a setting tool - if you search for my projector install vid you'll see they type I mean. 👍
Great video, really interesting to see how you frame it. What thickness size timber and mdf did you use. It was a great idea to use the lath at the front. Painting mdf end grain can be a real issue.
How much does it cost to hire a handyman to do this? I have found on EBay where to buy the hardwood shelves cut to size so I assume that would be separate cost. I am trying to figure out if this is something I could do myself or if it’s worth hiring someone.
I have never seen such beautiful work, how can anyone vote against this.......I would give my right arm to have these built in my house.....well, that doesn't make much sense. thank you
Really great video. Taking on almost the exact same project. Can I just ask, the height of the bracing is obviously 20mm to make up the 44mm total but what is the width? Can only find in a 15mm width and wondering if this is too thin, will be putting heavy books and vinyl records on shelves. This video has helped so much. Thanks again.
Brilliant video. I'm attempting to tackle 8 of these, 4 either side of my chimney. Can I ask, I'm finding it hard to source 20x20 timber for the skeleton, do you think 34x34 will be fine? And also do you think an MDF facia will be fine as opposed to the timber one you use? Thanks
Cheers! I rip my own 18x20 strips from 18x94 planks (or whatever). MDF fascia will work but you'll have MDF edge grain to deal with on the top and bottom. Plus timber is a bit stronger so adds to the support of the shelf.
Looks like pine, you can get it in all shapes. The thickness is up to you depending on how you want your shelves to look. The top and bottom is MDF by the looks of it.
Great video Andy, massive fan of your channel. One question though - why did you use timber for your front trim fascia strip, rather than say MDF to give a smoother finish? Wouldn't the timber frame provide sufficient support to prevent sagging?
Great video and neat work. I take it you used MDF for top and bottom panels? Just a suggestion, could the plant on front be 18mm MDF with a double Bull nose to give a softer edge?
Yeah totally - the pine is just a bit stiffer than MDF though so just helps overall to stop sagging, but you could certainly bullnose it prior to fitting. 👍👊
I have a space in the bathroom which I want to put shelves in. It is 55cm wide by 79cm deep. We will be using them to store boxes/towels and the load is going to be fairly large. I don't want to end up with super thick shelves but at the same time I don't want them to give way/sag. What wood for the floating element and top/bottom would you recommend and in what thickness?
Keith, I'm interested in putting up shelves in an alcove to hold some heavy books. How would I know if the shelves are strong enough. Heavier the weight, is it better to use more screws or longer screws or even thicker batons?
Awesome video! Please I need your advice. I'm planning to have this kind of work on my alcove 24" x 55" I will use 1/2" MDF on the top, 1/4" MDF on the bottom, 3/4 wooden braces = 1.5" thick total. Do you think I'm good with these? Thank you very much in advance.
It's a little thin for the span IMO - you could try ply on top instead of MDF, it's less inclined to sag (but can be problematic to paint). Make sure you clamp and glue everything - especially the front edge.
I wonder is this the same method used in the prewar 1930's buildings kitchen cabinets that's how the wood planks and windowed doors look to me. Also they were done with a particular wood that is not used any more.
Hi, I'm hoping to do this but my cove is 2m wide and 30cm deep. Will it still hold the weight or should I use another method? Hoping to fill it with books so quite heavy...
+Gosforth Handyman What size screws were you using? Also what is the bit called that drills the screw hole but also leaves a counter sink hole too? Cheers
Into the wall? Probably 10ga 3" screws (length tends to vary depending on what the wall is made of). Drill bit - I just know it as a countersink pilot bit... technically it's a clearance hole, not a pilot hole though (you can get bits that do countersink, clearance and pilot in one go).
Ok Thanks a lot.. Also I've been putting a materials list together for mine and cant find 20mm timber bracing anywhere - Tried B&Q, Wickes etc..? Thanks for vid.
I rip my own! You can go for smaller or bigger but then you'll not be able to use a standard 44mm trim on the front so swings & roundabouts m'fraid! :-)
Great video that has a bespoke cabinet maker 34 years carpenters use screws and when field will move and show the filler surely opinion gun is a tiny little hole that will not be shown as much as screws
Really helpful video - thank you for putting this up. I have one question and would be grateful if you could help me - what was the substance you applied around the edges near the end - sealant or wood filler or something else? Cheers, Oliver
Thank you. Just made some using this method. They went surprisingly well. Made 4 shelves and only spent £30 on a sheet of MDF and managed to salvage some thick bed slats from an old bed for batons.
managed to build set of 3 alcove shelves watching this video. I'm really pleased with how they look. thanks for the video
Excellent video. I'm thinking about building shelves in an alcove and this video has reassured me that I don't need to pay someone to do it for me. Love the speeding up and the sound effects too. Both instructional AND entertaining.
A no nonsense great video. Built some lovely shelves off the back of watching this.
Cheers buddy! 👍
Exellent Video. What size screws and rawplugs did you use for attaching the wooden baton to the wall please ?
Hello! Massive thank you for this video and thanks for the one on how to template the shelves aswell. Will be doing this using 12mm and 6mm ply with 18mm ply strips cut to 20mm for the battens as it's what I've got. A faultless job and video. Very lean indeed. Exactly what I needed
Looks great!
Don’t suppose you have a sort of guide/instructions to completing this?
This is a great idea over the other versions of floating shelves. Thanks for an in depth video. 5:28
Hi is this a load bearing wall or hollow wall? How much weight can the shelves hold?
We always give it a prime before caulking in the decorating trade so you get good adhesion to the timber. In time the caulk will peel and come away from unprimed wood/mdf.
Prime what? If you prime before caulk, you are adding a layer between the wood and the caulk which will in time make it even more likely to peel and come away.
@@ts7844 wrong.
@@ts7844 that’s not how priming works
@@ts7844you’re wrong.
Are you able to share how you measured the walls for fit the shelves flush? I didn’t see you scribe. Apologies I’m new to this!
Tremendous job and made me rethink my initial idea. Very useful thanks
Thank you I think I can make one (I hope), I have a very small space at my rent house, I don’t know where to put my things especially those rarely I used, but there are exactly space like you’re working in the video, I think I can make one but wider so that I can put large boxes there.
I made these shelves this weekend using your instructions and it worked perfectly! Thanks
It would be nice if at the start of yr vids you just showed a spread of the tools you're about to use laid out so we can literally just quickly buy any we're missing, line them up in the workspace and follow along picking up each one. It feels stupid to request more out of you tho cos the vid is the best DIY vid I've ever actually seen, loved it cheers.
Yes..and fixings.
This dude gets paid by the nanosecond! 🤣 seriously though, thanks for the video. I’ve just put two shelves up using this as a tutorial. All the best.
Very good video. In my case, we would like to install glass shelves within our alcove which is similar dimensions to the alcove you used. Do you have any recommendations regarding the approach we should take? Thank you.
I wished I could work that fast!
Great video and great channel. Between this, your scribing video and painting MDF video I've just finished 4 fantastic alcove shelves.
Awesome stuff - well done! 👍🛠
Thanks! Great video. I want to build shelves just like this in my closet 50cm deep and 138cm wide. Could I use the same materials and would it hold, say 50kg per shelf? Would it help to add another piece in the middle front to back?
With that attention to detail l would let you work in my house anytime......excellent work mate!!
I’ve just built a set of alcove shelves based on this video! Amazing advice, thank you. They look great. Trying to work out if I can post a photo here hmm. I added a cupboard to the bottom of it 👌
Did you use any instructions on how to add the cupboard?
Fantastic video! I’m curious about how much weight these shelves will hold. I want to build something like this to hold my books and I’m not sure if it will be strong enough.
Hi, did you ever find out how much weight they will hold?
@@alexhall6943 No, I ended up using a different method for a built-in. I don't think this particular shelf in the video would have held all the weight from books. Something similar to this: cdn.homedit.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/DIY-built-in-shelves.jpg
Could you use mdf for the face of the shelves
Hi. How would you go about adding doors to open shelves?
Looks like you used drywall anchors, is that correct? I’m looking to build something similar in an alcove that’s about double that width. Should the supports be anchored directly to the studs?
Hi. Thank you for the video. Excellent for greenhorn like me. Can you tell me what materials you used? Did you get the shelves ready cut off the shelf or did you cut it down?. I want to replicate what you did. My problem is no matter how accurate I think I measure, it is always a few mm off. What am I doing wrong?. By off I mean a tiny bit too small. Any advice would be really helpful. Thank you...👍
Love your dust catcher its genius!
Cheers! Here's a vid of it: th-cam.com/video/hT1JJ3DpeJ0/w-d-xo.html 👍
did you pre drill the support slats? you didnt show that
Beautiful job. Thank you for showing us how it’s done…..properly. 👍😃
Hey, this is a great video, thank you! I'm going to attempt to make some this week, but wondered what wall plugs you used for this? They don't look like the red fischers... Thanks!
11 months on, and still waiting for a reply.
How strong are these shelves strong enough to be filled with books?
What fixing would you use to attach the timber bracing to plasterboard?
I loved the finishing. So neat.
Can you explain why so many screws are used on each
Part/section ?
Hello are the battens you’re using 20mm x 20mm? Thanks!
Hi Gosforth, can you share which cable detector you used checking the wall with? I don’t know which one to get
Cheers for this, exactly what I wanted to do but wasn’t entirely sure how.
I’ve just made a start and attached the frame, it’s an outside wall (lates 80’s build semi) and I figured it would be brick but my masonry bit went through like butter. Do you know what it’s likely to be? I’ve used those those Duopower plugs and 5x60 screws.. do you think that will suffice?
This video is soooo good. Quick question - How did you get the width of the front piece of wood to match the width of the frame?
Great video! This has helped me a lot so thank you very much!
Just a quick question though, if I’m using hardwood ply instead of mdf for the top and bottoms, what timber should I use for the front facing piece? This is in relation to getting a nice consistent colour from staining the wood.
Please and thank you. 🙏
Cut a piece of the ply and use that for the face piece?
@@elobiretv
Thanks for the response, I actually did this in the end. I had to buy strips of birch wood “tape” and iron them onto the edges of the front facing pieces so the layers of ply weren’t visible. After staining they turned out pretty good although if I were to do it again I would use a different wood than ply - only reason I used it to begin with was because they were 1.4m length so ply was better for load bearing across bigger spans than soft woods
very clean and precise
Sorry if this is a silly question, I couldn't tell. Are you drilling into the studs, or trying to avoid them? Thanks
Hi, good tips in there, thanks.
What are the little metal brackets you attached to the front batten, and where can I find them?
Cheers Cain - I just use these, they're not structural and just hold the wood in place while the glue dries: www.screwfix.com/p/angle-braces-self-colour-19-x-19-x-1-2mm-50-pack/67412
this guy works so quick!😀
This video is incredibly helpful, thank you. Do you think I could do this one alcoves that are 2m wide?
The longest I've done without additional internal bracing is 1.8m. 2m is pushing it but depends what you're putting on them. 👍
@@GosforthHandyman OK, what internal bracing would suggest?
Great video, really helping with the project. The alcoves i am building them for have a concrete wall along the back and only plaster board left and right, so no wood studs to screw into. obviously i am plugging the walls, will that be a problem for a heavy load?? I'm using 34mm x 44mm timber with 5mm x 60mm screws.
It'll *probably* be fine with decent fixings but I'd suggest also gluing the side bracings if you want to play safe. 👍
Thanks. Using RAWL UNO plugs, brown ones. All sides have been glued with NMN. My first project in the new house, just need the reassurance. Thanks again.
If it's glued it should be absolutely fine - for future reference, for anything heavy in plasterboard use expanding metal fittings with a setting tool - if you search for my projector install vid you'll see they type I mean. 👍
How much weight can this method support?
Great video, really interesting to see how you frame it. What thickness size timber and mdf did you use. It was a great idea to use the lath at the front. Painting mdf end grain can be a real issue.
Worth watching just for the hilarious speeded up sound effects! Perfect shelves tho!
These are beautiful, excellent video👍🏼
Really enjoyed your video thinking of having a go myself just need to learn how to use a measuring tape. Everything else I can do great vid
Ha ha - here you go, how to use a tape measure properly! th-cam.com/video/Bbmr5Uf9fF8/w-d-xo.html 👍
Ohh. My. Goodness! I need this. Shelves = storage. Storage not on the floor = space saver and happy momma 😄♥️🙏🏼 1:25
How much does it cost to hire a handyman to do this? I have found on EBay where to buy the hardwood shelves cut to size so I assume that would be separate cost. I am trying to figure out if this is something I could do myself or if it’s worth hiring someone.
The Heath Robinson dust collector is a great little addition to your tool armoury...😉
Hi what timber did you use
Thorough clean job.
These are the jobs which can be a bit tricky to price
What did you price for that
Nice one. About to copy this exactly 😅
Ha cool - wow, this is an old vid!! 😂👍
I have never seen such beautiful work, how can anyone vote against this.......I would give my right arm to have these built in my house.....well, that doesn't make much sense.
thank you
Thank you Helene!
Nice video, how much did you charge them?
Are they strong
How much weight would these shelves hold?
What kind of load would you expect these to be able to handle?
Really great video. Taking on almost the exact same project. Can I just ask, the height of the bracing is obviously 20mm to make up the 44mm total but what is the width? Can only find in a 15mm width and wondering if this is too thin, will be putting heavy books and vinyl records on shelves. This video has helped so much. Thanks again.
Sorry, seen previous comments and question answered. Thanks again.
Brilliant video. I'm attempting to tackle 8 of these, 4 either side of my chimney. Can I ask, I'm finding it hard to source 20x20 timber for the skeleton, do you think 34x34 will be fine? And also do you think an MDF facia will be fine as opposed to the timber one you use? Thanks
Cheers! I rip my own 18x20 strips from 18x94 planks (or whatever). MDF fascia will work but you'll have MDF edge grain to deal with on the top and bottom. Plus timber is a bit stronger so adds to the support of the shelf.
Brilliant video, just wanted to know what wood you used on the front of the shelves and how thick it was. I'm Gonna give it a go
Looks like pine, you can get it in all shapes. The thickness is up to you depending on how you want your shelves to look. The top and bottom is MDF by the looks of it.
Great video Andy, massive fan of your channel. One question though - why did you use timber for your front trim fascia strip, rather than say MDF to give a smoother finish? Wouldn't the timber frame provide sufficient support to prevent sagging?
I think the timber provides additional strength to the shelving in n order to prevent sagging
How to make a door or cover for this shelf?
This looks great and easy. My question will this work for a space that is 54 inches long or will there be sagging?
whats the distance between the shelves and up from the cabinet below?
Especially liked the end supports cut on the 45. I am using 15” W material for the shelf so added support is good!@
Just come across this video. Very informative, thankyou!
I’d be interested to know how much kid these can take as the initial bits of wood to support them seem quite thin.
Easily 50kg per shelf. 👍
hi did you buy the front 44mm strip pre cut or cut to size? thanks
Great video and neat work. I take it you used MDF for top and bottom panels? Just a suggestion, could the plant on front be 18mm MDF with a double Bull nose to give a softer edge?
Yeah totally - the pine is just a bit stiffer than MDF though so just helps overall to stop sagging, but you could certainly bullnose it prior to fitting. 👍👊
Nice and simple thank you thank you.
Solid vid, cheers for taking the time to post this. That's my weekend sorted!
Cheers bud!
I have a space in the bathroom which I want to put shelves in. It is 55cm wide by 79cm deep.
We will be using them to store boxes/towels and the load is going to be fairly large. I don't want to end up with super thick shelves but at the same time I don't want them to give way/sag.
What wood for the floating element and top/bottom would you recommend and in what thickness?
I can't really comment on individual jobs but the floating shelves I make are 44mm thick. 👍
Thank you for your reply. Could you please confirm where you source your '20mm timber bracing' and what it is actually called?
I rip my own!
Now I understand why I cannot find anything with those dimensions. What is the original lumber you obtain to do this?
I am wanting to add a door to exactly what you have just created so it looks a little less cluttered. Would this work?
You would need to add some sides to support the door hinges, other than that you're good to go! 👍
Super video, easy to follow and very well done, thank you.
Keith, I'm interested in putting up shelves in an alcove to hold some heavy books. How would I know if the shelves are strong enough. Heavier the weight, is it better to use more screws or longer screws or even thicker batons?
You can increase framework timber size and add additional webbing timber make a strong framework fixed in with plenty wall anchors
@@1petrofski
Excellent, thank you for the advice. Much appreciated.
Awesome video!
Please I need your advice.
I'm planning to have this kind of work on my alcove
24" x 55"
I will use 1/2" MDF on the top, 1/4" MDF on the bottom, 3/4 wooden braces = 1.5" thick total.
Do you think I'm good with these? Thank you very much in advance.
It's a little thin for the span IMO - you could try ply on top instead of MDF, it's less inclined to sag (but can be problematic to paint). Make sure you clamp and glue everything - especially the front edge.
Thank you very much!!!
Thorough to the core !!!
What's the best thing to do comestically with shallow alcoves. My alcoves are probably no deep than a Blu Ray cover.
Strong Edward Norton vibes in this one
Brilliant Video
I wonder is this the same method used in the prewar 1930's buildings kitchen cabinets that's how the wood planks and windowed doors look to me. Also they were done with a particular wood that is not used any more.
Thanks for the video Andy. Very useful. What are the brackets you used to screw the front batten on?
Did you ever find out??
Could this method be used for an alcove with a width of 1.7m?
what sort of weight would these be able to support, in an alcove 1m wide and about 20" deep
Easily 30kg if they're made properly - probably a lot more to be honest. Will try to do a proper load testing vid at some point! :-)
Gosforth Handyman oh that's great then, thanks for the reply
Hi, I'm hoping to do this but my cove is 2m wide and 30cm deep. Will it still hold the weight or should I use another method? Hoping to fill it with books so quite heavy...
I did mine at 1.6m wide and 25cm deep it’s ok
Nice, but how do you cut the shelves to fit wonky walls?
th-cam.com/video/OVrOk5Ly_eI/w-d-xo.html
+Gosforth Handyman What size screws were you using? Also what is the bit called that drills the screw hole but also leaves a counter sink hole too? Cheers
Into the wall? Probably 10ga 3" screws (length tends to vary depending on what the wall is made of). Drill bit - I just know it as a countersink pilot bit... technically it's a clearance hole, not a pilot hole though (you can get bits that do countersink, clearance and pilot in one go).
Ok Thanks a lot.. Also I've been putting a materials list together for mine and cant find 20mm timber bracing anywhere - Tried B&Q, Wickes etc..? Thanks for vid.
I rip my own! You can go for smaller or bigger but then you'll not be able to use a standard 44mm trim on the front so swings & roundabouts m'fraid! :-)
I thought that may be the case.. I'm limited with tools though so may have to use my friends work shop for a few hours! Cheers.
Great video that has a bespoke cabinet maker 34 years carpenters use screws and when field will move and show the filler surely opinion gun is a tiny little hole that will not be shown as much as screws
Beautiful work
how much you charge for them 2 and is that strong enough for heavy books
Do you stain before or after the shelf is in?
These would be painted after. If you're staining I wouldn't use this method as you'd see all the filler holes etc. 👍
@@GosforthHandyman Thanks! great work btw.
Good, but I wonder if it would be even better to screw into the top layer from the frame.
Fantastic video. My alcove walls arent level, can I still use the method in your video.
Cheers! Yup, scribe the shelves to the shape of the wall.
you did a great job. thanks for posting.
Really helpful video - thank you for putting this up. I have one question and would be grateful if you could help me - what was the substance you applied around the edges near the end - sealant or wood filler or something else? Cheers, Oliver
Hi Oliver - just caulk.
Decorators Caulk.