NotchLoading plan…
Loading plan…
Use your browser's Print (Ctrl/Cmd + P) and choose Save as PDF. This page works offline once you've opened it with a signal.
A hollow 1x3 shelf frame skinned in 1/4" plywood so no seams or fasteners show — a clean, modern floating shelf that hides its cleat.
| Part | Qty | T × W × L | Material | ✓ |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Frame long rails | 2 | 3/4" × 2 1/2" × 48" | 1x3 | ☐ |
| Frame ribs | 5 | 3/4" × 2 1/2" × 6 1/2" | 1x3 | ☐ |
| Bottom/top skin Cut to fit. | 2 | 1/4" × 8" × 48" | 1/4" plywood | ☐ |
| Front skin strip Cut to fit. | 1 | 1/4" × 3" × 48" | 1/4" plywood | ☐ |
| Side skin pieces Cut to fit. | 2 | 1/4" × 3" × 8 1/4" | 1/4" plywood | ☐ |
| Item | Qty | ✓ |
|---|---|---|
| Project panel, 1/4", 24" x 48" The skin. MDF also works. | 1 each | ☐ |
| 1x3, 8 ft (Pine) Frame and internal ribs. | 2 each | ☐ |
| Wood screws, 2-1/2"+ (for hanging) | 6 each | ☐ |
| Brad nails, 3/4" and 1" | 40 each | ☐ |
| Wood glue | 3 oz | ☐ |
Overall cost: $. Lumber varies by region, species, and season, so we give a band rather than a figure.
Tools: Brad Nailer, Pocket Hole Jig. Materials: 1x3, 8 ft, Wood glue
Build the basic 1x3 frame for the shelf — two long rails with the short ribs spaced along the length. The ribs stiffen the shelf and give the plywood skin something to fasten to. This frame is the structure, so make it solid; it's what gets screwed to the wall.
Tools: Brad Nailer. Materials: Project panel, 1/4", 24" x 48", Brad nails, 3/4" and 1", Wood glue
Attach the 1/4" plywood (or MDF) to the bottom of the frame with 3/4" brad nails and glue — 1" nails work too. Keep it aligned to the frame edges.
Tools: Brad Nailer. Materials: Project panel, 1/4", 24" x 48", Brad nails, 3/4" and 1", Wood glue
Cut the plywood front strip to fit and attach it across the front of the shelf with 3/4" nails and glue, covering the frame edge.
Tools: Brad Nailer. Materials: Project panel, 1/4", 24" x 48", Brad nails, 3/4" and 1", Wood glue
Cut and attach the side plywood pieces, then the top skin, wrapping the frame completely. Cut each to fit — a hollow frame rarely finishes exactly nominal.
Tools: Drill / Driver, Drill Bit Set, Random Orbit Sander.
Fill the few nail holes, sand, and finish. Screw a cleat to the wall studs and slide the shelf over it, fastening from below or behind so nothing shows on top. Confirm it's level before you set the final screws.