Wondering where to start with alcove shelving? We’ve got the ultimate guide on everything you need to know about building alcove shelving, thanks to Shelfbar Floating Shelves that have shared DIY tips to create the perfect shelving solution.
Read on to learn everything you need to know about alcove shelving.Â
What tools do you need to build floating alcove shelving?
If making the shelves yourself from scratch you will need the following tools:
- Work Bench
- Saw / JigSaw
- Fixing means /wall plugs to suit wall surface /concealed bracket supports to suit wall surface
- Tape Measure / Pencil
- Spirit level
- Electric drill and drill bit(s) to suit wall surface
- Screwdriver
- Additional tools depending on construction method
- Finishing /Painting : flexible filler /decorators caulk : masking tape : paint supplies
If installing Shelfbar floating Alcove shelves
- Tape Measure / Pencil
- Spirit level
- Electric drill (shelfbar includes drill bit(s) to suit wall surface)
- Crosshead Screwdriver
- Adjustable (or 10mm) spanner
- Rubber Mallet (alternatively hammer with a scrap piece of wood)Â Â Â Â Â
- Finishing /Painting: flexible filler /decorators caulk: masking tape: paint supplies
What materials are used for alcove shelving?
If making the shelves yourself from scratch and using a hollow construction method (to conceal means of support within the shelf) you can use:
- Timber baton supports
- Thinner timber/veneer/MDF facing sheets for cutting to size
Shelfbar supplies floating alcove shelves in solid premium grade MDF, ready for installation and painting. All painting is after installation, to achieve the best fully fitted finish in whatever colour blend is required. We can also supply 27mm thick solid natural oak, for sealing after installation.
How thick should alcove shelves be?
If making yourself from scratch, thickness will vary depending on construction and support method. For example, hollow core construction tends to result in increased thickness shelves. But a word of caution – thicker shelves do not necessarily mean stronger shelves! It is the fixing system combined with the type of material which will determine the shelf strength.  Â
Shelfbar supplies solid floating alcove shelves, with no visible brackets/supports, in solid 22mm and solid 30mm MDF (and also 27mm thickness natural oak if preferred.) All these thicknesses, when combined with shelfbar fixing system, will achieve super strong floating alcove shelves, easily able to carry fully loaded books and more.
How to make alcove shelving?
Shelfbar supplies floating alcove shelves ready for immediate installation and painting and are suitable for DIY or PRO installation.
When delivered they are already cut to the best size to fit the unique dimensions & angles of your alcove and are supplied with all fixings to suit a range of wall surfaces including solid, plasterboard onto the wooden stud, plasterboard onto dot&dab, and fully illustrated step by step (user view approved) Installation Instructions. For a quick summary installation video, please click here.
For information on bespoke alcoves and floating shelving visit Shelfbar Floating Shelves.