Floating shelves are a stylish and functional way to add storage and display space to your home without breaking the bank. By using affordable materials, you can create these shelves on a budget.
Whether you want to showcase books, photos, or décor items, making your own shelves is a budget-friendly project that requires only basic tools and a bit of DIY spirit.
What You’ll Need:
- Pine or plywood board (available at Builders, Chamberlains, or Leroy Merlin)
- Wood screws and wall plugs
- L-brackets or concealed shelf supports
- Drill and screwdriver
- Spirit level
- Sandpaper or electric sander
- Wood stain or paint (optional)
- Measuring tape and pencil
Step 1: Choose Your Wood
Pine is an excellent budget option and is widely available. Decide on the dimensions of your shelf based on where you want to place it. Standard sizes are 600mm or 900mm wide, with a depth of around 200mm. Most hardware stores will cut the wood to size for you, often for free or a minimal fee.
Read our blog: How Much are Handyman Rates?
Step 2: Sand and Finish
Smooth the edges and surface of the wood using sandpaper (start with 80-grit and finish with 120 or 180-grit). This will prevent splinters and give your shelf a polished look. If you want a natural finish, leave the wood bare or apply a wood stain or paint in your desired colour. The choice is yours, so feel free to get creative with the finish. Use a clear varnish for added durability.
Step 3: Mark and Mount Your Brackets
Use a spirit level to mark a straight line on the wall where you want the shelf. Measure and mark the points where your brackets or supports will go. Ensure the brackets are level and evenly spaced. Drill holes for wall plugs (essential for brick or concrete walls, which are common in SA homes), insert the plugs, then screw the brackets into place.
For an actual “floating” effect, use concealed shelf supports that fit into holes drilled into the back of the shelf. These are available at most hardware stores.
Step 4: Attach the Shelf
Once your brackets or supports are in place, place the shelf on top and secure it with screws if needed (depending on the bracket type). Double-check with the spirit level to ensure the shelf is straight before tightening.
Step 5: Style It Up
Decorate your new shelf with your favourite books, pot plants, ornaments, or framed photos. Floating shelves are also great for storing everyday essentials with a minimalist touch in kitchens and bathrooms.
Read our blog: The Latest in Shelving
Budget Tips:
- Shop smart: Check out local hardware store specials or browse Facebook Marketplace for second-hand wood or tools.
- Go offcuts: Many timber yards sell offcuts for cheap — perfect for smaller shelves.
- Reuse & recycle: Old pallets or leftover wood from other projects can be repurposed into unique shelving.
With a bit of time and creativity, you can build beautiful floating shelves that won’t cost a fortune. Give it a go and add a personalised, practical touch to your space!
Suzette Meyer is the lead author and content creator for Kandua.com, South Africa’s #1 marketplace for home services. She researches and writes the Kandua Advice articles, Cost Guides, and the Kandua Email Newsletter, drawing on the expertise of Kandua’s base of over 40 000 pros across more than 100 services, and the data gathered from the 100 000+ home service projects facilitated through the platform.
Home improvement can be daunting, and it is often difficult to find out if you are paying a fair price for your products and services. Suzette has made it her mission to help homeowners with advice on all aspects of home repair, maintenance and improvement, including how to choose the right handyman and how to make smart upgrades that improve your resale value or save costs.
