A floating shelf with secret storage space

Making this shelf certainly isn't the simplest DIY, so it can be handy to have the work drawing printed out and on hand while you're working.

The project is made up of two separate parts. Firstly, making the skeleton or frame of the shelf, and then a wooden ‘glove’ or box that slides over it.

You need: Jigsaws, pocket rule, pencil, triangle, 4 x pine beams 20 x 27 x 44 cm

We cut the four beams to our desired size. These form the frame of the shelf. The beams should be 20 cm long. Measure carefully and then cut them to size using a NanoBlade or a jigsaw.

You need: Saws, pocket rule, pencil, safety glasses, ear protectors, 2 x plywood 80 x 29 cm x 18 mm, 9 mm plywood 76 x 26.5 cm, 2 x pine slats 80 cm x 18 mm x 55 mm, 2 x pine slats 27.3 cm

The plywood plank will become the bottom of the hidden storage compartment. We're cutting the plywood to size, so you could skip this if you don't want a hidden storage compartment.

Carefully measure the length and width of the plywood and always wear safety goggles while drilling. These two pieces of plywood will be the upper and lower surface of the shelf. Now measure and saw the sides in advance.

You need: Multi-sander, pocket rule, 16 x chipboard screw torx partial thread 4 x 60, 2 x pine beams 76 x 27 x 44 cm, Wood drill 4 mm

Once the two beams are the right size, they can be fixed to the four shorter beams to create a rectangular structure. Pre-drill the screw holes. We're still working on the frame at this stage.

You need: Multi-sander, 4 x brace corner 50 mm, 16 x chipboard screw torx partial thread 4 x 60

Use seat angles (or brace corners) to connect the pre-cut beams together.

You need: Multi-sander, 16 x chipboard screw torx partial thread 4 x 60

Now that the frame is finished, we can fix the bottom.

You need: Wood glue D2

Don't use too much wood glue between the parts, a small blob is plenty for a few centimetres. Keep checking that the unit fits well around the frame.

You need: punch, hammer, Nails 2 x 4 mm, Filler

Creating holes with a punch helps neatly conceal the nails in the wood. If the wood is a bit uneven or the holes for the nails end up a little big, you can smooth all of this out with filler.

You need: Sanders, paintbrush, Topcoat, Primer

If it fits well, sand down the unit and apply a layer of primer. Now, very lightly sand the whole thing again and apply your topcoat.

All you need to do now is fix the frame to the wall. The type of wall you are fixing your shelf to will determine the type of screws and dowels you need. Now, slide the 'cover' or shelf-exterior over the secret compartment and your floating shelf is complete.