Home Organization 101: Floating-Box Shelf
-
A see-through bookcase is an elegant way of dividing space.
Posted by ReadyMade
by Anand Gowda; Photos by Garry McLeod
If you’re a home owner, or if you have a more forgiving landlord than we do, perhaps it’s time to consider a floor-to-ceiling shelving unit. Nothing divides a space more spectacularly. This marvel of modern simplicity is the perfect display case for everything from your prized first editions to your first snow globe. And it’s simple enough to put together—provided you’ve got the right tools (or at least a friend who does).
Skill Level
Hard
Active Time
One day
Cost
$$$
- 4' x 8' sheet of wood (we used plyboo; a renewable alternative to ply)
- Biscuits
- Wood glue
- 1 5/16" collars with set screw (We used 15 for this project)
- 1 1/4" diameter aluminum tubing (length determined by ceiling height)
- 8 1/2" floor flanges
- Box of 2" screws
- Water-based polyurethane
- Screw anchors (optional)
Materials
- Measuring tape
- Paper and pencil
- Table saw
- Biscuit jointer
- Clamps
- Drill press
- 1 5/16" forstner bith
- 180-grit sandpaper
- Paintbrush
- Ladder
- Power drill
- Level
Tools
Measure the space where you want to install the room divider.
Decide what size and shape boxes you want, and calculate the dimensions of the sides, top, and bottom of each one. Make a sketch of the parts so you can maximize the sheet of wood that you'll be cutting them from.
Using the table saw, cut the pieces. Labeling each piece will make assembling the boxes much easier (e.g., "Box 1: top").
Dry-fit each box with the top and bottom abutting the sides.
Mark each piece for biscuits every 3" to 4". The tops and bottoms should be slotted on the end grain, while the sides should be slotted on the inside face. Cut slots using the biscuit jointer.
Assemble the boxes using the wood glue and biscuits. Clamp and let dry overnight.
Unclamp boxes. On the tops and bottoms of each box, carefully measure and mark where you want the aluminum poles to pass through. Spacing between poles should be 18"or less to ensure adequate support when assembled. Double-check to make sure the spacing is the same on every box, as each pole must go through all the boxes.
Using a 1 5/16" forstner bit in the drill press, make holes in the tops and bottoms of the boxes for the aluminum poles.
Sand boxes and apply polyurethane in a well-ventilated area. Let dry overnight.
Move all pieces into the room where the divider is to be installed. Set boxes on their edges so that the holes align. Starting with the bottom, place collars at the underside of each box as you slide the poles through the holes. Attach flanges to the tops and bottoms of each pole.
Enlist a friend to help move the whole assembly into the desired location in room and lift it into place. Attach top flanges to ceiling using 2" screws. If you don't hit framing with the screws, use anchors.
Move the top box to the desired height. Use a level to make sure its horizontal, then slide collars flush against the bottom of the box and tighten with set screw. Repeat for remaining boxes.
Secure the bottom flanges to the floor using 2" screws.
Drive yourself nuts trying to decide which way your tchotchkes should face.
