How to Build a Floating Mantel (DIY Floating Mantel / Shelf Built from Scratch)

Grab my FREE Floating Mantel Plans ⬇️
atimprovements.com/diy-floati...
(Plans are linked at the end of the article 👍)
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Learn how to build a floating mantel (or shelf) with this DIY, step-by-step guide. I built this floating mantel to help fill the empty space under my TV and I think it definitely helps with the aesthetics of the room.
To build this floating Mantel, you will need the following tools and materials (some of these are optional for sure):
- Two 2"x10"x6' Pieces of Lumber: go.magik.ly/ml/205c1/
- One 2"x6"x8' Piece of Lumber: go.magik.ly/ml/1zng0/
- Circular Saw: amzn.to/3uj6CBS
- Wood Glue: amzn.to/4bCcG9x
- Wood Filler: amzn.to/4bkAXR3
- Painter's Tape: amzn.to/3UtegV0
- 6' Level: amzn.to/3Ul5PuO
- Laser Level (optional): amzn.to/3StgPUt
- Brad Nailer: amzn.to/3SrVaM5
- Sander + 120 grit sandpaper: amzn.to/3HHrbuV
- Stain: amzn.to/49me3XS
- Dust Mask: amzn.to/3uD1RmN
To build this floating mantel / shelf, start by cutting all of the individual pieces of lumber to size based on the type of mantel you are building. Next, cut 45 degree miters on the top, bottom, front, and sides of the mantel as required.
To build the mounting bracket, use a piece of 2"x4" lumber and cut small pieces of blocking that will attach to the longer mounting rail. Attach the pieces of blocking to the mounting rail using two screws per connection.
To assemble the floating mantel / shelf, lay out the front, top, and bottom and attach them together with painter's tape. Apply wood glue to the mitered edges and then fold the top, front, and bottom together using the painter's tape to keep everything together. Ensure that the top and bottom are at a 90 degree angle and then use some more painter's tape to hold them in place.
Next, attach the sides of the floating mantel using wood glue and painter's tape.
Once you are happy with how all of the edges are lining up, use a brad nailer to nail all five pieces of the floating mantle together. Allow the glue to cure overnight.
The next day, apply wood filler to any of the mitered edges that need to be touched up. Allow the wood filler to dry and then sand the entire floating mantel / shelf using 120 grit sandpaper.
Finally, stain the mantel / shelf to the color of your choosing.
To hand the mantle, first attach the mounting bracing to the wall by screwing it into the studs. Ensure that the mounting bracket is perfectly level before screwing it to the walls.
Next, slide the mantle onto the mounting bracket and secure it in place using a few brad nails.
Your DIY floating mantel / vanity project is now complete!
Be sure to subscribe and hit the notification bell so you don't miss any future videos! I have some big plans for the font of the house that I hope will boost the curb appeal!
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🛠🧰 TOOLS THAT I USE
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Tapcon Screws: amzn.to/3OxEWxh
Drill: amzn.to/3JICKkk
Tape Measure: amzn.to/3HaTWgE
Circular Saw: amzn.to/3BFotC4
Masonry Drill: amzn.to/36yP1JW
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Thank you so much for watching!
*All content on the Andrew Thron Improvements KZbin channel reflects my own opinions. Please seek out guidance of professionally trained and licensed individuals before making any decisions. Links in the description may be affiliate links.

[@williamhunt8268]

I've been watching KZbin videos looking for the best way to build a mantel/floating shelf. I had an idea in mind and didn't want just ends of wood butted up to each other. I wanted something with nice, mitered ends. When I saw your build, it was a no brainer no long-drawn-out explanation, straight forward, and a nice build. Thanks for the PDF and the work you've done.

[@GardenreetLighting]

The final result looked absolutely stunning! 😍Your floating mantel added such a stylish and modern touch to the space, and it's clear you put a lot of care and attention into every detail.

[@BASECAMPMASK]

This floating shelf is really awesome, simple yet practical! 👍Thank you, Andrew, for your love and support for our BASE CAMP masks! Our brand has been dedicated to the safety equipment industry since 2005, focusing on delivering high-quality products and services. Good luck to all the entries. ✌✌

[@AndrewThronImprovements]

Thanks again for hooking us up 🙏👍

[@christopherj0406]

I love how slick and solid this ended up looking! And I could definitely use a mask like this for my NON-STOP DIYs on my 1973 fixer-upper 😂

[@AndrewThronImprovements]

WINNER! I'm sure you will get a bunch of use out of it - send me your contact info (via Instagram DM or email) and I will get a mask shipped out to you!

[@christopherj0406]

@@AndrewThronImprovements Awesomeeee! I just messaged you over on IG

[@d_k_C_A]

Yall notice how he has over 230k subscribers and yet responds to comments? Says what type of guy/KZbin creater he is. Good job on all your projects. Gives normal folks the ability to tackle diy jobs!

[@AndrewThronImprovements]

I appreciate the support! Seriously - thank you!

[@kristinawikoff-edstrom1408]

Wow this is great!! I'm inspired! Thanks for your time and effort into making the videos so we can all benefit and learn too from what you're learning! And a PDF!! You rock, thank you!

[@briancuglewski7218]

Thanks for showing each cut. It’s extremely helpful for us to understand the full process. Appreciate the thoroughness!

[@AndrewThronImprovements]

Glad it was helpful and thanks for watching!

[@joshuamorales1796]

Love these videos! I just bought a house this month and I’m finishing a fence this week. And once the weather warms up just enough I have to fix up the deck out back, so that mask will be helpful with all the wood work I’m going to be doing 😮‍💨

[@AndrewThronImprovements]

WINNER! That's a big project - send me your contact info (via Instagram DM or email) and I will get a mask shipped out to you!

[@joshuamorales1796]

@@AndrewThronImprovements awesome! I just sent you a DM on Instagram!!

[@michaeldickelson]

This is wonderful. Thanks for all your projects. The mask would definitely help with my new home theater project in the basement and a total kitchen demo.

[@AndrewThronImprovements]

I got you! Shoot me a DM on Instagram and I’ll get it sent over 👍

[@AndrewThronImprovements]

I don't think I received anything from you! Send me your contact info (via Instagram DM or email) and I will get a mask shipped out to you!

[@ourmidwestlife]

Perfect Timing! My mother in law had been working on a remodel and I am going to install a Floating mantle for her. Your plan is much more efficient looking than I was planning! Thank You!!! 🙏🏼 🎉

[@AndrewThronImprovements]

Glad it was helpful and I hope the project turns out great!

[@bbqguy777]

Love this channel, and thanks for all your tips and tricks! Right now I’m working on finishing a closet and living room in my basement, then I start on the basement bath. Yes, I’ve watched your basement bath vids several times now to get the big picture!

[@user-hm2pv2pq3k]

I am helping to build my first house. A mask would be very helpful for all this concrete dust I’ve been breathing in. Your fence post video is what got me to your channel. Thanks for your consideration.

[@DatSure]

I'm inspired by your basement video and after I finish a new pantry in my kitchen I'm going to do that. I'd love a mask to help me with that project. Thanks!

[@nathantucker1808]

I'm preparing to replace the mantle in my living room. This is such a great project. Thanks for the ideas!

[@AndrewThronImprovements]

Glad it was helpful and good luck with your project!

[@JudyJacobs-bu4rx]

Good job! The instructions were easy to understand and I appreciate how you used simple tools and materials.

[@AndrewThronImprovements]

Glad it was helpful and thanks for watching!

[@MelissaTaylor-yg7ng]

I've been eyeing floating mantels for ages, but the price tags always put me off. But this video not only saved me money but also empowered me to create something unique for my home.

[@huffa8562]

This feels like something I can do!

[@DrapersDoingRenos]

LOVE a good flooring shelf...and your mad SketchUp skills!

[@AndrewThronImprovements]

I appreciate it!!

[@TheHillbillygeek]

Thanks for the video. I'll be doing a complete demo on an apartment down to the studs and i think the mask would be helpful with drywall dust and all the other things that come from the demo of an old building

[@AndrewThronImprovements]

Got you Mark! Shoot me a DM on Instagram 👍

[@debrascott8775]

I juat watched your video on mounting cabinets on concrete, at the end you were hoping to get to 100 subs. You've come a long way!

[@AndrewThronImprovements]

The good old days haha. Appreciate the support!!

[@amybanmen873]

This is a great project, love that you did the PDF! I'm going to have to order a stud buddy. Those reusable masks look awesome, would be perfect for my basement renovation.

[@bradylawton9812]

Going to start framing my basement, would love to give the mask a try

[@user-mc5fv2zk6u]

Finally got it. Thanks!

[@patricksmith3135]

Long time no see Andrew. Great to see you in action again. I love the shelf; love the neat portable, come-apart-able yard saw base; and love the gold Lab, a perfect addition to your bachelor pad. I also like the masks and I will take note of it, though this old man 'contracts out' his projects to his children 😂 😂. You do beautiful work and explain everything perfectly too. Thank you.

[@AndrewThronImprovements]

Hey Patrick! Good to see you back 👍 Child outsourcing is definitely something I am looking forward to in the future haha Cheers!

[@mikesimmons7539]

I am starting to remodel my shop , down to bare studs' . So new batt & blow in insulation , wall and ceiling coverings ( using 1/2' plywood ) .O yeah new wiring for a mini-split . That's the plan , I'm ready for the wiring now already have wall insulation and plywood .

[@maxd5007]

I am going to be doing a couple of projects, ripping out tiles and old carpet to install vinyl planks, making a custom bookshelf for my wife, floating deck out the back, and a deck out the front.

[@AndrewThronImprovements]

WINNER! Those are some potentially dusty projectsv- send me your contact info (via Instagram DM or email) and I will get a mask shipped out to you!

[@ISpeakHTML]

Im buying my first home and rehabbing the whole place myself, even the roof! Your videos are a ton of help and inspiring! I could def use one of those masks! Thanks for the info :D

[@brianrasa4719]

Awesome Job

[@AndrewThronImprovements]

Thanks Brian!

[@nichcel8]

I would love to have this mask to use for fixing things in the house. TY

[@mikez123]

It looks great and very easy to do. I would love to try a new mask for my outdoor projects.

[@andrewwarfield8085]

Looks good! Especially with only having used a circular saw. A quality mask would be nice when I remove all the old insulation to re-insulate my house.

[@AndrewThronImprovements]

WINNER! Insulation definitely deserves a mask - send me your contact info (via Instagram DM or email) and I will get a mask shipped out to you!

[@andrewwarfield8085]

Received the mask, it's a really nice one. Thanks

[@stephenmartinez583]

Thank you! Perfect timing I’m going to use this idea!

[@AndrewThronImprovements]

Glad the timing worked out and good luck with your project!!

[@tonysmith8779]

Really nice build bud

[@Nelson73558]

Thanks, Man! Really want one of these masks for sanding I use nothing and know I really should!

[@Ben-kt5oz]

This is a very cool project, I think one of these masks would be very useful for my next big project, which involves building a fence and staining it

[@pkilla2857]

Looks great! I want to try this in our commode for a smaller version to hold some succulents.

[@pkilla2857]

lol just saw the hexagons in the background too maybe those would be an easier first project

[@AndrewThronImprovements]

Haha I think either one would be a great addition to you bathroom! Thanks for watching!

[@pkilla2857]

@@AndrewThronImprovements for sure either sound fun to try 👍🏽

[@ChristopherCampNYC]

I'm building an oddly shaped floating mantel that needs to support a soundbar. That Base Camp Dusk Mask would be great for me.

[@danusdragonfly6640]

The timing of this video is *perfect* so thank you! I need to make a mantle quite like this to replace our old one. It is good to see how you are making the miter cuts. Great job as always!

[@AndrewThronImprovements]

Good luck with your project! And I definitely recommend a table saw instead of a circular saw (if you have one)!

[@Jaredxstp]

This looks nice. Gonna build one for my basement fireplace after I’m done with shiplap

[@ppomm]

Andrew I will loan you my table saw to make this 10x easier! but looks great .. also your Sketchup skills are impressive!

[@AndrewThronImprovements]

Haha is appreciate it! I need one so badly

[@DirtyDermz]

Nice job dude, my boss made about 5 of these but much smaller for a client a few years back. Looked really cool as a simple pattern of floating shelves. Speaking of which, did you make the honeycomb shelves behind you in the scenes where you’re in your office/room? They seem simple enough, but I’d love a video on how to make those

[@AndrewThronImprovements]

Hi! I did make those and I have a video on my channel showing the process!

[@LanaFauxFauna]

Omg finally! I’ve been waiting for a new video! 🎉

[@AndrewThronImprovements]

I appreciate you watching, Lana! Thanks for the Support!

[@shereemorgan1430]

I am going to rehab a table I got. It's old, but solid wood, sanding, make any repairs.

[@ArnoldCutsLawns]

Yessir killing it

[@elemeno0pee]

Love this floating shelf design. Looks like a great project for me to practice with my new table saw. Also, would those masks be useful for dirt/sand that's kicked up while mowing a lawn?? I'm always mowing through a literal sand cloud and I know that can't be safe. Even if not, my wife loves playing with the scroll saw and could definitely use some lung protection!

[@ColinEu]

Another nice one..

[@AndrewThronImprovements]

Appreciate it, Colin!

[@ColinEu]

@@AndrewThronImprovementsNo sweat man..your videos are good, you deserve it..

[@timmytot666]

Gonna be making a new lean to in a few weeks when it warms up

[@fmperfect313]

That turned out pretty nice... I was hoping to see the barn door it matched lol... Question... Those octagon shelves behind you... Did you build those also? If so or even if not, that would be a neat simple project I'd like to see... Keep up the beautiful practical work! I for one love saving money d.i.y.

[@geurinp8034]

I need one of those masks for mixing concrete

[@AndrewThronImprovements]

WINNER! I have done enough concrete to know that it's a messy job indeed - send me your contact info (via Instagram DM or email) and I will get a mask shipped out to you!

[@johnstup4479]

That turned out great! A table saw would definitely made it easier.

[@AndrewThronImprovements]

Appreciate it, John! And I definitely agree 😅

[@andrewsexton5051]

Nice work. Subbed. What’s the design software you use? I’m looking for something like that

[@AndrewThronImprovements]

Appreciate it, Andrew! It’s the FREE Version of Sketchup.

[@ashleygedman6193]

i need the masks for driy wall sanding

[@stanleyn-pq2sf]

Looks amazing! Can you please confirm that you used a 2x10 and 2x6? The video looks more like 1x10 and 1x6

[@cas01]

Just my guess, actual dimensions might be 1.5x10 and 1.5x6.

[@kittychops09]

What kind of program do you use for designing everything? Im looking into whole home & landscaping programs, they seem to range in subscription 100+ year.

[@kristinawikoff-edstrom1408]

He mentioned SketchUp- it's free! (Well if you want a fancy version there's a cost but the free version is pretty awesome!)

[@jamesandrew4859]

Was wondering what method you use to locate studs. I have always found those battery-powered stud locators to be very unreliable!

[@AndrewThronImprovements]

Honestly, this low key tool called the "Stud Buddy" (Basically a big magnet that identifies the drywall screws) is my favorite method for finding studs. amzn.to/49DXDtV

[@elemeno0pee]

​@@AndrewThronImprovements just bought one through your link 👍 way more convenient than my battery operated Ryobi one. Thanks!

[@joshbartoszuk9563]

I am building cabinets for a friend. Never built cabinets but 🤷‍♂️

[@user-mc5fv2zk6u]

I was never able to download the PDF

[@AndrewThronImprovements]

Should be emailed to you! Check spam folder maybe?

[@mysterymystery1999]

I followed your design and 45'ed my arm off, but its okay at least the mantel came out nice .

[@AndrewThronImprovements]

It's a good story for anytime anyone compliments the mantle lol

[@hippo-potamus]

The TV being off center would bug me.

[@AndrewThronImprovements]

Off center with the wall / window? Or the mantel? The mantel should be center we below the TV 👍

[@hippo-potamus]

@@AndrewThronImprovements To the tv looked off center in the video, maybe was just the shot angle. Came out nice.

[@1EZtv]

To clarify… it’s 1x10 and 1x6, right? You said 2x and I bought the wrong stuff…

[@SheldonSutherland-zz3vc]

tiny house build

[@tbarg86]

Built in bench

[@mrbells8998]

He is so handsome. Sorry but I just had to say it.

[@HawkEye3188]

Remodeling my Basement, Also wanna build this floating shelf as well..🫡

[@AndrewThronImprovements]

WINNER! Basement Remodels can be brutal - send me your contact info (via Instagram DM or email) and I will get a mask shipped out to you!

[@HawkEye3188]

@@AndrewThronImprovements email sent brother, thanks again E.H 🫡