How to Make a Floating Shelf...That's Also a Hidden Drawer! | Free Plan

There are a thousand examples of floating shelves out there, but have you seen a floating shelf that is also entirely a hidden drawer? Download the Free plan with beginner and advanced versions of this floating shelf:
⏩ www.outoftheww.com/project-plans
Don't waste your hard-earned money on unnecessary tools. My Free checklist will show you exactly what tools and accessories you need for the beginner to advanced woodworking shop. Download it Free:
⏩ learn.outoftheww.com/woodwork...
Step-by-step details of this project:
⏩ www.outoftheww.com/projects/f...
Tools and accessories I use:
⏩ www.outoftheww.com/tools-i-use
Follow Out of the Woodwork on these channels:
Instagram: / outofthewoodwork_tommy
Facebook: / oothewoodwork
Music:
Soundstripe.com
About this video:
There are a thousand examples of floating shelves out there, but have you seen one that is also entirely a drawer? Download the plan and follow the video to learn how to make this great shelf and hidden drawer for yourself.
The plans and video include a beginner version that uses easily obtainable, budget-friendly tools and simple building techniques. I also include an advanced version that uses miter joints, LEDs, and guides to prevent wracking.

[@OutoftheWoodwork]

Download the Free plan with beginner and advanced versions of this floating shelf: www.outoftheww.com/project-plans

[@vivalarica]

Love the magnet detail!

[@nunyabusiness863]

Nicely done. Thanks for sharing this.

[@markworthington5423]

I was looking for a simple floating shelf plan and hadn't thought of a hidden drawer. Cool. I'm gonna build several. I like the staggered look of these. Thx!

[@OutoftheWoodwork]

Glad it was helpful, Mark

[@fhernando0158]

I've been putting off my new shelves making because traditional ones out there in the Internet were not of my entire satisfaction but this is just perfect. Thanks a lot.

[@fwilliams1210]

OMG. so in love with this! Sending the plans to my personal handyman (Hubby) right now

[@crazycoinserrors115]

Thanks for the ideas and the plans really appreciate them

[@MrIronlynnx]

Excellent presentation. Clear enough for beginners and extras for advanced. Thank you.

[@OutoftheWoodwork]

You're welcome!

[@kip5150]

Gonna have to try this! Good stuff!

[@RobertoDias63]

Thank you for the video and plans! Nice ones!

[@christopherpoxon9508]

Beautiful and brilliant work

[@GabrielDimude]

Wow! Very creative! Thanks for sharing and inspiring us. Keep up the good Woodwork!

[@ishwaranlonewolf8503]

Very detailed and great video...good for starters like me who wants to get into wood work projects

[@F-J.]

I love that idea.

[@christopherfrederick7071]

Great idea, great video. Thanks for sharing!

[@papaelf]

I'm greatful for the free and simple plans and video instructions. Thank you. I will definitely be attempting this on a weekend soon.

[@OutoftheWoodwork]

Thanks Brandon and you're welcome!

[@w.c.6678]

Great video! Thanks for the Insight!

[@nouboukpod]

thank you for the plan I have been looking for a plan for the floating shell for a while now.

[@EzerArthiom]

huge respects for free downloadable plans!

[@JaTurtle515]

Great video! You opened up some ideas for me!

[@Johnbro8]

Thanks for sharing your skills 👍 happy Christmas to you and your family

[@sharon94503]

Oh man...I really need one of these. And the floating shelf too 😉

[@horukaze5016]

love it, realy nicely done

[@joeguilfoyle1922]

That was cool. What a great idea.

[@loveadorepets]

Brilliant!👍👍👍

[@charleshardgrave1003]

this was an amazing video and really helpful great job!

[@Jawsjawsjawsrg]

I'm going to have to build something like this for my self. I will put it on my ever growing list of wood projects that I would like to build, among other things I would like to build.

[@robertbateman3665]

Nice, well-made video. I like the accent lights. I'm not sure about the shelf shell pulling out to expose the hidden compartment, though. Most people put stuff on a shelf which moves the center of gravity further away from the wall. That could become a liability in function. Food for thought.

[@BuildDadBuild]

Dig this project! Nice work. Cheers

[@OutoftheWoodwork]

Thanks!

[@zer1661]

Wow this is what i like.. everything i need and even has options.. SUBSCRIBED..

[@OutoftheWoodwork]

Thanks so much!

[@vandamattvandamatt2785]

I just subscribed after watching half a video, you really show the simplest things that other channels assume viewers already know. Awesome work man 🤙🏼

[@OutoftheWoodwork]

Thank you!

[@welshdave5263]

Totally agree, I watch so many bids when I would have to think about how a part or a measurement is done so things line up, everything is here to make doing this project easy to do.

[@uploadtime1780]

Great work! I had been looking for ideas on a floating, possibly live edge, bookshelf and this popped up. I subscribed.

[@OutoftheWoodwork]

Thanks!

[@shaneball2358]

I enjoyed watching this video. I'm eager for more. :-)

[@sallybryan3754]

Very nice work. 👍👍👍

[@travlinbeerinc6629]

This is brilliant. not just the shelf, which i have been wanting to add below our wall mounted tv on the accent wall, but the great walk through of what your doing and then doing it. Cheers and subscribed.

[@OutoftheWoodwork]

Thanks for the kind words

[@Sven-og2qr]

YT just suggested this video to me. Looks good, I like how you explained the steps and your thougths. Maybe you can use a 3rd slide down the middle to eliminate your problem with the uneven opening/closing problem?

[@claytonjames85]

Great idea. Beautiful work.

[@OutoftheWoodwork]

Thanks!

[@cpta03]

I just found your channel and subscribed. Great content with clear, concise narrative. Looking forward to more of your videos.

[@OutoftheWoodwork]

Very kind, Steven! Glad to have you

[@micstica]

Good job and thanks for the plans, like

[@deeruckussolutions8772]

You are a f@@@ing maestro with wood! Wow! AMAZING WORK

[@bigh6530]

Wonderful dewalt tool commercial, nice work!

[@AlCatrraz]

Very Good SECRET DRAWER....

[@crestonsimpson1370]

I like this build and will be building one this weekend. I will change some of the aspects however to have it pull out like a kitchen drawer. Just the front plate will pull out on the drawer slides and push back with some type of clips to hold it in as you did with the magnets

[@peterk7428]

I think that's a better format, but you have to really get that front square.

[@coopertown7867]

Good stuff, just subscribed. Good ideas, quality work, humble attitude. You got my vote man!👍

[@OutoftheWoodwork]

Very kind of you, Jeremy!

[@ilovewoodworking]

Great job man

[@OutoftheWoodwork]

Thanks!

[@BigBallerBoomBeach]

This guy is legit. Why does he not have more subs?...

[@josecapetillo6034]

Good job man, love it!

[@OutoftheWoodwork]

Appreciate it!

[@zacharysmith5947]

Cool design, mostly because it is an unexpected way of opening. Who would think to move the entire shelf forward? It is actually a brilliant design. Good one!

[@jmmabignay7377]

Nice content .. Goodluck and more idea

[@abderrahimacheban3289]

I have nothing to do with wood working, but I love you🌹 man, keep it up😍

[@DJSbm-28]

Thanks for the plans. Nice work. Even a mid level craftsman like myself can follow. Will be watching for more as I just subscribed. 👍😎

[@OutoftheWoodwork]

Great to have as a part of the channel!

[@VMSA-vv4lu]

we love your work here in South African, Limpopo Province

[@OutoftheWoodwork]

Love it!

[@tiasmile]

Hey. That's pretty good

[@brandonbowman4707]

Awesome

[@JARMade]

Wow what great video! this is the 1st video of yours i see and everything is done so well from the craft to the editing and narration. I have a lot to learn from you lol subbed

[@OutoftheWoodwork]

Thanks so much! I still have a LOT to learn...

[@mohammedmkhan2906]

Nice.

[@weetarted3715]

Thank you very much for the KZbin videos. i have just found your channel and watched a number of them ( Who me ? Binge watch ..... NEVER) and then subcribed. The free plans are perfect for my son and to bluid for his apartment. Thank ever so much. Keep up the great work. Love to see some work with bending wood and a related project for making a DIY wood steamer.

[@skaruts]

You could potentially have a bookshelf with this kind of shelves. Thinner, but more of them. Although in that case it would be best for them open from the bottom, like some I've seen on YT. The top side might need some hidden metal reinforcement or something, because books tend to weigh them down over long periods of time.

[@Underz1]

I'm looking at doing a floating shelf with some sort of compartment at the front door, different designs but I like this one best so you can make the waterfall shelf, but one question/concern is that the weight load is now on the drawer hinges more so than the frame itself no? I mean I don't plan on puttng heavy objects on or in it, just dog leash and keys etc, but just thinking of weight load distribution.

[@AlexTapisevic]

Very cool idea, LED is not necessary but, according to trend everything needs it now.

[@alexjaworski2205]

Week that made me subbed

[@justinhc123]

Legit, bro. Well done. New subscriber.

[@OutoftheWoodwork]

Glad to have you!

[@ericgriffin5504]

Loved the video got me real excited to bad there are no plans as you said

[@OutoftheWoodwork]

There is a plan. outoftheww.com/project-plans

[@doughaber3330]

Man, you are super sharp! I'm very impressed. You think just like I do and that kept me watching. I worry about the leverage issues with these shelves.also wonder if a metal strip on the ledger and lag bolts might give a stronger install. What do you think? I've never built anything that broke but changed a few designs thinking that I under built and engineered it. LOL!

[@OutoftheWoodwork]

I don't think you could go wrong with strengthening up the way you attach it to the wall. It definitely would get precarious if you made the shelf much deeper.

[@canamfilm]

Hi Tommy, Great video and channel. Can you please tell me the approx max weight bearing load for your 4' shelf with 12" boards, with or without the drawer?

[@OutoftheWoodwork]

Thanks! I haven't tested it, but the way the shelf is built I don't think it is the weak point. I think that would be the screw attaching the drawer to the studs. Those are rated at 220 lbs when driven into SPF lumber. There are 3 screws, so probably a little more than 220, overall, depending on how the weight is distributed. That's just a guess, but in any case it's more than what you would normally put on, and in, a shelf.

[@welshdave5263]

His came up in my recommendations, likes and subbed, love the idea. If I were to build this I would probably use magnetic child locks for cupboard doors so that an object (with magnet on the base) would need to be in just the right place to unlock and open the draw.

[@OutoftheWoodwork]

Thanks! I kicked around the idea of a magnetic lock system, but really ran out of time to design it cleanly. The idea is there somewhere...let me know if you work it out.

[@welshdave5263]

@@OutoftheWoodwork Thanks for the reply, I love seeing creators interact with viewers! I just had a thought, you could relatively easily retrofit a DIY magnetic lock from underneath the the draw... A hole in the center draw divider for a tall cylinder magnet to loosely fit in, a recess of about half the thickness of the shelf material that lines of with it. When the draw is closed, gravity drops the magnet down into the shelf, to open the draw, use a magnet from the outsidr to repel the cylinder magnet up and free the shelf to be opened.

[@OutoftheWoodwork]

I've a couple of more of these to build for my other daughters...maybe I'll do a follow-up video just on that mechanism.

[@welshdave5263]

@@OutoftheWoodwork That sounds great! Please let me know if you do, though I did clock the bell, but just in case.

[@OutoftheWoodwork]

😂 yeah, who knows if that thing works

[@isaaclan8029]

Hi. Very nice job! Will pine dowels be strong enough, like for example the ones you can get at Homedepot? Thanks!

[@OutoftheWoodwork]

Thanks, Isaac! Yep, pine dowels from Home Depot are plenty strong enough.

[@isaaclan8029]

@@OutoftheWoodwork thank you very much!

[@maximusstorm1215]

I did this but just bought a normal floating shelf and hollowed it out so you can just pull the shelf off the bracket and put stuff in from the back. Works really well and nowhere near as complicated as this! May not be as nifty and more of a botched job...but it works!🌞

[@scarecrow27jf]

Awesome video man and I'm almost done with mine but did I miss something so the shelf does not fall off while sliding out? Don't want to slide out too far. Thanks again 😎💯🔥

[@OutoftheWoodwork]

The drawer slides have a stop

[@tigaunt9420]

Hi, love the video and can't wait to build one of these. Question, I am looking to put this in my van conversion. How sturdy is the draw and the magnet, think it's strong enough to hold the draw in the back of a driving van? Thanks for the video, can't wait for more content!

[@OutoftheWoodwork]

If you use rare earth magnets, they will hold great. The one thing I would consider in a van that will be bouncing around is to give yourself some more leverage and not build it so wide out from the wall. The advantage you'll have is that it will be easy to secure to the van wall. I would be really interested in hearing how this turns out....keep me in mind and let me know!

[@tigaunt9420]

@@OutoftheWoodwork great, thanks a lot. I will let you :---)

[@someguynj]

This is like... sofa king cool.

[@grantchanner7693]

Great concept and half way through building my shelf. I am very much a beginner but am hopeful of a great result. When I drilled the dowels the alignment was slightly off despite having clamped the two pieces down. Do you have any suggestions, or, due to my inexperience, would it be easier to do pocket holes?

[@OutoftheWoodwork]

Glad to hear you're giving it a go! If you drill through both the ledger and the support piece clamped securely together, and they don't move while you're drilling, it should line up whether it's angled or not. Did you maybe clamp it down misaligned?

[@grantchanner7693]

@@OutoftheWoodwork I could easily have done that so will try on a new version. Thank you for getting back to me.

[@georgew.1799]

Is there a video for the wall behind him at the start with the tools

[@alexjaworski2205]

I 💯 subbed

[@justinricker66]

Do those miter joints hold with glue alone? No splines or dowels?

[@mdrobnson3912]

Nice build

[@OutoftheWoodwork]

Thanks so much!

[@mdrobnson3912]

Not a critique, just thinking out loud If you could disguise this as a single peace of wood and with a hidden lock This would make a great hiding spot for valuables I know that isn't the purpose here but that'd be something unique in the community. I'm just starting myself and of like to attempt some traditional methods, so I was glad to see you used the dowels. I grew up on one of the first farms in our county and the joinery on the buildings always fascinated me, still does, but I've not been have enough to try it on my projects yet. LOL

[@shawnthegreat4281]

This is great and looked very nice but I am not ready for this level of wood working 😂

[@dc5duben96]

dayumm thats tight

[@MB-gf6zd]

Hello , GREAT !!!, but I tried to get the free plan , but I didn't received at all . Thanks

[@davidchamlee2058]

Someday I'm going to Send out a Challenge to some of those other KZbin Woodworkers. Something like; Build an Full-Wall Entertainment Center using Nothing but a Drill, a Circular Saw, a Screwdriver, and a Hammer. And a 3 Foot tape measure, on a Key Chain. With Kitchen Chairs and 2x4's for saw horses! Your's are pretty close. You know the ones; First I'm going take this Expensive wood I bought at the Specialty Store, over to this (Special Tool) then I'm going use this (Special Tool) to do this part of the Project. Now I'm using this (Special Tool) and do this to the Wood. Now after using all these Special/Expensive Tools, that you ain't got, I'm gonna have this Beautiful Item, (that will never look like your!) As I said, your's are like the first example, not the second, which is a compliment. BTW; FYI I've actually done the Entertainment Center, Bunk Beds, and a bunch of other projects with the tools I described. Came out pretty good, if I do say so myself. This was before the "Days of KZbin." lol

[@sorenjensen3863]

Saw someone do floating shelves with ready rod screwed into the studs as the support. I did it myself and the two rods (didn't build the shelf) are currently holding 100+ lbs of lumber in my shop. Maybe something you could incorporate?

[@OutoftheWoodwork]

That is definitely something you could do....this video is geared more towards those just learning woodworking with limited tools, but if you could mount the steel the right way, it would certainly be more stable.

[@WilsonTjandra]

that was a very nice work! kinda curious what is the wood name?

[@OutoftheWoodwork]

I just used construction-grade pine

[@RoninX5]

According to your plans you use 7/16” in thickness draw sliders, are these needed? All I can find are 1/2 thick do I just adjust for the inside dimension on the draw itself?

[@OutoftheWoodwork]

1/2" works great....I think when I measure they are 7/16" is why I put that. Thanks for bringing that to my attention, I see why it would be confusing.

[@MaximusPham]

Just found our channel and great instructions, + sub.

[@OutoftheWoodwork]

Thanks and welcome!

[@charlieodom9107]

This would make a great gun hiding place!!! I need to build a few for my house!

[@doughaber3330]

Thought the same thing

[@doughaber3330]

Your gonna need them after Bidens bullshit too!

[@natalieisagirlnow]

to protect you from nonexistent boogiemen

[@flix4u]

Interesting. It would be a neat mod to have the front panel flip down and allow access to the drawer from the front. Easier access and I think there would be less extended weight if the drawer slid out and the perimeter box was mounted to the wall. What do you think? I’m winging it while I write this so I haven’t really thought it out.

[@OutoftheWoodwork]

I've seen something similar to that! It seems like you would have more limited access to put things into the drawer and actually see what's in there, but that's a perfectly valid way to do it.

[@dave_mac]

What would it cost to have something like that made? I know I don't have the patience to build it. I would much rather pay for the convenience than try to do it myself. Hope it's not too expensive. I would definitely want mine black and shorter. I like everything I own in my place to be black. I wish I had any kind of drive to do, or at least try, something like that. Great work!

[@JustMe619toby]

Have you ever done the bed in a box bench?

[@lshepherd5859]

a 3 minutes scenario stretched over 5 times as long. the beauty of youtuber tricks

[@OutoftheWoodwork]

So, walking through a project build step-by-step is a "trick" to make a video longer? What are you talking about? I trimmed probably 10 minutes from this video to make it the length it is....

[@jjdwnbyci]

Use scrap block to hold slides at correct spacing

[@obeyyouweakslaves7602]

Great plan and thanks for the drawings. This is a good all-purpose stash shelf but I wouldn't even think of hiding guns from the cops in this. Its too readily apparent from the obvious seams that this isn't some 2+ inch thick solid piece of wood. Maybe using a veneer with carefully fitted 'invisible' seams might do the trick.

[@tonyh383]

True. What could work is put a pull out drawer in the front center to give the height an obvious purpose, but still have 2 smaller compartments hidden by the slide out.

[@jimmy450r]

Great job, good video other than the music blasting.

[@user-zf4qs2jy3n]

Any tips for finding studs in lath and plaster?

[@OutoftheWoodwork]

I've never had to do this and I would probably go straight to KZbin

[@kevinfoo8031]

Nice, that's where the money is hidden.

[@ericapeter4536]

Is there a difference if I don't use dowels?

[@joannebogias9299]

👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

[@lostinadream1866]

Is there a link to the LED's, were you happy with them? Lots of reviews on Amazon hate all of their peel and stick lights lol

[@OutoftheWoodwork]

The peel and stick is worthless, but I used hot glue in a couple of places on this shelf and that worked great. www.amazon.com/gp/product/B077TV48MM/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o07_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

[@lostinadream1866]

@@OutoftheWoodwork Sweet thanks for the link!!!

[@danmcnamara5617]

Did you make that roving knife on your table saw? Where can I find one like it?

[@OutoftheWoodwork]

It's actually the original splitter that was made for these table saws in the 70s. It's called the "Disappearing splitter". I had to keep an eye out and I finally found one on ebay years ago.

[@danmcnamara5617]

Thank you for getting back to me.

[@kellendil]

I like this idea, but I' think I would prefer to make a version where the drawer is pulled out, perhaps with a solid front to create the illusion that its a complete shelf. This way seems like its limiting its use, as loading the shelf would make the drawer tricky to access, perhaps even needing to clear out the shelf before opening it.

[@OutoftheWoodwork]

I get that comment and request so often that I'm going to design a new floating shelf and release that plan and video early next year

[@littlepoolefam3]

I completely agree. Although it is a pretty cool design, I think, like you, it should open as a drawer coming out from the front, only no one knowing it's a drawer...

[@lewismclean6285]

@@OutoftheWoodwork Have you done this idea yet?

[@areg6068]

YOU JUST GOT A NEW SUBSCRIBER!!! Amazing work! very professional!