Floating Shelves Woodworking Class

With Tomas Vallejos

*You do not need to take any of our Woodworking Fundamentals classes including Woodworking I, II, or III in order to take this class. No experience is required.

Create a beautiful and functional floating shelf from a single piece of rustic hardwood. In this class, you’ll learn how to create seamless, "waterfall" grain matching around mitered corners for a professional, high-end look. This versatile piece works great as a nightstand, a sunny spot for plants, a display for kitchen glasses, or extra space in a bathroom. Join this supportive beginner-friendly workshop, expand your handy DIY skillset, and connect with a community of fellow makers!

What You’ll Make:

  • A rustic floating shelf (approximately 20” L x 6” W x 6” H) with a seamless waterfall grain effect. You’ll also create a matching French cleat for simple and secure wall mounting.

Skills & Concepts You’ll Learn:

  • Planning a layout for the best wood grain yield and matching

  • Cutting precise mitered corners for a "waterfall" effect

  • Using a biscuit joiner to create strong, invisible joints

  • Cutting grooves for back panels using a router table

  • Sanding and finishing techniques

  • Understanding and accounting for seasonal wood movement

  • Making and installing a French cleat for easy mounting

Equipment & Tools You’ll Learn:

  • Table Saw, Router Table, Biscuit Joiner, Orbital Sander, Brad Nailer

Class Outline:

  1. Introduction & Planning: Project overview, safety, and how to plan cuts to achieve a continuous grain match.

  2. Demonstration: Instructor demonstrates cutting miters, using the biscuit joiner for reinforcement, and cutting grooves on the router table.

  3. Hands-On Practice: Students cut, join, and glue up their shelves with instructor guidance. After a short break for glue to dry, students will sand their projects.

  4. Wrap-Up: Attaching the French cleat, discussing tips for easy wall mounting, and reviewing finishing techniques.

Other Class Details:

  • Prerequisites: None. No Experience Required.

  • Class Capacity: 5 maximum, 2 minimum

  • Materials Provided?: Yes

  • Age Limit: 14+. Guardian required if under 18 (info)

  • Partner Ticket Available?: Yes

  • Available for a Private Class?: Yes (info)

  • Clothing/Equipment Requirements?: Comfortable well fitted clothing, close-toed shoes, put your hair up, and be prepared to get a little dirty.

About the Teacher

This class will be taught by Tomas Vallejos. He is a Denver local who works as a custom picture framer, carpenter and woodworker with an emphasis in custom furniture making. He is also a current student of the fine woodworking program at Red Rocks Community College where he continues to ever expand on his woodworking knowledge and skills. Take a look at some of his work via his Instagram page @north20woodworkingco or website north20woodworkingco.com