Floating Shelves Woodworking Class

With Brynn Keenan

*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

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: 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

Brynn started working with wood when she and her partner purchased an old house and renovated it themselves. Once the house was complete, she began making furniture to fill it, a practice she has continued ever since. She appreciates that woodworking combines necessity, beauty, and practicality. Over the years, Brynn has built a wide range of projects, from two-story decks to mid-century chairs. She enjoys helping others feel comfortable with tools and sees woodworking as both empowering and approachable.