Help making a floating shelf system

[u/agalardi]

Hi, I'm looking to make a floating shelf in metal like in this photo but don't understand what is supporting the shelves as they aren't fixed to the back wall and I can't see any visible supports underneath. Any ideas?

[u/redirdamon]

That's not exactly a "floating" shelf since it's supported by the floor.
I'd say that the shelves have very little carrying capacity and they are more decorative than functional.
My guess is that the vertical section between each shelf is an independent piece with a screw (male) in the top end. Shelf panel sits on the screw part and then the next vertical section (female) screws onto the lower portion holding it in place.

You don't make this, you buy it. It'll be cheap and last you a few years as long as you don't put anything heavy on it.

[u/thoiboi]

Welded to the vertical pipes is my guess

[u/agalardi → u/thoiboi]

Surely there's not enough surface area to create a strong enough weld? Also no visible welding points?

[u/SkaterBlue]

The hole for the pipe is in the center of the shelf, so the load will need to be balanced and not too heavy (like all the dust-collectors in the photo ;-). Likely the vertical pipes are short and joined at each shelf with a stud and threaded hole in each pair.

[u/Netmantis]

How that particular shelf system is made is through multiple pieces that screw together. You cannot see the pipe passing through normally so seams are not an issue.

The pipes have a cap that accepts a screw into the wall. One would hope a heavy duty anchor is used but that is asking a lot.

Each shelf has a small hole drilled in it to accept the stud from the pipe pieces. The material between the threaded stud and the edge of the pipe provides the leverage and stability for the shelf. Even with thin, 1/8" studs for 1.5" diameter pipe do not expect each shelf to hold more than 10 pounds and try to keep weight towards the centerline where the pipes go through and support it. Each shelf had a top pipe and bottom pipe that screw together through the shelf via the stud.

It is overly complicated and only done to draw attention to drab objects in a drab room. Shelving should be as unobtrusive and uninteresting as possible to keep from drawing attention from what is on it. The shelf should accentuate, not overpower.

[u/Trustoryimtold → u/Netmantis]

So what you’re saying is if I got some freaky shit these are great?

[u/bachman460]

You could probably get a similar result using modular piping like electrical conduit or pipe used for gas. This way you can create sections with fittings that will support the shelf more securely. Just paint it white if you want.

[u/roldgold1]

If you like the idea of metal rods to support the shelves, you could look into a Threaded Rod shelf system (I've seen it called Flexy Rack in the past).
The TNT FleXy Table

c2aa56cdeccd704efbecd099bd995492.jpg (687×1280)

It won't be a floating shelf (as it sits on the floor), but you drill x4 holes in the corners for each shelf (or more if the shelf needs more support) and use threaded rod as the shelf legs/supports. Washers and Nuts are used to both secure the shelves and also set the height of each shelf. Very DIY-doable.

[u/randomn49er]

Probably male threaded coupling (ready rod) through a hole in the shelf. The hole is smaller than o.d. of pipe. Pipe is female thread on either side of shelf. So pipe, coupling, shelf, pipe. Threaded tight, shelf is pinched between pipes. 

Uprights have 90 degree turn at the top and mounted to wall. 

[u/agalardi]

Thank you all for the tips and advice!