Design Your Own Shelf
We design and build Custom Floating Shelves. Our Wooden Floating Shelves are full of exciting wood character and accent any décor style with authentic natural wood beauty.
Each board we use comes from a local tree that lived out its life not far from our shop. When a tree dies or is removed, we upcycle it to make something useful from it, giving its wood a second life. Wood that was once shredded into mulch or cut up into firewood we now use to make our one-of-a-kind shelves and cutting boards.
"Character-Grade" Pennsylvania Hardwood reveal natural imperfections that are its true beauty.
Of the many grades of lumber that measure strength and appearance of wood, "Character-Grade" refers to wood with natural imperfections like knots, flecks and gum streaks. This is the wood with sought after character; it's what make our solid wood floating shelves so beautiful.
We select our own logs, saw them into thick wood slabs then dry them for 2 years until we use them to make our Floating Wood Shelves - an investment worth the reward.
Each log collection of wood slabs is different so you can feel confident that the shelves you choose are unique. From burly edge elm to flat edge cherry, each shelf is full of organic appeal.
Character-grade Floating Shelves that match any Décor Style
The beauty and authenticity of real character-grade hardwood brings the warmth of natural wood character into any space. From modern contemporary to rustic log cabin, we have a shelf or mantel that accents your rooms décor style.
We give our clients options with variances in wood color and character.
Our wood shelving options include our Pennsylvania native hardwood species, each with their own unique color and character. Simply compare our selection of custom wood shelves to any maker and you’ll discover what distinguishes us from them. English Walnut, Sycamore, Burly Edge Maple, Sugar Maple and Black Walnut among others, we give you the opportunity to create a shelf that’s as unique as you are.
Heavy Duty Floating Shelf Hardware
Our Heavy -duty Steel Floating Shelf Bracket is made of ¼” cold rolled steel, it’s easy to install and holds the wood shelf flush and securely to the wall.
Each solid wood shelf is routed and drilled for its Floating Metal Bracket. Once installed, wood shelves or mantels easily slide onto the Floating Shelf Brackets.
Installation typically requires 10 to 15 minutes.
The Finish that Makes the Shelf
Search “Catalyzed Conversion Varnish” (CCV) on the Internet and you’ll learn why it’s the strongest, longest lasting fine furniture finish available. Oil and wax finishes require re-application and do not adequately protect the wood from scratches or watermarks. In contrast, CCV is a build-up finish with 40-60% solids that seal the wood, protecting it, enhancing its color and character and leaves a satin smooth textured surface. Yes, CCV is more expensive to apply compared to hand rubbed finishes, but its appearance and long-lasting durability justify the cost.
Some shelf makers promote their hand rubbed oil finishes that include Danish Oil, Tung Oil, Rubio Monocoat and other like oil / wax finishes as being durable and maintenance-free, but this is not true. While there’s nothing wrong with these finishes, you should know what you're paying for. No other wood finish compares to Catalyzed Conversion Varnish (CCV). The same finish that’s likely on your fine wood furniture.
CCV seals the wood protecting it, its elasticity allows it to move with the wood while it reacts to changing seasonal environmental conditions so there’s no cracking. CCV doesn’t yellow like polyurethane and remains clear. CCV offers 3 sheen finishes, gloss, satin and matt.
Finish Options
Shown below is an unusual burly edge cherry shelf with a transparent cherry stain applied. The client requested a finish that would match his existing furniture color without covering up the woods grain.
Wood stains and washes come in various forms, each with unique characteristics. Stains, like oil-based, water-based and gel stains, are used to change the color of wood. Washes, also known as color washes, are a type of stain that typically uses a diluted colorant to create a translucent or semi-transparent effect. Our finishing department can apply these specialty finishes. Order restrictions may apply.
Custom Floating Shelf Sizes & Shapes
When your design calls for something unique, we have the options you're looking for. We inventory hundreds of thick wood slabs in many shapes and sizes. The free-form style of this thick sugar maple crosscut floating shelf is full of organic appeal. The wavy edge with rounded shelf ends disappears into the wall – a totally unique one-of-a-kind décor accent.
Under-Shelf LED Lighting Options
We offer under-shelf lighting – choose between LED Puck or Strip Lighting. Lighting may require a licensed Electrical Contractor for proper installation.
For more information or assistance please contact Steve at stephen@zimboards.com