Custom Floating Shelves

We put the custom in CUSTOM FLOATING SHELVES!

CUSTOM means made-to-order or designed for a specific individual. 90% of our shelves are made to order, and 40% have requested wood character or color variations. Living room shelves, floating kitchen shelves, or floating bookshelves; our customers are seeking natural wood tones and something unique—more than just a shelf. Our customers are looking for a décor accent.

 

The ZimBoards Difference

Our selection of hardwood shelves distinguishes ZimBoards from most other wood-shelf makers, simply because we offer more choices of solid, real wood shelves. Most shelf makers do not have access to the wood we do. Yes, there are many quality shelves out there, but most lack the beautiful wood character of our shelves. Each shelf we make is made from “character-grade” Pennsylvania hardwood that’s very different from common commercially processed lumber. Character-grade wood has more beautiful wood character than commercially processed lumber that’s clear and void of those beautiful and exciting natural imperfections.

 

So, what would a beautiful, solid wood shelf be without a durable finish? Our shelves have a lustrous, satin-smooth texture finish that protects and enhances the beauty of the wood.

 

Finally, and perhaps most importantly, heavy, solid hardwood shelves need a strong and reliable mounting bracket. We pair our solid wood shelves with heavy-duty steel brackets that install easily and securely fasten the shelves to the wall.

How You Benefit

 

Our extensive wood slab inventory includes many of our native Pennsylvania hardwoods, including sycamore, cherry, walnut, elm, and maple – each with its own distinctive characteristics. We only make genuine, solid, one-piece hardwood shelves with continuous grain and color that look authentic, rather than glued boards, laminated particle board, or foam-core, which look artificial.

 

Choose from modern-style flat-edge shelves or rustic live-edge shelves in a variety of shapes and sizes. Most of the wood shelves we make are made to the customer’s specific requested dimensions.

 

When we saw a log, we keep the wood slabs together so that when a customer orders multiple shelves, they match in character and color.

 

Our finishing department is more than capable of providing custom finishes, including stains, washes, and dyes. Our Catalyzed Conversion Varnish (CCV) Finish is the Gold Standard of premium furniture and cabinet makers – a durable, clear build-up finish that’s available in 3 sheens (matt, satin, and gloss).    

 

 

Character-grade Wood Makes the Difference!

 

Character-grade hardwood is different from commercially processed (clear/select) lumber. It preserves natural imperfections such as knots, mineral streaks, color changes, and wormholes. Commercial lumber seeks uniform color and clear wood. Character grade offers a rustic, unique look and high durability. It is produced by methods that use more of the log. 

• Aesthetics: Character grade highlights the wood’s natural look—including knots and grain variations. Commercial-grade is chosen for a uniform appearance with minimal blemishes.
• Production Method: Character-grade wood is often live-sawn, combining heartwood and sapwood, which greatly increases character. Commercial-grade typically separates them for uniformity.

Our 'character-grade' hardwood sets us apart from other wood shelf makers. Most use commercially processed lumber. Commercial lumber favors uniform color and clear, defect-free wood. Character-grade wood celebrates the beauty of its natural imperfections.

 

Flawless Finish

 

The finish defines the shelf. Choose from flat/matte, satin, or gloss—the three sheen options we offer. Catalyzed Conversion Varnish (CCV) is the premium finish used by high-end cabinet and furniture makers. It has exceptional durability, chemical resistance, and moisture protection. CCV is a build-up finish with 40-60% solids. It seals the wood and leaves a smooth, lustrous surface. CCV cures to a hard, flexible barrier that protects against water and household chemicals. It also does not yellow like lacquer or polyurethane. CCV stays transparent, showing off the natural wood color and grain.  

   

CCV is a two-part finish requiring proper equipment and skilled application. It costs more than hand-rubbed finishes but is superior in appearance and durability. We fill wood voids with epoxy for strength and surface smoothness.

 

Secure Installation

 

For more than eight years, we’ve made solid-wood floating shelves using both steel posts and aluminum cleat brackets. Shelves up to 24" wide use our simple aluminum cleat, which installs easily and holds securely. Larger shelves use heavy ¼" steel brackets with a 1.5" wide backplate for extra wall contact, exceeding the typical 1" standard for security.

 

The critical 2.25" shelf thickness allows for hidden floating brackets, supporting up to 50 lbs. per stud when installed into solid wood. HD steel brackets install in about 15 minutes. Laser-cut holes spaced at 1" allow more stud options and fine adjustments. We also offer HOVR Brackets for specific needs.

 

Our Wood

 

We live among hardwood forests and value them. Pennsylvania leads U.S. hardwood production with 16.6 to 17 million forested acres. 90% of the state’s trees are hardwood, producing 10% of the national output. Our forests naturally regenerate and are sustainable, allowing for the harvest of over 1 billion board feet annually.  

 

Twenty years ago, the public discovered “character-grade” hardwoods, with gorgeous natural imperfections like knots and wavy grain, and ever since, this wood has gained massive popularity.

 

We never buy commercial lumber; rather, we upcycle wood from storm-damaged, dying, or dangerous hardwood trees. These are “urban trees” that local arborists remove; we select solid logs with the greatest potential for unique color and character. In contrast, commercial lumber is graded “select” or “clear,” meaning minimal imperfections. Character-grade wood highlights beautiful natural variations; commercially processed lumber does not. We believe wood’s true beauty lies in its imperfections.  

 

We've been passionate about working with character-grade wood for more than 8 years—sourcing, sawing, and drying each wood slab ourselves for two years. This hands-on approach gives us greater knowledge and a deeper connection to our wood, ultimately enabling us to offer more unique wood shelf options.

 

We’re conservationists who believe healthy trees should remain standing. When a tree is dying or dead, using its wood gives it a new purpose. We never use exotic wood; instead, we use sought-after native hardwood from our region.    

 

Customization

 

Choose from rustic live-edge or contemporary flat-edge. Each style is available with variations, from sapwood streaks to live-edge surface burls. We have a large selection of wood slabs in all shapes and sizes. We enjoy helping you create a shelf that excites you and brings natural wood tones into your space.    

 

For more information about our solid wood shelves or to collaborate, please contact Steve at stephen@zimboards.com or call us at 610-856-1223.