Live Edge Cedar Floating Shelf

This floating shelf is cut from a thick slab of western red cedar, keeping the live edge along the front face. Cedar has a naturally warm, reddish tone and a pronounced grain that becomes more vivid once oiled.

Design

The slab was selected for an interesting live edge profile — gentle undulations rather than dramatic bark inclusion — which reads well on a wall without being visually busy. The back edge is straight and square so it sits flush against the wall. The underside has a routed channel to hide the mounting bracket.

Mounting is via two steel hairpin-style hidden brackets that bolt to wall studs. The shelf slides over the brackets from the front and rests securely without any visible hardware.

Finish

Two coats of Danish oil were applied and buffed off while wet, which brings out the deep reds and ambers in the cedar without building a thick surface coat. The result is a close-to-the-wood finish that stays tactile and natural rather than glossy.

Use

Suitable for books, plants, display objects, and decorative items. Cedar is aromatic and will gradually lose its scent over months; this is natural. Avoid placing it above a radiator or in direct sunlight for extended periods, as this can cause the wood to check or fade.