Because they are strikingly so different from the traditional shelves they attract more eyeballs. Determine height you want the TOP of the shelf to be and make a light mark in pencil. Pin On Pipe Shelf This project takes floating shelves to a whole new level and Im going to show you EXACTLY how to make one of these yourself. Floating shelves not level . It will help you when determining where to drill the pilot holes to anchor the shelf to the wall. Shelves with the lowest weight capacity cant hold more than 25 pounds but the sturdiest shelves can hold up to 100 pounds or more. If it isnt set the shelf on a flat surface and measure it yourself. We had it previously but it wasnt exactly what I wantedIt was more for decor and I wanted these shelves to function in our everyday life. My recently installed floating shelves are sagging. Check out the plans for guides to building your own shelf. Installing Floating Shelves on Wall Studs. Floating shelves while appearing