FAQ

Load capacity depends on the shelf system, number of wall studs engaged, wall structure, hardware, shelf dimensions, rod length, and proper installation. Display Shelves are rated for 20–30 lbs. per stud, depending on rod length, and use a 1-inch backplate with 1/2-inch-diameter rods. Heavy Duty Shelves are rated for 100–120 lbs. per stud, depending on rod length, and use a 1 1/2-inch backplate with 3/4-inch-diameter rods. Published ratings are guidelines based on proper installation and should not be treated as a guarantee for every wall condition.

Display Shelves are designed for lighter display and storage applications and use our lower-profile bracket system. Heavy Duty Shelves use a larger structural bracket system and are intended for demanding applications such as bars, offices, restaurants, retail spaces, and other installations where greater load capacity is required.

Yes. Our shelves are handcrafted from premium solid hardwood or genuine reclaimed lumber depending on the product selection. We do not use MDF, particleboard, hollow cores, or wood veneers.

Quarter-sawn lumber is selected for its exceptional dimensional stability. Compared with typical flat-sawn lumber, it greatly reduces seasonal movement and the likelihood of warping, cupping, twisting, and cracking while showcasing distinctive grain patterns. Because all real wood responds to changes in humidity, some natural movement can still occur over time, but it is greatly minimized by our use of quarter-sawn lumber.

Current shelf offerings include Walnut, White Oak, Maple, Reclaimed Pine, and Reclaimed Oak. Available finishes and options vary by product.

Our shelves are protected with a premium commercial-grade acrylic polyurethane finish selected for durability while allowing the natural character of the wood to remain visible.

Yes. Our shelves are built to order, and custom dimensions and options are available. Depending on the shelf style, choices may include length, depth, thickness, wood species, finish, unlimited edge profiles, LED channels, wireless charging pockets, and cable-management features.

Single-piece shelves can be manufactured up to 17 feet long (204 inches). Shelves longer than 96 inches require LTL freight shipping and may require additional handling or shipping considerations. For installations longer than 17 feet, or when a customer wants multiple shorter shelves to create a nearly seamless continuous run, we can add mechanical connecting hardware.

Yes. Our shelves are designed for residential and demanding commercial environments, including restaurants, bars, offices, hotels, and retail spaces.

No two pieces of real wood are identical. Natural variations in color, grain, texture, knots, ray fleck, reclaimed character, and other features are expected and are part of what makes each shelf unique. Stain and finish appearance can also vary with the wood, lighting conditions, and the screen or device used to view photos.

Our floating shelves are handcrafted in Minnesota, USA, using premium materials and precision manufacturing techniques.

Yes. Each shelf includes the appropriate concealed steel mounting bracket and hardware for standard wood-stud installation. Review our Shelf Installation Guide for the tools and steps required for your specific shelf system.

Yes. For maximum strength and rated performance, the bracket must be fastened directly into wall studs through the drywall. The full-length backplate is designed to engage every available stud behind the bracket. We do not currently offer a shelf system designed to be supported by drywall alone.

We do not recommend installing our floating shelves without securing the bracket to wall studs or other suitable structural framing. Drywall alone is not a structural mounting surface, and alternate anchoring methods can significantly reduce load capacity.

Most installations can be completed with common tools by a capable DIY installer. Review our Shelf Installation Guide for step-by-step guidance. The installer is responsible for confirming wall construction, selecting the proper mounting method, and completing the installation correctly.

A snug fit is intentional. The shelf and bracket are precision-machined to minimize movement and create a strong, clean floating installation. Follow the Shelf Installation Guide rather than forcing the shelf into place if it does not seat correctly.

Yes. Multiple shelves can be aligned for long wall runs, entertainment centers, offices, bars, and commercial displays. Careful bracket layout and leveling are especially important when adjacent shelves must line up precisely. Customers may also choose mechanical connecting hardware to join adjacent shelves. The hardware is accessed from the underside of the shelves, and a plastic insert is provided to conceal the access hole.

The customer or installer is responsible for proper installation. FloatingShelvesUSA provides installation guidance and resources but cannot guarantee installation outcomes because wall structure, framing, hardware selection, and site conditions are outside our control.

Dust with a soft cloth. For routine cleaning, use a soft microfiber cloth dampened with water, then dry the surface. Avoid abrasive pads, harsh cleaners, strong solvents, excessive moisture, and allowing spills to remain on the surface. See our Floating Shelf Care Guide for complete care instructions.

Yes, in normal indoor bathroom conditions. The finish provides moisture protection, but solid wood should not be exposed to standing water, persistent saturation, or unusually wet conditions. See Bathrooms & Other Humid Areas for additional guidance.

Use coasters, pads, or protective barriers beneath items that may remain wet, leak, scratch, or generate concentrated heat. Wipe spills promptly and avoid dragging abrasive objects across the surface. See Protecting the Finish for more information.

All real wood expands and contracts as environmental humidity changes. Our material selection, quarter-sawn construction, manufacturing process, and finish are intended to minimize that movement, but no solid-wood product is completely immune to seasonal change.

Our concealed brackets are built for demanding installations using a massive 3/8-inch-thick steel backplate and a full-length mounting design that allows attachment at every available wall stud. Display brackets use 1/2-inch-diameter rods and 1-inch backplate, while Heavy Duty brackets use 3/4-inch-diameter rods and 1 1/2-inch backplate. The added rigidity helps reduce flexing and twisting under load.

The 1-inch backplate is used with our Display Shelves and features 1/2-inch-diameter rods. The 1 1/2-inch backplate is used with our Heavy Duty Shelves and features 3/4-inch-diameter rods for substantially greater load capacity. Always match the bracket to the shelf thickness, depth, rod length, and intended load shown on the product page.

Our 1-inch backplate bracket is designed for approximately 1½- to 1 7/8-inch-thick shelves. Our 1½-inch backplate bracket is designed for approximately 2- to 3-inch-thick shelves. Verify the dimensions of your shelf before ordering a bracket separately.

Rod length should be selected based on shelf depth and the specific bracket system. The product page lists the recommended rod length range for each shelf depth. Using the correct rod length provides better support while leaving the required material at the front of the shelf.

Yes. Our brackets are available separately for DIY builders, contractors, cabinetmakers, and woodworkers building their own floating shelves.

Our brackets are unlikely to align with the pre-cut pockets and rod holes in shelves made for another manufacturer’s bracket system. However, if you are building or machining your own shelf specifically for our bracket, use the dimensions, router templates, and drilling guides provided for our system.

No. When the shelf is properly machined and installed, the bracket is concealed inside the shelf for a clean floating appearance.

Yes. We offer precision router templates, drilling guides/plates, and related installation tools designed to help builders create accurate mortises and rod locations for our bracket systems.

Mount the bracket level and fasten it directly into as many available wall studs as the bracket spans. Use the appropriate hardware for the wall structure and follow the installation instructions supplied for the bracket.

No. Drywall by itself is not a structural mounting surface for our brackets. For rated performance, the bracket must be properly secured to wall studs or other suitable structural framing. We do not recommend drywall-only installations.

No. Use the mounting points that correspond with the available wall studs or other suitable structural framing and follow the installation guide. The full-length backplate provides multiple mounting locations so the installer can engage every available stud behind the bracket.

Wall construction, stud spacing and condition, the number of studs engaged, fasteners, bracket size, rod length, shelf dimensions, installation accuracy, and how the shelf is loaded all affect performance. Published capacities are guidelines, not guarantees for every installation.

Our boards are handcrafted in Minnesota from premium solid hardwood and designed for both preparation and presentation. Depending on the model, features include reversible work surfaces, deep juice grooves, integrated handles, one-piece feet, hardwood inlays, and integrated stainless-steel prep tins. Each board is finished with food-safe board oil and protected with two coats of our custom board wax.

Yes. Our serving boards are built from food-safe materials and are intended to be functional cutting surfaces as well as presentation pieces. Refer to the individual product description for the features of each model.

Current board offerings include Hard Maple, Black Walnut, Cherry, and selected combinations of those hardwoods, depending on the product.

Yes. Knife marks are normal on a working wooden cutting board and are a natural result of using the board as intended. Light wear can often be reduced through proper restoration when needed.

Yes. The boards are intended for normal food preparation, including meat, vegetables, fruit, and bread. Clean the board thoroughly after use and follow the care instructions below.

Many are, but not every model has the same features on both sides. Check the individual product page for the configuration of the board you are purchasing.

Yes, but use care. The sawing action of a serrated knife can create deeper grooves than a straight-edged knife, especially when heavy downward pressure is used.

We do not recommend using the board as a trivet. Concentrated heat can scorch the wood, damage the protective wax, and cause uneven drying or movement. Use a heat-resistant trivet for hot cookware.

No. Every board is made from real hardwood, so grain, color, figure, and natural character will vary. These natural differences make each board unique and are not defects.

Hand wash with lukewarm water, mild dish soap, and a soft sponge or cloth. Clean both sides so moisture exposure remains as even as practical. Towel-dry immediately, then stand the board upright or on edge with airflow around both faces until completely dry. Never leave the board sitting in water. See our Board Care Guide for complete cleaning and drying instructions.

No. Never put a wooden cutting board in the dishwasher. Prolonged water, high heat, and harsh detergent can damage the wood, glue joints, and protective finish and can cause warping or cracking.

No. Do not submerge the board or allow it to stand in water. Wash it promptly, towel-dry it, and allow it to air-dry completely.

No. After towel-drying, stand the board upright or on edge so air can circulate around both faces. Leaving a wet board flat can cause uneven drying and increase the chance of movement.

Do not use bleach, abrasive cleaners, harsh solvents, or aggressive cleaning products. Use mild dish soap and lukewarm water for routine cleaning.

Store the board only after it is completely dry. When practical, keep it upright or otherwise positioned so air can circulate around the wood. Avoid storing a damp board flat against a countertop or inside a closed cabinet. See our Board Care Guide for additional care and storage guidance.

Board Wax is the routine protective treatment. It renews the protective surface and helps repel water and everyday moisture. Board Oil is a restoration product used when the wood has become noticeably dry or depleted, or after the board has been sanded and refinished. In short: oil restores the wood; wax protects it. See our Board Care Guide for routine protection and Board Restoration Guide when the wood needs restoration.

As a general guide, apply our Board Wax about every eight uses or whenever water stops beading on the surface. Usage, washing frequency, and environment will affect the interval, so the condition of the board is the best indicator. See the Board Care Guide for more detail.

Start with a clean, completely dry board. Using a disposable or lint-free cloth, apply a liberal, even coat to all exposed wood surfaces and rub it thoroughly into the wood. Allow the wax to soak in for at least 30 minutes, wipe away the excess, then allow the board to set for approximately 4–6 hours before use. See How to Apply Board Wax for the complete procedure.

Use Board Oil when the wood is genuinely dry and needs restoration, or after sanding/refinishing the board. It is not intended to replace the routine protective wax treatment. After the oil has penetrated and the board is ready, reapply Board Wax to restore the protective surface. See our Board Restoration Guide for more information.

No. Your board arrives already finished with food-safe board oil and protected with two coats of our custom Board Wax. Routine maintenance should begin with wax as needed; use restoration oil later, only when the wood’s condition calls for it.

Many signs of normal use can be improved because the board is solid hardwood. Depending on the damage, restoration may include cleaning, light sanding, Board Oil to replenish the exposed wood, and Board Wax to rebuild the protective surface. Deep cuts, cracks, or significant warping may require more extensive or professional restoration. See our Board Restoration Guide for additional guidance.

No. Do not use olive, vegetable, canola, corn, or similar cooking oils. These oils can oxidize and become rancid. Use a food-safe product specifically intended for wooden cutting boards, such as our Board Oil and Board Wax system. See What to Avoid for the full care list.

Yes. Custom options vary by product. Floating shelves can be built to order in a wide range of dimensions, species, finishes, and optional features. Some cutting boards may also offer personalization or custom engraving subject to minimum quantities and design requirements. Contact us before ordering if your project requires a non-standard configuration.

No. Custom products are not eligible for return or exchange. Confirm dimensions, species, finish, and options carefully before placing a custom order. See our Terms & Conditions for complete policy details.

No. Natural wood varies in color, grain, texture, and character. Stains and finishes can also appear different because of natural wood variation, lighting, and screen settings. These normal variations are not defects and are not grounds for return.

Large and oversized items may require special handling, freight service, or other shipping considerations. Shelves longer than 96 inches require LTL freight shipping. Any special requirements applicable to your order will depend on its size and destination. See our Shipping Policy for additional details.

No. We provide the best available shipping and delivery information, but delivery timelines are not guaranteed once an order leaves our facility. Carrier delays and other external factors are outside our control. See our Shipping Policy for more information.

Inspect the shipment and product promptly upon delivery. Keep all packaging until you have confirmed that the product arrived in good condition.

Notify FloatingShelvesUSA within 48 hours of delivery and provide clear photos of both the packaging and the damaged product. If shipping damage is confirmed, we will repair, replace, or otherwise resolve the claim at our discretion. Failure to report damage within 48 hours may void eligibility for a shipping-damage claim.

If applicable, a non-custom return must be approved before it is sent back. The customer is responsible for return shipping and the original shipping cost, and the return may be subject to a restocking fee of up to 25%. The product must be returned in its original condition and original packaging. Review our Returns Policy for complete details.

No. Board Wax and Board Oil are non-returnable once opened.

FloatingShelvesUSA provides a 5-Year Structural Warranty on its shelves. A separate 2-Year Warranty covers manufacturing defects and finish failure under normal use. Warranty coverage does not include improper installation, abuse or misuse, environmental damage, or normal wear and tear. See the full Warranty for coverage details.

No. Customers are responsible for proper installation. The warranty does not cover improper installation, structural failures caused by wall conditions, or use outside recommended applications. See the full Warranty for details.

No. Load capacities are guidelines because actual performance depends on wall structure, installation method, hardware, bracket configuration, shelf dimensions, and other site-specific conditions.

Natural variation in color, grain, texture, and normal movement of real wood are expected characteristics rather than manufacturing defects. Proper installation, care, and environmental conditions help minimize movement over time. Normal wood movement and natural variation are not covered as manufacturing defects.