Make a Floating Shelf Using Old Belts
![Make a Wood Shelf Using Old Belts](http://hgtvhome.sndimg.com/content/dam/images/hgtv/video/0/02/022/0228/0228004.jpg.rend.hgtvcom.1280.720.85.suffix/1661833872708.jpeg)
![](http://hgtvhome.sndimg.com/content/dam/images/hgtv/editorial/profiles/talent/dan-faires/hgtv-avatar-talent-dan-faires.jpg.rend.hgtvcom.91.91.85.suffix/1414011627881.jpeg)
![Floating Shelves Made From Old Belts Floating Shelves with Old Belts](http://hgtvhome.sndimg.com/content/dam/images/hgtv/fullset/2015/2/18/0/Original_DanMade-belt-bookshelf-beauty.jpg.rend.hgtvcom.616.462.85.suffix/1424309748411.jpeg)
Materials and Tools:
- 2x6 wood board, cut down to two 36" pieces
- table saw
- power drill and screws
- carpenter's square
- tape measure
- goggles
- hand sander with 220-grit paper
- dark walnut wood stain
- polyurethane
- paintbrush
- level
- leather belts with matching hardware
Instructions:
Measure and cut two 36" pieces from a 2x6 wood board using a tape measure and table saw.
![Measure two 36" pieces of wood from a 2X4.](http://hgtvhome.sndimg.com/content/dam/images/hgtv/fullset/2015/2/18/0/Original_DanMade-belt-bookshelf-measure-wood.jpg.rend.hgtvcom.616.462.85.suffix/1424309782127.jpeg)
![Cut two 36" pieces from a 2x6 wood board using a tape measure and table saw.](http://hgtvhome.sndimg.com/content/dam/images/hgtv/fullset/2015/2/18/0/Original_DanMade-belt-bookshelf-cut-wood.jpg.rend.hgtvcom.616.462.85.suffix/1424309781154.jpeg)
Sand wood pieces using a hand sander with 220-grit paper, and apply a generous coat of dark walnut stain. Wipe access stain with a clean rag to enhance wood grain. Allow to dry.
![Use a paintbrush to apply a thick coat of stain to plank of wood to make a floating shelf and smooth it out with a rag to highlight the wood's natural grain.](http://hgtvhome.sndimg.com/content/dam/images/hgtv/fullset/2015/2/18/0/Original_DanMade-belt-bookshelf-apply-stain.jpg.rend.hgtvcom.616.462.85.suffix/1424309745543.jpeg)
![Add a layer of stain to make sure that your shelf has a finished look. Use a rag to show off the grain of the wood.](http://hgtvhome.sndimg.com/content/dam/images/hgtv/fullset/2015/2/18/0/Original_DanMade-belt-bookshelf-wipe-stain-with-rag.jpg.rend.hgtvcom.616.462.85.suffix/1424309777251.jpeg)
Add a coat of polyurethane, and allow to dry.
![Apply Polyurethane to Your Floating Shelf Make Your Floating Shelf Shine with Polyurethane](http://hgtvhome.sndimg.com/content/dam/images/hgtv/fullset/2015/2/18/0/Original_DanMade-belt-bookshelf-apply-polyurethane.jpg.rend.hgtvcom.616.462.85.suffix/1424309759669.jpeg)
Source belts with similar hardware. Locate a wall to hang belts, and measure and mark the wall at the appropriate width.
![Measure for Shelves and Mark the Wall Measure and Mark Your Wall](http://hgtvhome.sndimg.com/content/dam/images/hgtv/fullset/2015/2/18/0/Original_DanMade-belt-bookshelf-measure-wall-area.jpg.rend.hgtvcom.616.462.85.suffix/1424309778458.jpeg)
Drill holes at the marks, and add anchors.
![Drill holes in wall to make a place for your anchors.](http://hgtvhome.sndimg.com/content/dam/images/hgtv/fullset/2015/2/18/0/Original_DanMade-belt-bookshelf-drill-into-wall.jpg.rend.hgtvcom.616.462.85.suffix/1424309763771.jpeg)
![Use a drill to insert the anchors into your wall to support your shelves.](http://hgtvhome.sndimg.com/content/dam/images/hgtv/fullset/2015/2/18/0/Original_DanMade-belt-bookshelf-add-anchors.jpg.rend.hgtvcom.616.462.85.suffix/1424309747746.jpeg)
Attach the top of the belt to the wall with a screw. Loop the belt through its buckle and tighten.
![Attach Belt to Wall with Screws Use Screws to Attach Belt to Wall](http://hgtvhome.sndimg.com/content/dam/images/hgtv/fullset/2015/2/18/0/Original_DanMade-belt-bookshelf-attach-belt-to-wall.jpg.rend.hgtvcom.616.462.85.suffix/1424309744769.jpeg)
Slide in the wood board, and tighten the belts until everything is level. Secure belts to wood with screws along the bottom of the board. Decorate and accessorize.
![Use the Belts to Level the Shelf Level Your Shelf Using the Belts](http://hgtvhome.sndimg.com/content/dam/images/hgtv/fullset/2015/2/18/0/Original_DanMade-belt-bookshelf-level-shelf-2.jpg.rend.hgtvcom.616.462.85.suffix/1424309766692.jpeg)
![Floating Shelves Made From Old Belts Floating Shelves with Old Belts](http://hgtvhome.sndimg.com/content/dam/images/hgtv/fullset/2015/2/18/0/Original_DanMade-belt-bookshelf-beauty.jpg.rend.hgtvcom.616.462.85.suffix/1424309748411.jpeg)