To move a floating shelf, you first need to carefully remove it from the wall. The method for removal depends entirely on how the shelf was originally attached. You must identify whether it is screwed, nailed, or glued to the wall.
Identifying How Your Floating Shelf is Attached
Before attempting to move (remove) your floating shelf, inspect it closely. Look for visible screw heads, usually located on the underside or sometimes concealed by plugs or caps. If you don't see screws, check for small nail heads, which might be less visible. If neither screws nor nails are apparent, it is likely the shelf is held in place with adhesive or glue.
Steps for Removing a Floating Shelf (Based on Attachment)
Once you have identified the attachment method, follow the appropriate steps:
| Attachment Method | How to Remove |
|---|---|
| Screwed | If the shelf is screwed on use your screwdriver to remove the screws. Turn the screws counter-clockwise until they are completely out. |
| Nailed | If it is nailed on lightly tap the shelf with the hammer until it begins to move and sway. Use light, controlled taps along the edges or supports. Once it is loose pull the shelf off. |
| Glued | If you find neither screw nor nail, then it is glued on. (The reference indicates identification, but not a specific removal method for glued shelves). |
Note: Removing a glued shelf often requires more effort and may involve using a putty knife or other tools to gently pry it away, potentially causing damage to the wall or shelf.
After successfully removing the shelf using the method appropriate for its attachment, you can then move it to its new location and reinstall it using suitable hardware for the wall type.
