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Secret Shelf

Rogue Engineer
Rogue Engineer
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Rogue Engineer
Rogue Engineer
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Who doesn't like hidden storage! Jamison of RogueEngineer.com gives you these step-by-step plans that detail exactly how to make this floating shelf with secret hidden storage. This secret shelf can be built for around $30.

Check out more great DIY plans from Rogue Engineer here.

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  1. Project Steps

    1. Step: 1

      First start by cutting the wood you'll need by following this easy to read cut list.

    2. Step: 2

      Assembling the Shelf Assemble by drilling pocket holes as shown and assemble using 1-1/4" pocket screws.

    3. Step: 3

      Assembling the False Bottom Assemble by drilling pocket holes as shown and assemble using 1-1/4" pocket screws.

    4. Step: 4

      It's best to finish the project before installing hardware. Sand and stain the shelf and false bottom as desired. Then, when dry, apply polyurethane to protect.

    5. Step: 5

      Install Piano Hinge Install piano hinge as shown using screws included.

    6. Step: 6

      Install Friction Hinges Install friction hinges as shown using screws included and adjust friction so the false bottom stays upright.

    7. Step: 7

      Using the Phone Works Laser Level, mark a level line on the wall where you wish to mount your Secret Shelf.

    8. Step: 8

      Using the Phone Works Stud Finder, locate and mark two stud locations.

    9. Step: 9

      Mount Secret Shelf using two 2-1/2" wood screws per stud location. Note: Adjust the friction on the hinges to so that the false bottom stays upright but can be pulled down. You may also install a magnetic catch to help keep the false bottom in the upright position. Check out more great DIY plans from Rogue Engineer here.

Comments (23)


  • This is amazing, what a great starter project for me :)
    By SoCraftySewCreative, on January 26, 2015
  • Can't read cut list to blurry
    By mjpaul4200, on January 27, 2015
  • If you click on the cut list thumbnail it will get larger and you should be able to read just fine.
    By RogueEngineer, on January 29, 2015
  • This seems like an awesome piece to have, and i would love to have it in my room.. But am i mistaken, or wont the the section where the false bottom meets the wall actually be preventing it from Fully opening up.. Because this is supposed to be flush up against the wall correct? Maybe i'm just not looking at it correctly.
    By grantwolter, on February 1, 2015
  • grantwolter: Look at Step 4 to view where the hinge is attached. This set-up will prevent the problem you are concerned about.
    By istuke, on February 2, 2015
  • All great questions. To allow for the recommended 1 1/4 pocket screws - How tick is this wood ?
    By geponu_110547, on February 4, 2015
  • grantwolter: istuke is correct, the hinge point location in fact causes the bottom back corner to swing up and away from the wall. This is good because the hinge is hidden and the side of the shelf seems to butt up against the wall.
    By RogueEngineer, on February 7, 2015
  • geponu_110547: All the wood used has an actual thickness of 3/4".
    By RogueEngineer, on February 7, 2015
  • How far in from the edge should the support arms be placed?
    By spikeb17, on February 10, 2015
  • I can't see the measurements for the location of the friction hinges. Could you please help me out with this? Thank you
    By Pen4956, on February 19, 2015
  • On the "Secret Shelf". A beautiful project with one problem. The small pictures chop off all the important measurements, and the enlargements, which have the measurements, won't print. How about putting all the dimensions on the small pictures so they can be copied?
    By ahorowitz, on February 19, 2015
  • Nice! I can see having these all over my house.
    By yvonneemueller, on February 21, 2015
  • Just looking at the cut list....if you rip 1/8" off of the 10" width, wouldn't that be 9-7/8". Just wondering if that is a typo or the actual length?
    By Mstripling13, on February 23, 2015
  • @spikeb17 The support arms should be placed 1" in from the edge of the top. Sorry I didn't realize I left that off until after I posted this.
    By Rogue Engineer, on February 26, 2015
  • @Pen4956 If you click on the picture it will expand and you should be able to see the measurements. If you would like the printable PDF of these plans head on over to http://rogueengineer.com/diy-secret-shelf-plans/
    By Rogue Engineer, on February 26, 2015
  • @ahorowitz Unfortunately that is one of the limitations of this platform however, if you would like the printable PDF of these plans head on over to http://rogueengineer.com/diy-secret-shelf-plans/
    By Rogue Engineer, on February 26, 2015
  • thanks @yvonneemueller@gmail.com
    By Rogue Engineer, on February 26, 2015
  • @Mstripling13 a 1x10 nominal board is actually 3/4" x 9-1/4"
    By Rogue Engineer, on February 26, 2015
  • Cool project . This will be a great present for my Sister.
    By Nicoya77, on March 18, 2015
  • If I wanted to increase the length of this shelf by 10" inches and make it out of maple would the friction hinges still work? Also I am assuming for mounting that I would want to hit 3 studs?
    By Shnake, on October 25, 2017
  • Can you use a different type of friction hinge or does it only have to be the curved friction hinge? Just curious because I’ve read many poor reviews about the curved friction hinge. Thanks.
    By Eagle04, on December 30, 2017
  • What size friction hinge and piano hinge did u use?

    By Hailmaximus, on February 12, 2021
  • Is there an estimated weight that the hidden shelf can hold?
    By MrJaxun, on February 15, 2021

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Secret Shelf

by Rogue Engineer
Jan 25, 2015

Who doesn't like hidden storage! Jamison of RogueEngineer.com gives you these step-by-step plans that detail exactly how to make this floating shelf with secret hidden storage. This secret shelf can be built for around $30. <a href="http://rogueengineer.com" target="_blank">Check out more great DIY plans from Rogue Engineer here.</a>

Project Steps

  1. Step: 1

    First start by cutting the wood you'll need by following this easy to read cut list.

  2. Step: 2

    Assembling the Shelf Assemble by drilling pocket holes as shown and assemble using 1-1/4" pocket screws.

  3. Step: 3

    Assembling the False Bottom Assemble by drilling pocket holes as shown and assemble using 1-1/4" pocket screws.

  4. Step: 4

    It's best to finish the project before installing hardware. Sand and stain the shelf and false bottom as desired. Then, when dry, apply polyurethane to protect.

  5. Step: 5

    Install Piano Hinge Install piano hinge as shown using screws included.

  6. Step: 6

    Install Friction Hinges Install friction hinges as shown using screws included and adjust friction so the false bottom stays upright.

  7. Step: 7

    Using the Phone Works Laser Level, mark a level line on the wall where you wish to mount your Secret Shelf.

  8. Step: 8

    Using the Phone Works Stud Finder, locate and mark two stud locations.

  9. Step: 9

    Mount Secret Shelf using two 2-1/2" wood screws per stud location. Note: Adjust the friction on the hinges to so that the false bottom stays upright but can be pulled down. You may also install a magnetic catch to help keep the false bottom in the upright position. Check out more great DIY plans from Rogue Engineer here.