How Much Do Floating Shelves Cost?
Learn how much floating shelves cost and which factors increase or decrease the price so you can quote your next project with confidence.
You’re designing a kitchen that stands out, but the layout needs a finishing touch, something sleek, stylish, and functional. Floating shelves seem perfect. They add character, show off your craftsmanship, and offer a minimalist look. But there’s a problem: you can’t find clear pricing anywhere. You’ve probably asked yourself, how much do floating shelves actually cost? What changes the price? Why won’t anyone give me a straight answer? As a contractor or cabinetmaker, you can’t quote with confidence if the information isn’t available. That leads to delays, rework, and awkward conversations with your clients.
At Cutting Edge, we’ve made floating shelves for over three years. Because we developed this product in-house, we know exactly how it’s built, what affects the cost, and what doesn’t. We’ve helped hundreds of contractors like you find the right shelf solution on time and on budget. Our team understands that your reputation depends on delivering quality work without surprise costs, and we’re committed to being the reliable partner you can count on.
This article will help you understand exactly how floating shelf pricing works, and why. By the end, you’ll be able to price your next job with clarity and confidence.
Floating Shelves Start at $130
The base price for a floating shelf is $130. This price is for a raw, unfinished shelf made from MDF (medium-density fibreboard) using a ¾-inch panel.
These shelves use a mitre-folded design. That means the front edge and both side edges are wrapped in the same material to give a clean, finished look. Typically, the shelves are hollow inside to reduce weight, giving the appearance of a solid wood shelf without the added cost or weight.
The minimum price is for a shelf that is ready to be customized, but does not include any finishing or edge treatments. It’s ideal for contractors who plan to do their own finishing or are installing between walls where only one face is visible.
Floating shelves from Cutting Edge do not include hardware or brackets - you’ll need to source those items from a supplier like Richelieu.
How Pricing Works For Floating Shelves
Unlike cabinets or countertops, floating shelves don’t use a per-square-foot pricing model. That’s because shelves are affected by three dimensions, not just surface area:
- Width (how long the floating shelf is)
- Depth (how far it sticks out from the wall)
- Thickness
Our pricing formula calculates exactly how much material we’ll need to build your shelf using those three dimensions.
Let’s use an example to show how this works. An 18” wide x 12” deep x 1½” thick MDF shelf costs $175 before finishing. That includes all the materials and labour to cut, mitre, fold, and assemble your shelf to exact specs. However, an 18” wide x 10” deep x 1 ½” thick MDF shelf only costs $160.
As a contractor, you may be eligible for discounted pricing between 10% and 20%, depending on your account and order volume. You can set up a contractor account with us to access better rates and simplify your quoting process.
What Increases The Cost Of Floating Shelves?
Several key factors can drive up the cost of floating shelves. Understanding these will help you quote accurately and avoid surprises. Let’s start with one of the biggest cost influencers – your choice of material and thickness.
1. Wood Species and Material Thickness
The type of wood and the thickness of the material both have a direct effect on pricing. MDF is the most affordable option. However, if you want natural wood, the species you choose can shift the price quite a bit.
Hardwoods, such as Walnut and Rift Cut White Oak, cost more due to availability and demand. Maple is a mid-range option.
Here’s how prices compare for floating shelves in both ¾” and ⅝” panels. Note that there are two prices for each material thickness – one is the minimum price per piece, and the second is the price for a floating shelf 18” wide by 12” deep by 1 ½” thick:
| Wood Species | ¾” Panel (Min) | ¾” Panel (18x12x1.5) | ⅝” Panel (Min) | ⅝” Panel (18x12x1.5) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MDF | $130 | $175 | $126 | $162 |
| Maple | $133 | $202 | $136 | $212 |
| Walnut | $137 | $221 | $144 | $252 |
| Rift Cut White Oak | $145 | $253 | $145 | $260 |
The thickness also matters. Interestingly, ⅝” panels are often slightly more expensive because they are less popular and more difficult to source.
2. Shelf Dimensions (Width, Depth, Thickness)
Every extra inch of depth or width adds to the amount of material needed. A shelf that’s 48” long will cost more than one that’s 47 7/8” long.
Our pricing software calculates all three dimensions to generate an accurate estimate of the material needed. Once you’re over the minimum price threshold, the pricing formula takes effect.
3. Finishing Options
Adding a finish to your shelf helps protect it and enhances the look, but it also increases the cost.
There’s no per-square-foot rate for finishing because, like the shelves themselves, the cost depends on width, depth, and thickness. That said, we can give you a reliable example using a standard shelf size of 18” wide x 12” deep x 1½” thick.
Here’s how much finishing adds to the price:
| Finish Type | Minimum Price | 18x12x1.5 Shelf |
|---|---|---|
| Clear Lacquer | $19 | $105 |
| Stain & Lacquer | $29 | $152 |
| Paint | $42 | $217 |
Clear lacquer is the most budget-friendly finish, offering protection while maintaining a natural look. Stain and lacquer finishes add more depth to the wood grain and take additional labour to apply evenly. Paint is typically the most expensive option, due to the prep work involved, including sanding and priming.
What Decreases the Cost of Floating Shelves?
While several upgrades can increase the cost of your floating shelves, there are also ways to reduce the price. These cost-saving options are ideal when you’re working within a tight budget or planning for larger installs. Let’s take a look at the most common ways to reduce your shelf pricing, starting with a simple design choice.
1. Requesting Unfinished Ends
If you are installing the floating shelf between two cabinets or walls, the left and right ends aren’t visible. In these cases, you can request unfinished ends, which saves on labour and material.
Here’s how much you could save for an 18x12x1.5 shelf:
| Wood Species | ¾” Panel Savings | ⅝” Panel Savings |
|---|---|---|
| MDF | -$34 | -$26 |
| Maple | -$49 | -$55 |
| Walnut | -$60 | -$78 |
| Rift Cut White Oak | -$78 | -$82 |
Minimum prices don’t change when ends are unfinished. Only the larger, more detailed shelves see these savings.
2. Contractor Pricing
If you’re eligible, contractor discounts can save you 10% to 20% off retail prices. Setting up a contractor account allows access to dedicated support and easier ordering.
3. Large Orders and Volume Discounts
We offer additional savings for larger orders:
- Orders over $1,000 may receive reduced or free shipping
- Orders over $10,000 receive an extra 10% discount
This discount helps keep your projects on time and on budget, especially when outfitting an entire kitchen or multi-unit build.
Learn How To Price Out Floating Shelves Online
Now that you know what floating shelves cost and what causes prices to go up or down, you can quote your next project with confidence. You’ve learned how dimensions, materials, and finishes affect pricing, and how small changes, such as requesting unfinished ends or qualifying for contractor discounts, can help reduce costs. When you understand the full pricing picture, it’s easier to stay on budget, avoid awkward client conversations, and protect your margins.
If you’ve struggled to find clear pricing in the past, we’ve made it simple. Learn how to price out floating shelves online. Whether you’re planning one or multiple kitchen projects, you’ll receive instant, accurate pricing tailored to your specs. We’re here to support your success with transparent pricing, dependable timelines, and products that help you finish every job with confidence.
