Here is a concise summary of the provided text:
**Project:** Building and Installing 3 Floating Shelves
**Cost:** Under $10
**Materials:**
* 1 x 2" x 8' lumber
* 36" oak dowel
* Circular saw, drill, sander, half-inch bit (or table saw as alternative)
**Steps:**
1. Cut lumber into 3 equal shelf boards (~31" each)
2. Drill holes for dowels (3 per shelf, spaced evenly)
3. Cut dowels into 4" pieces and sand to fit holes
4. Assemble shelves using dowels (no hardware needed)
5. Sand and optionally round over shelf edges
6. Apply Minwax pre-stain conditioner, stain, and polyurethane top coat
7. Mount shelves to wall using brackets and screws (into studs or wall anchors)
**Key Tips:**
* Use a speed square for straight cuts
* Sand dowels for easy insertion/removal
* Apply polyurethane in 2-3 thin, sanded layers
Here are the key facts extracted from the text, numbered and in short sentences:
**Materials Needed**
1. 2" x 8" x 8' lumber (one piece)
2. 36" oak dowel (for three shelves)
3. Circular saw
4. Drill
5. Sander
6. Half-inch bit
7. Minwax pre-stain conditioner
8. Stain (Minwax gel stain mentioned)
9. Spray-on polyurethane
10. Wall anchors (optional, rated for 50 pounds each)
**Dimensions and Cuts**
11. Each shelf board will be cut to approximately 31 inches long.
12. Dowel pieces will be cut to 4 inches long (nine pieces total, three per shelf).
**Assembly and Finishing**
13. Three dowel holes are drilled into each shelf board, spaced evenly (middle, 2 inches from each side).
14. Dowels are hammered into place, with the front side sanded for easy sliding.
15. Shelves can be sanded and rounded over with a router or sander.
16. One coat of Minwax pre-stain conditioner is applied before staining.
17. Stain is applied using the wipe-on technique.
18. Two to three layers of spray-on polyurethane are applied, with light sanding between coats.
**Mounting**
19. Holes are drilled in the back bracket for wall mounting.
20. A level and stud finder are used to locate the wall stud for screwing.
21. Wall anchors can be used if no stud finder is available.
22. Shelves are aligned with the dowel pin and slid into place, with a safety screw added.