FAQ's
Welcome to our FAQ, we are so happy to have you here and as a client.
We have tried to answer the most common questions.
Shipping & Logistics
Below are some common questions about shipping.
How long will it take to receive my shelves?
Every piece is handcrafted to order by our artisans. Standard shelving orders typically ship within 2–3 weeks, allowing us the time to properly mill and finish your solid timber to heirloom standards
How are the shelves shipped?
We use UPS for most standard parcel sizes. For larger, architectural-grade projects or kitchen renovations, we utilize LTL Freight to ensure your investment arrives safely and securely.
What are the shipping costs?
Orders over $300: Free Shipping.
Orders under $300: $25 Flat Rate.
Samples: Always ship free.
What happens if my order is damaged during transit?
What happens if my order is damaged during transit?
Returns & Custom Work
Below are some of are common questions about returns & custom work.
Do you accept returns?
Because we provide "furniture for your wall" that is often cut to the inch, we do not accept returns on custom work. We only accept returns on "in-stock" items in the rare case of a manufacturing defect
Can I return a custom-sized shelf?
No. To ensure you are confident in your choice, we highly recommend purchasing samples to feel the finish and see the grain before making a full investment. Once we cut solid Walnut, Mahogany, or Oak to your specific dimensions, it is yours alone.
Are there any restocking fees?
We do not charge restocking fees. Our goal is to do things right the first time so you never have to worry about a return.
Do you make anything other than floating shelves?
Yes. We are a full service woodworking shop located in the NYC Metrocpolitan area, and we offer a full suite of woodworking services locally.
What other custom woodworking solutions do you provide?
Beyond our signature shelving, we provide a comprehensive suite of professional woodworking services designed for those who value permanence and high-status craftsmanship. Our expertise extends to both residential and commercial projects, focusing on "doing it right the first time" with solid American timber.
Here are the additional custom solutions we provide:
Commercial & Restaurant Outfitting
Tabletops: We fabricate durable, architectural-grade tabletops designed to withstand the rigors of high-traffic hospitality environments.
Full Suite Services: We can handle complete restaurant wood outfitting to ensure a cohesive, premium brand aesthetic.
Residential Furniture & Surfaces
Dining & Home Tabletops: Custom-milled surfaces that serve as the focal point of your "forever home".
Custom Furniture: We build heirloom-quality pieces, including dressers and desktops, tailored to your specific spatial requirements.
Countertops: Solid wood surfaces sanded to a smooth, tactile finish that brings the peace of nature into your kitchen or workspace.
Specialized Cabinetry & Technical Work
Small Cabinetry Jobs: We provide "furniture for your wall" through custom cabinetry, such as open microwave units and cookbook storage.
On-Site LED Refinishing: We offer specialized refinishing services using LED cured finished for little to no downtime and instant curing periods.
Home Office Desktops: Handcrafted surfaces engineered to handle heavy equipment while maintaining a smooth, artisan finish
The Level for Life™ Guarantee
Questions about our promise of "No Sag" Shelving.
What does the "Level for Life" guarantee actually cover?
We aren't selling hollow boxes; we’re selling the pride of owning a sustainable handcrafted heirloom that handles heavy lifting indefinitely. Our guarantee specifically covers the bracket’s structural ability to support real weight. Read about it all here.
What happens if my shelf starts to sag?
If the guarantee is triggered, we will assess the situation. Generally, we will provide a replacement bracket system to restore the structural integrity of your shelf. If it sags, we replace it—period.
Orders & Customization
Below are some common questions about our products.
How do I know I’m choosing the right wood for my space?
We highly recommend starting with our sample kits. This allows you to feel the finish and see the grain in your own lighting before making a significant investment. Because we use 100% solid American timber, the grain structure on different faces is unique and recognizable, imparting a peace that only real nature can provide.
Can I get a shelf cut to my exact dimensions?
Yes. We specialize in providing a piece that is yours alone, made by artisans who hone their craft for your specific project. Whether you are replacing heavy upper cabinets with airy Walnut or fitting a shelf to the inch, we ensure everything fits perfectly.
What makes your shelves different from "big-box" options?
Most retailers sell hollow boxes with arbitrary weight limits that struggle to hold their own weight. We refuse to use subpar materials like veneers or weak rods that bend. We use solid wood and our HOVR™ Bracket Technology to produce "furniture for your wall" that handles heavy lifting indefinitely.
How much weight can these shelves actually hold?
Our shelves are engineered for the "Architectural Adult" who needs to store real items, like heavy stone sculptures or full book collections. By pairing solid wood with HOVR™ Bracket Technology, we provide the mechanics necessary to support significant weight without flinching- up to 300lb for 1.75"+ thick shelves, including the weight of the shelf itself.
Will the shelf sag over time?
No. We offer a "Level for Life" guarantee. If your shelf sags, we replace it. We want you to stop looking at your walls with a critical eye and start looking at them with the pride of owning a permanent piece of American craft.
What does the finished install look like?
"Good" looks like the wood grew directly out of your wall. There are no visible seams, gaps, or hardware. The wood is sanded to an almost soft, smooth natural finish that you’ll want to run your hands along every time you pass by.
Installation & Technical Specs
Questions regarding actually getting your shelf on the wall.
What tools do I need for installation?
While our system is professional-grade, it is designed for a straightforward install. You will generally need a drill, a level, and a stud finder to ensure the aluminum cleat is anchored into the "bones" of your home. All hardware needed for installation is provided with your order, and our instructions are found here.
Can these be installed into tile or masonry?
Yes. While our standard kits are optimized for wood studs, our high-strength hardware can be adapted for tile backsplashes or brick walls with the appropriate anchors.
How do I handle "out of plumb" walls?
Old homes rarely have 90° angles. Our aluminum cleat system allows for minor adjustments, and if your wall is really in rough shape, HOVR provides instrcutions for how to deal with the issue.
Care & Maintenance
Questions about how to keep your shelves looking good.
How do I clean solid wood shelves?
Our 0% VOC hardwax oil finish is designed for tactile realness and durability. Simply wipe with a soft, damp cloth. Avoid harsh chemical cleaners that strip the natural oils from the timber.
Will the wood color change over time?
Solid wood is a living material. Species like Cherry or Walnut will naturally "patina" or deepen in color over years of exposure to light—a hallmark of a true handcrafted heirloom.
Why Us?
Good question.
Why is the price higher than big-box retailers?
You are moving away from "manufactured obsolescence". Big-box shelves are often hollow boxes or peeling veneers that echo like a drum when tapped. We use solid American timber and artisanal craftsmanship that takes hours of expertise for your pieces alone.
What if I move? Can I take the shelves with me?
While these are designed for "permanence" in your forever home, the interlocking cleat system allows the shelves to be unmounted and reinstalled if you decide to take your assets with you.
Is the wood sustainably sourced?
Yes. We refuse to compromise on American manufacturing and exclusively use sustainably harvested solid woods to ensure your pride of ownership lasts for generations.
We also partner with "One Tree Planted" to replenish the timber we use by planting a tree for every order in the forests of Appalachia. See all about our sustainability efforts here.


