How to Find a Stud for Installing Shelves

When you hang shelves on a wall you need to make sure to anchor them to a stud in the wall. Even though the shelves might not weigh much and will seem supported if not actually attached to a stud, once you put books or other items on them they might tear loose. You can easily locate the studs behind drywall by using one of the following methods.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Tape measure
• Flashlight (optional)
• Hammer (optional)

1. Measure in 14 1/2 inches on the drywall from a major corner if in a modern home. Measure 16 inches from here for the next stud and then 16 inches more for each of the following studs. Only place your anchors on a stud.

2. Lay a flashlight next to the wall and look for little dimples in the drywall from existing nail holes. The dimples indicate a stud behind the drywall.

3. Examine the baseboards to see where the nails attach them to the walls. Although sometimes the nails will go into the floor, you normally can find them holding the baseboard to the stud. Use the flashlight again, if necessary, to spot the nail head.

4. Look at the placement of the electric outlet boxes. One side of them attaches to a stud.

5. Wrap a light towel around a hammer or your knuckles. Lightly tap across the drywall. You will notice a different sound when you locate a stud.

Tips & Warnings

• Use two or more of the above methods to make sure you anchor your shelves securely on the drywall.
• You might need to measure by 24 inches, rather than 16 inches, in some homes.