How To

How to Prepare for Shelf Installation

By eHow Home & Garden Editor
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Whether you need more storage space or want to use shelving for decoration, knowing how to hang your own shelves will save you money and time. Take a trip to your local hardware or home improvement store and pick up everything you need to install shelving.

Difficulty: Moderate
Instructions

Things You'll Need:

  • Stud finder
  • Tape measure
  • Marking tool
  • Level
  • Shelves and mounting hardware
  • Drill and appropriate bits
  • Safety glasses
  1. Step 1

    Read all instructions that come with the shelves or mounting hardware.

  2. Step 2

    Determine where you want to hang your shelves. Keep in mind what you plan on storing or displaying on the shelves. Make sure you allow enough space above each shelf so there's no height restriction on what you place on the shelves.

  3. Step 3

    Use a stud finder to check for studs. Installing a shelf directly in to a stud is best for stability. Use drywall anchors if you cannot locate a stud in the spot you want to install your shelf. Drywall anchors come in varying weight capabilities, select the right one based on how much weight your shelf will need to hold and what the type of wall material you have.

  4. Step 4

    Mark and measure the location of your shelf using your marking tool and tape measure.

  5. Step 5

    Check your marks to make sure they are the same height by using a level.

  6. Step 6

    Look at the hardware you will be using to secure your shelving. Determine what size drill bits you will need to hang your shelves.

  7. Step 7

    Put on safety glasses to protect your eyes during the installation.

  8. Step 8

    Drill the holes necessary to hang your shelf using a drill. You can use either a corded drill or a cordless drill.

Tips & Warnings
  • If you don't have a drill, you can use a screwdriver. A drill makes it easier and quicker to do the installation but a screwdriver will work.
  • Remember that books weigh more than knick-knacks, so be sure to purchase the proper shelving and brackets to accommodate extra weight, if needed.

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