How to Mount Shelves

A simple way to organize household collectibles, belongings, and books is by arranging them on a shelf. Mounting shelves is one of the easiest home projects to complete. Someone who has never picked up a hammer could mount a shelf. There are many different types of shelves. The most common, however, is the standard shelf with backing material. This article will describe how to mount a shelf with backing material to the wall.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Stud finder
• Screw driver or drill
• Screws
• Level

1. Locate the studs. Run your stud finder along the wall where you would like to hang your shelves. When you hear a continuous beep, you have found a stud. Mark at least 2 studs.

2. Hold your shelf in place with a partner. Drive one screw, through the backing material of the shelf, into the wall.

3. Use your level and manually adjust the shelf until the bubble of the level stays in the middle of the tubing. This lets you know your shelf is lying straight across and parallel to the ground.

4. Drive another screw through the shelf backing and into another stud. This will secure it in place.

5. Check your work with the level again. Once it has been determined that the shelf is level, add additional screws through the backing and into studs. This will help support more weight. The more weight you will put on the shelf, the more screws you should have.

Tips & Warnings

• If studs cannot be used because there are no studs in the desired area, you can use metal anchors secured directly to the drywall.
• Anchors are never as strong as screwing directly to the wall. You should always find studs if your shelf will be holding a substantial amount of weight.

Resources

• Sawdust Making 101