How to Install a Shelf

Ever tried to install a shelf? Ever end up with 7 holes for only 3 screws. Below I'll show you some simple tricks and tips to make installing a shelf a simple task.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Brackets, I prefer the triangle shaped ones
• The shelf
• Metal wall anchors, preferable in a kit
• Level
• Tape measure
• Screw driver
• Small 1/2 inch screws to mount the shelf

1. 

   First you need to decide what size of shelf you need and purchase all the materials. I recommend the brackets shaped like a right triangle as they are stronger and have far less flex than regular “L” shaped brackets.

2. 

   Next up is how to attach it to the wall. Simple 2 to 3 inch wood screws will work great if the bracket is screwed directly into a wall stud but more often all you have behind the wall is empty space. For this use metal wall anchors, the ones that look like giant screws on steroids work perfect for regular drywall. I recommend buying them in a kit so all the mounting hardware fits together.

3. 

   Now that you have all your materials its time to start the work. Place the first bracket on the wall where you want the shelf to sit. Now measure down from the ceiling to the bracket and jot down that measurement. Place a level on the bracket to make sure everything is perfectly straight. Now mark the wall where each screw is supposed to go.
   
   Repeat this process for all additional brackets making sure to double or even triple check the measurements. You’d hate to be off by ½ an inch and wind up with multiple holes.

4. Now its time to screw in the wall anchors, one for each pencil mark you made. If there is a bracket going directly into a stud the anchors will not work. Just screw the bracket directly to the wall with the longer wood screws.
   
   The brackets should now easily screw into place using the screws from the wall anchor kit.

5. 

   Place the actual wood shelf onto the brackets and make sure that it is centered on all brackets. Double check for level before screwing the small ½ inch screws from the underside of the shelf. There should be at least two holes per bracket for this. This will keep the shelf from sliding front to back or side to side.
   
   Congrats on hanging your new shelf

Tips & Warnings

• Measure two or three times, you'd hate to end up with extra holes in the wall
• Measure from the ceiling down, it is usually a shorter distance and rarely is anything in the way
• Use a stud finder if you have it to try and find the studs in the wall
• Don't over tighten any screws, especially the wall anchors, if you strip through the wall the anchors won't hold properly.
• Be cautious of any electrical wires or pipes. Using a hand screw driver can help you feel if you are hitting anything.

[amester]

on 4/23/2009 This is a great article! My husband recently installed a fabulous shelf and your tips were very helpful!

[carby]

on 4/3/2009 very good information of installing a shelf. 5*

[GilinAtlanta]

on 4/3/2009 Good job relating pictures to points.

[FrazzledNanny]

on 4/3/2009 I need several of these put up in my house. Thanks for the easy to follow steps. 5*

[goldiec]

on 4/3/2009 Great article on installing a shelf. 5*