How to Hang a Wooden Shelf
Shelves are an excellent way to display items while still freeing up floor space. There are many shelf options available to homeowners, but wooden shelves are a good choice.There are a variety of ways to install shelves, but each person must decide which way will suit budget and ability. The most important thing to consider is what the shelf will hold. If light items, such as figurines or flowers, will decorate the shelf then you can use a drywall anchor and screw to attach the shelf to the wall. On the other hand, if heavy items, such as books, are going on the shelf, then you should anchor it directly into the wall stud. Does this Spark an idea?
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Things You'll Need
- Tape Measure
- Stud Finder
- Pencil
- Drill
- Wall anchor
- Hammer
- Brackets
- Shelving Track
- Level
- Screws
- Screwdriver
Instructions
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1
Measure where the shelves will go so you purchase the right length and type of shelves. Depending on the chosen shelves, the package may contain brackets and screws. If not, make sure you choose brackets that are long enough to accommodate the shelf comfortably and hold the intended weight. Choose screws that are long enough to go into wall studs. Get the entire shelving track cut to the desired length before leaving the store.
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2
Using the stud finder, locate the appropriate number of wall studs needed. Mark each stud with a pencil mark. Predrill holes for one shelving track using a drill bit smaller than the screws that will hold the shelf up. If you are not attaching the shelf to a stud, use the stud finder to ensure you miss the stud when you drill. Additionally, measure the length of the shelf, and place the brackets approximately 5 to 6 inches from each side. Drill holes into the drywall a bit smaller than the wall anchors. Gently tap the anchors into the wall with a hammer.
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3
Attach the top of the shelving track to the wall using the screws. Level the track to make sure it is straight, and secure the bottom of the shelf to the wall. Depending on the length of track, place at least one screw every 5 to 8 inches. Move to the next stud and level a new track against the one already up. Predrill the holes, and attach the shelf track. Repeat these directions for any additional tracks. If the shelves mount into the drywall, use the screwdriver to place each screw into a drywall anchor. Leave enough of the screw sticking out so the bracket can slip over it.
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Slide the brackets into the track where you would like them. Make sure the brackets are even so the shelf is even. Place each shelf across the brackets, and check to ensure they are level. If there are no tracks, hang the brackets from the screws on the wall. Place the shelf across the brackets.
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Tips & Warnings
Measure everything twice before you order or cut. Make sure that all materials chosen go together. For instance, the bracket will fit into the shelf track and the shelf will fit on the brackets.
