How to Affix Shelves to Walls

Shelves can be attached to both drywall and concrete walls

Fixing shelves to walls is a simple process, whether you have drywall or concrete walls. Prior to installation, you should decide how many brackets you want to hold up each shelf. For example, shelves that carry a lighter load--such as CD's--really only need one bracket attached to the wall stud near each end of the shelf. However, shelves holding encyclopedias or heavy books would require at least one bracket in the middle also. If you are putting up more than one shelf, make sure the brackets are in the same position for each shelf, for aesthetic looks.

Things You'll Need

• Spirit level
• Pencil
• Stud finder
• Wall Brackets
• Shelves
• Drill gun
• 1 5/8-inch wood screws
• Eraser
• 1/2-inch wood screws
• Wall plugs
• 1/4-inch masonry drill bit
• 1 5/8-inch metal screws

Instructions

Attaching To Drywall

1. Place a spirit level against the wall where you want to hang the shelf.. Run a pencil line along the top edge. If you are hanging more than one shelf, repeat so you end up with parallel pencil lines.

2. Run a stud finder along the pencil line and mark the center of each stud. Hold each bracket against the wall against over the stud mark. Screw the bracket to the wall--use 1 5/8-inch wood screws. Remove pencil lines with an eraser.

3. Place the shelf on the brackets. Screw the brackets to the shelf with 1/2-inch wood screws. Repeat this step for multiple shelves.

Attaching To Concrete Walls

1. Place the spirit level on the wall and draw a pencil line along the top edge. Mark where you want the end brackets to be; also mark the locations of any middle brackets.

2. Place brackets against the wall and mark the bracket screw holes with a pencil. Use a masonry drill bit and drill the marked screw holes a little longer than the length of the wall plugs. Push in the wall plugs so they are flush with the wall surface.

3. Remove pencil lines with an eraser. Screw the brackets to the wall plugs with 1 5/8-inch metal screws. Attach the shelf to the brackets using 1/2-inch wood screws.

References

• "Home Improvement 1-2-3"; Benjamin W. Allen, Christopher Cavanaugh; 1995