How to Install Bookshelves With Baseboard Heating
Baseboard heating presents a challenge for homeowners when arranging the furniture within a room. Bookshelves present a particular challenge because unlike couches, chairs and stands, bookshelves completely conceal the baseboard heating. In addition, a bookshelf that is several inches from the wall is not aesthetically pleasing. A solution is to install wall-mounted bookshelves above the baseboard heating. Wall-mounted bookshelves save on space and allow you to position the bookshelves on any wall within the room. Does this Spark an idea?
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Things You'll Need
- Tape measure
- Wall-mounted bookshelves
- Hardwood board, 1-by-4-inch, at least as long as bookshelves
- Miter saw
- Table saw
- Stud finder
- Screw gun
- Flush trim wood screws
Instructions
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1
Measure the length of the wall-mounted bookshelves with a tape measure. Mark the length of the bookshelves onto the hardwood board. Cut the hardwood board to length with a miter saw.
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2
Adjust the table saw to make a 45-degree angle cut. Position the table saw fence to cut directly down the middle of the 4-inch width of the board.
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3
Cut the hardwood board in half lengthwise with the 4-inch side flat against the table of the saw and the 1-inch side against the table saw fence. This will form two halves, each with one 45-degree-angled edge. These are the mounting cleats.
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4
Hold a cleat against the back of the bookshelves with the length of the cleat running horizontally. The angled edge should be facing downward with the wider width and point facing outward. Position the board 6 inches down from the top edge of the bookshelves. Screw a 3-to-6-inch scrap of hardwood board 6 inches up from the bottom of the bookshelves using two evenly spaced screws.
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5
Fasten the cleat to the back of the bookshelves by driving flush trim wood screws through the cleat into the back every 3 inches using a screw gun.
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6
Select a height for the top edge of the bookshelves along the wall. Measure 6 inches down from the height and mark the measurement.
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Run a stud finder along the wall and mark the location of the studs at the marked height. Hold the remaining cleat board horizontally against the wall at the marked height with the pointed edge facing up and the longer width facing out. Drive flush trim wood screws through the cleat into the wall at the stud markings along the entire length.
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Raise the bookshelves onto the wall slightly higher than the selected height and lower the bookshelf cleat onto the wall cleat so they lock into place and hold the bookshelves against the wall.
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Tips & Warnings
Install two sets of cleats on heavy or large bookshelf units.
Wear eye protection when operating power tools.
