How to Install Shelving for a Basement

Basements are often used for storage, so they're a logical place to install shelving. A simple shelving system installed on the wall will eliminate clutter and let you keep tools, household items, food and anything else you choose to keep in the basement organized, neat and easy to find. Shelving for the basement doesn't have to be elaborate in design or require any specialized materials.

Things You'll Need

• Tape measure
• Pencil
• Drill with 1/4-inch masonry bit
• Masonry wall anchors
• Hammer
• Wall brackets (10-inch deep)
• Screws
• Screwdriver
• 4-foot-long 1-by-10-inch boards, 3

Instructions

1. Mark the center of the wall where you'll be installing the shelving with a pencil mark at 18, 36 and 50 inches up from the floor. Repeat the markings 2 feet to each side of the first set of marks. Draw a pencil line connecting the marks horizontally, so that you have 3, 4-foot lines on the wall at 18, 36 and 50 inches up from the floor.

2. Hold a wall bracket against the wall at the bottom right side of the lowest line so that the top of the bracket is even with the line. The bracket will have two holes--mark the wall with a pencil where these intersect on the wall. Move the bracket 1 foot to the left and repeat the process. Continue to the end of the line, then move up to the next line and continue.

3. Drill a 1-inch-deep hole with your drill on each of the pencil marks.

4. Place a masonry wall anchor into each of the holes and tap it in with a hammer so that it is flush with the wall.

5. Place each bracket in position, matching the wall anchors, and screw them into the wall anchors with screws and a screwdriver.

6. Lay your boards on top of the brackets. Secure each board to the brackets with a wood screw placed through the hole in the bottom of the bracket.

References

• "How to Plan & Build Bookcases, Cabinets & Shelves"; Craig Bergquist; 1987