How to Hook a Bookcase to a Wall

Securing a bookcase to the wall keeps the case upright no matter what.

Whether you are attempting to secure a bookshelf to a wall in case of a possible earthquake, childproofing, or simply because you want to ensure the bookcase doesn't take a tumble, the bottom line is that you don't want the bookcase to fall over. How you secure the bookcase depends on whether the case is open or has a back.

Things You'll Need

• Measuring tape
• Stud finder
• "L" shaped brackets
• Electric drill with driver bit
• 8 1-inch wood screws
• 8 3-inch wood screws

Instructions

Open Backed Book Case

1. Assemble the bookcase according to manufacturer's instructions.

2. Measure the overall width of the bookcase.

3. Locate the wall studs with a stud finder or by ear in the area where you wish to secure the bookcase. In most instances, these studs will be 24 inches apart in the wall.

4. Measure on the bookcase where two holding brackets can be placed 24 inches apart. The simplest way to do this is to take the overall width, say 36 inches, and come in 6 inches from either side.

5. Secure an "L" bracket to the underside of the top bookshelf of the bookcase using an electric drill with a driver bit to secure 1-inch wood screws.

6. Do the same beneath a shelf halfway down the bookcase.

7. Raise the bookcase into place and secure the "L" brackets to the wall on the studs, using 3-inch wood screws.

Bookcases with a Back

1. Position the assembled bookcase against the wall with the studs evenly distributed with the width of the bookcase.

2. Measure in from the outside edge of the bookcase and drive a 3-inch wood screw through the back of the bookcase, above the first shelf, into the first stud.

3. Repeat this procedure with the second stud above the first shelf.

4. Position a second screw, several inches above the first screw and drive it home with the drill. Repeat for the second stud.

5. Move to the lower shelf of the bookcase and repeat the process of securing two screws per stud into the bookcase.

Tips & Warnings

• You can also buy furniture straps, which will accomplish the same thing, at most home improvement stores.

• It is important that when securing furniture of any kind to the wall that you connect to a stud, drywall is not secure enough to prevent the falling of heavy objects.

References

• DisasterSafety.org: Earthquake - Bookcases and Shelves - Secure Properly
• University of Puget Sound: Earthquake Retrofits