How to Hang a Shelf

By eHow Home & Garden Editor

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Adding storage or display space in your home can be a snap. Here's how to mount a simple wooden shelf and two brackets to a wall.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

Step1
Buy a wooden shelf from a home-improvement store. Buy shelf brackets - simple L shapes or something more decorative - making sure that the top leg of the bracket is no longer than the shelf is deep.
Step2
Buy screws if you don't have a supply at home or if they don't come with the brackets (see Tips).
Step3
Find the wall studs; you'll fasten the brackets to them (see 'eHow to Locate Wall Studs').
Step4
Determine where you want the bottom edge of the shelf to sit, then mark the position in pencil, using a carpenter's level as a guide.
Step5
Line up the top of each bracket with the pencil line and mark the attachment holes on the wall. Set the bracket aside.
Step6
Test-drill the holes to make sure they are going into wood rather than wallboard. If there is no stud in a convenient place and the shelf is not going to carry more than a few pounds, you may be able to settle for using hollow-wall anchors (see 'eHow to Install Screws and Anchors in Walls').
Step7
Attach the brackets to the wall, lay your shelf on top, and screw the bracket into the shelf.

Tips & Warnings

  • Choose screws that will penetrate the wallboard and go into the stud about 1 inch. Choose shorter screws for mounting the shelf on the bracket, so they won't penetrate the top of the shelf.

Comments

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Anonymous

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on 4/12/2008 Before you buy a precut shelf, check it carefully to make sure there are no dents, scratches or chips in it. And make sure all the hardware and brackets are included.

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eHow Article:  How to Hang a Shelf

eHow Home & Garden Editor

eHow Home & Garden Editor

Category: Home & Garden

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