How to Hang a Shelf
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. Does this Spark an idea?
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Things You'll Need
- Woodworking Tools
- Measuring Tapes
- Shelf Brackets
- Shelves
- Carpenter's Pencils
- Drill Bits
- Levels
- Multiuse Screws
- Screwdriver Sets
- Stud Finders
- Variable-speed Drills
Instructions
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1
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.
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2
Buy screws if you don't have a supply at home or if they don't come with the brackets (see Tips).
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3
Find the wall studs; you'll fasten the brackets to them (see 'eHow to Locate Wall Studs').
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4
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.
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5
Line up the top of each bracket with the pencil line and mark the attachment holes on the wall. Set the bracket aside.
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6
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').
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7
Attach the brackets to the wall, lay your shelf on top, and screw the bracket into the shelf.
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1
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.
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Comments
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Nov 22, 2005
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.
