Putting up Shelves

Source:  BBC Homes, Lifestyle, DIY

Thursday 27^th May 2004

Skill Level: Basic

Duration: 1 hour 

There are two basic options when putting up a shelf - to use wall brackets if the shelf is in an open wall, or to set it on wall- mounted support battens if it's in an alcove. Here's how to use wall brackets. There’s a huge choice in shelf brackets - mainly in metal, but you can also find plenty of wood shelf brackets too, often pre-packed with a matching shelf.

Tools you will need:

Bradawl

masonry drill bit

pencil

power drill

screwdriver and screws

shelves, track and brackets

spirit level

tape measure

wall plugs (masonry walls only)

Mark the position
To put up a fixed shelf decide where you want to install it and use your pencil and spirit level to draw a faint horizontal guideline on the wall level with the shelf's top surface.

Position the brackets
Next, use your tape measure to mark the positions of the brackets on the line.

First bracket
Hold the first bracket at its mark, check that it’s vertical with your spirit level and mark the fixing positions on the wall through the screw holes. Drill and plug the fixing holes, then screw the bracket into place.

Second bracket
Hold the second bracket in position and rest the shelf and spirit level on top to double-check that the shelf will be dead level. Mark the position of the fixings for the second bracket as before.

Secure shelf
Lift off the shelf and spirit level, and fix the bracket after drilling and plugging the holes as before. Finish the job by spreading a little woodworking adhesive on top of each bracket, then set the shelf in place.