How to Put up Shelves
Decide where you would like to put up the shelves., Find the stud closest to where you want your shelves and mark it with a pencil., Find the next stud either to the right of left of the one you've already found., Hold up one of the brackets to the...
Step-by-Step Guide
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Step 1: Decide where you would like to put up the shelves.
This is mostly up to personal preference, but factors such as opened doors and stud placement should be considered when choosing a location. -
Step 2: Find the stud closest to where you want your shelves and mark it with a pencil.
A stud is the wood framing that comprises the inner structure of the walls.
It's essential to find a stud when putting up shelves because shelves drilled into dry wall are not well supported and will collapse. , Mark it with a pencil.
Studs are usually placed every 16 to 24 inches (40.62 cm to
60.96 cm) apart.
Ideally you want to put up shelves with the incorporation of at least two studs.
If your shelves are shorter than the distance between two studs, you will want to use one stud as a center point for your shelves. , Decide on the height of the shelves. , If you are putting up shelves at more than 1 height, make sure to make marks for that as well. , Draw a straight horizontal line to the next stud.
Repeat this step for the shelves at other heights. ,, Screw the 2-inch (5.08 cm) wood screws in so that the bracket fits tightly.
Repeat this step for the other studs and other shelves.
Use your level to guarantee the brackets are aligned. ,, Adjust to level. , Use 1/2-inch (1.27 cm)wood screws. -
Step 3: Find the next stud either to the right of left of the one you've already found.
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Step 4: Hold up one of the brackets to the wall.
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Step 5: Make a mark on the wall with your pencil.
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Step 6: Place the level lengthwise just above the pencil mark.
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Step 7: Line up the fixing hole (the screw hole of the bracket) with the pencil mark on the stud.
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Step 8: Drill a 2-inch (5.08 cm) hole into the stud.
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Step 9: Erase your pencil marks.
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Step 10: Place your shelves onto the brackets.
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Step 11: Screw the shelves to the brackets.
Detailed Guide
This is mostly up to personal preference, but factors such as opened doors and stud placement should be considered when choosing a location.
A stud is the wood framing that comprises the inner structure of the walls.
It's essential to find a stud when putting up shelves because shelves drilled into dry wall are not well supported and will collapse. , Mark it with a pencil.
Studs are usually placed every 16 to 24 inches (40.62 cm to
60.96 cm) apart.
Ideally you want to put up shelves with the incorporation of at least two studs.
If your shelves are shorter than the distance between two studs, you will want to use one stud as a center point for your shelves. , Decide on the height of the shelves. , If you are putting up shelves at more than 1 height, make sure to make marks for that as well. , Draw a straight horizontal line to the next stud.
Repeat this step for the shelves at other heights. ,, Screw the 2-inch (5.08 cm) wood screws in so that the bracket fits tightly.
Repeat this step for the other studs and other shelves.
Use your level to guarantee the brackets are aligned. ,, Adjust to level. , Use 1/2-inch (1.27 cm)wood screws.
About the Author
Kelly Coleman
Brings years of experience writing about DIY projects and related subjects.
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