Whether you are dealing with drywall, plaster or masonry, follow our step-by-step guide (and video) to learn how to put up a shelf with brackets
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Knowing how to put up a shelf successfully is a must for everyones repertoire of DIY jobs. It is easy enough if you know what you are doing, and this skill means you can transform a space both visually and practically, adding much needed storage in the process.
As well as your chosen shelf, you will need: 1. Spirit level (opens in new tab)2. Hammer (opens in new tab) 3. Tape 4. Counterpunch 5. Drill (opens in new tab) 6. Screwdriver (opens in new tab) 7. Digital stud detector (opens in new tab) 8. Screws 9. Wall fixings 10. Pencil
Our step-by-step guide will help you learn how to hang shelves on the wall with brackets – which are essential if your shelving ideas are on the creative side and likely to take a fair amount of weight. Rest assured that whether youre working with drywall, plasterboard or masonry walls, youll be able to complete this job with every success. All without calling in (or paying) someone to help you!
Building contractor, Aaron Donovan of AD Services (opens in new tab) adds, Putting up a shelf is a very easy job, just be sure to plan. Before doing anything, consider the size and depth of your shelves. Don’t place particularly deep shelves near doors or busy areas of the home where there is a danger of people bumping into them. Generally, shelves should be mounted at eye level.
You can watch the video below to see how it is done, and read the steps for success.
4 Answers 4 Sorted by:
Put the leg that best matches your shelf width under the shelf. That is why theres different leg sizes. The brackets critical section is the inner corner, it is equally strong in both directions. That said, usually the critical portion of the entire assembly is the withdrawal of the upper wall screw. Having the long leg against the wall somewhat reduces this force. But if that results in a significant portion of the shelf unsupported, that could weaken the assembly more than the modest gain in withdrawal strength.
The best approach is to fully support the shelf and use wall screws that are long enough to provide plenty of withdrawal strength regardless which leg is against the wall.
The long leg goes against the wall. You can do it the other way, but it wont be as strong.
The long part goes against the wall, under the shelf. The length of the actual bracket under the shelf should be three quarters the width of the shelf.
It depends on if you want more clearance vertically or horizontally. Theyre supposed to provide more clearance vertically, otherwise youll lose more shelf space height on the one below it. Even if theres no shelf below, do it that way so you dont hit your head on it.
Shelf brackets shouldnt be sticking out of the wall at all, a full foot below it. (meaning its the wrong way in your picture). The other way, its more like just an 8″ head-bonker.
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If you want to know how to put up shelves with brackets on a tile wall, like a bathroom wall or kitchen backsplash, follow these steps:
Knowing how to install floating shelf brackets on any type of wall gives you the freedom to add storage or display space anywhere you need it. Remember to check the level of your shelving brackets multiple times throughout the installation process to ensure your shelves are flat and even.
Shelving brackets make installing wall shelves easy. The brackets can be either subtle or decorative and will ensure that your shelves are sturdy and can support whatever you store on them. With the right tools, brackets can be installed on drywall, masonry or tile, so you can learn how to put up shelves with brackets in your living room, kitchen, garage or anywhere else in your home.
Ready to find the supplies you need to install new shelves? Use The Home Depot Mobile App to locate products and check inventory.
The process of installing brackets to masonry walls, such as brick or concrete walls, differs only slightly. Here’s how to install shelving brackets to masonry walls:
Mark out the position of your shelf
Generally, shelves should be mounted at eye level. Next, grab your mounting brackets and effectively eyeball the first one, see how it looks and if you’re happy with the height. The brackets are the most important part as they actually hold the weight of the shelf. adds Donovan.
Once youve decided on the height you want your shelf, Mark your desired position of the bracket on the wall using a pencil. Place the tip of the pencil inside the screw holes of the bracket and make a small dot on the wall. Then, grab a level and draw a line from your first marked spot all the way over to your second bracket position. This will ensure you’ve got a level shelf. ( credit: Claire Douglas)
Using a counterpunch, tap a small dent into the centre of each mark, this will stop your drill or screwdriver from slipping. Place a small strip of Sellotape over the drill hole to stop plaster or paintwork from cracking. ( credit: Claire Douglas)
Next comes the drilling, you’re far better off drilling a pilot hole into the wall for the screws instead of trying to directly screw the brackets into place in one go. It’s recommended to use a drill for this but you can struggle on with a screwdriver if you have the patience and arm strength. Recommends Donovan. ( credit: Claire Douglas)
FAQ
Which way do you install shelf brackets?
How do you hang shelves with L brackets?
