Builders Tips: Putting Up A Shelf

Shelves are the most flexible form of storage. Once you can put up a shelf, you'll have mastered the fundamental techniques required for hanging everything from paintings and mirrors to wall cupboards. It’s uncomplicated when you know how, as long as you ensure that the shelf is completely level and you pick suitable wall fixings so that the brackets are secure.

You'll Need:
Bradawl
Pencil
Power drill
Screwdriver
Shelves, brackets and fixings
Spirit level

1 - Plan the distance between the shelves. Be certain they're wide enough and spaced far apart enough for their intended use. The heavier the load, the more supports you'll need. Ensure brackets are a minimum of 400mm apart for bookshelves or when fitting glass shelves.
2 - Check that the screws are the proper size for the brackets and long enough to take the weight, and that the wall plugs and drill bit size are compatible. 'Universal' wall plugs cover a range of popular screw sizes.
3 - Mark a line along the wall where you want the shelf to be, making use of a spirit level to check that it's straight. Hold the brackets in place and mark the screw holes opposite, before checking the horizontal with a spirit level once more.
4 - With a solid wall, use a masonry drill bit to make holes for the first bracket, about 40mm deep where marked. Work slowly to ensure that the drill doesn't overheat. To mark the drilling depth, twist a piece of tape around the drill bit to mark off the first 40mm. For breeze block or hollow plasterboard walls, use an ordinary drill bit the correct size for the fixing. When working on wood use a bradawl to begin the screw holes as this will stop the timber splitting.
5 - Push in the wall plugs until they are flush with the surface, and loosely screw the bracket into place, continually checking that it is vertical with a spirit level.
6 - Repeat with the furthest bracket, and check both vertical and horizontal levels. Repeat until all of the brackets are in place, carefully checking the levels every time and making any adjustments when required. To keep away from making unnecessary holes in the wall, drill and screw just one hole for each bracket, marking the others in pencil until you're certain the shelf will be level.
7 - Screw the brackets firmly in place on the wall and put up the shelf. Mark the position of the retaining screws that secure the shelf to the bracket. Remove the shelf and make small pilot holes in it with a bradawl before replacing the shelf on the brackets and screwing into place normally.

By: Jim Smithy

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This article was written by a Brisbane builder specializing in home renovations and extensions in Brisbane QLD Australia. Offering carports, gazebos, room additions and more you - use a local Brisbane builder for all your home building needs.