Adding shelves is a great way of saving some valuable floor space and showing off your valued possessions such as family photos, pictures, or books. There’s a range of options for you to choose from, and you can even create your box shelves or rustic shelving with reclaimed wood. Here’s how to get them on the wall.
Safety first
Before drilling, hammering or putting a screw into a wall, be sure you’ve checked what’s behind it with a pipe, cable and stud detector. They’re simple to use and will let you know if there are any pipes, cables or studs where you’re planning to work. Simply run it over the surface of the area and it will tell you where hazards lie
How to put up a fixed shelf
You should fit shelf brackets with the long arm against the wall and the shorter one under the shelf. Remember, the length of the longer arm will show you how close you can fit the shelves on top of each other.
Tools for the job:
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Small screws for fixing the shelf to the brackets
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A shelf
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A pipe, cable and stud detector
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Pencil
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Straightedge
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Wall plugs
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A spirit level
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Safety goggles
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A drill - opt for a hammer drill for masonry walls or a drill driver for internal stud walls
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Drill bits - choose masonry bits if drilling into masonry walls, or multi-purpose bits if drilling into a variety of surfaces
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A screwdriver
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Shelving brackets
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Screws to suit your brackets (check your brackets' packaging for details)
First Step
Check that the area behind the wall is free from any hidden pipes or cables before you fix your brackets. Hold the shelf against the wall and pencil where you’d like the bottom to go. Then, mark where the first bracket should be, as well as the distance to the next bracket. Check that the marks are level and use a spirit level.
Second Step
Hold the first bracket up to the mark, check it's straight and pencil the wall through the fixing holes. Do the same again for the second bracket. If there are more than two brackets, fit them between the outer brackets, equal distances apart.
Third Step
Drill into the wall and screw the brackets into place. Lay the shelf across and make a mark through the holes in the brackets for the fixing screws underneath it. Then, take the shelf down and drill pilot holes on the bottom for the short screws - be careful not to go right through to the other side. Replace the shelf and then carefully screw in the fixing screws.
So, for all your timber needs concerning shelving look no further than the team at Johnsons Timber Supplies. Call us today on 0121 706 0404 or email sales@johnsonstimber.co.uk.