The wood support beams inside the wall are great places to hang up.Sometimes the studs don't line up with where you want to hang the shelf.There are several different ways to support a shelf.A drywall anchor is a plastic screw that plugs into the wall.If you need something that is more heavy, use a molly bolt.Pick bolts for heavy shelves.Attach the mounting brackets to the anchor of your choice after you have prepared the wall and drilling pilot holes.
Step 1: The length of the shelf can be determined with a tape measure.
If the length is listed, check the packaging.Measure it yourself by putting the shelf on a flat surface.It will help you determine where to drill the pilot holes to anchor the shelf.There are brackets at the end of the shelf.To figure out where the brackets will be, you can apply the measurement to your wall space.
Step 2: There is a clear, spacious spot on the wall.
When selecting a spot, keep in mind the length of the shelf.The size of the brackets you plan on using is important.To judge the amount of clearance space available, try holding them up to the wall.The location of windows, doors, and other obstructions can affect shelf placement.If you have a lot of shelves, plan for all of them.You might want to arrange them so they are in line with one another.
Step 3: The end points of the shelf are marked with a pencil.
If you want to hang the shelf against the wall, press it up.The ends of the shelf can be seen on the wall.Keep the marks aligned with one another.While you mark the endpoints, have a friend hold the heavy shelf for you.Measure the shelf out on the wall if you have to.
Step 4: A bubble level can be used to draw a guideline on one side of the shelf.
You can place the shelf by holding a bubble level up.There is a capsule of liquid in the middle of the bubble levels.The bubble is level when it is in the middle of the liquid.To sketch a straight line, use a pencil.Make sure the guideline is straight and positioned where you want it to be.You should make a separate guideline for each shelf.When you hang it, you will use the guideline to keep the shelf level.You may not be able to hang the shelf later if you don't have a good guideline.
Step 5: The mounting brackets are on the wall.
Place the brackets against the wall.The screw holes will be on the ends.The type of brackets used will affect the number of holes in them.A floating shelf has pegs on it's end.The pegs have a shelf on them.There are metal shelf brackets.New shelves are packaged with mounting brackets.You can buy brackets at a hardware store.
Step 6: Use a 2 2 in drill bit to create pilot holes.
The size of the wall anchors you plan on using will affect this.The wall anchor has the same diameter drill bit.Then, drill all the way through the plaster.Don't hit anything behind the wall if you use a 2 2 in drill bit.The most common thickness of interior drywall is 2 in.The plaster is 8 in.You can cut through the wall with a matching drill bit if you know the thickness.The wall might have wires, wood framing, and other components behind it.If you want to avoid hitting these things, drill slowly.Once you can see all the way through the hole, stop drilling.
Step 7: The pilot holes can be tapped with a hammer.
A wall anchor has a threaded end on one side and is shaped like a screw.Attach the threaded end to the pilot hole.The anchor needs to be held up and tapped on the head a few times.Don't force it all the way in yet, but push it into the wall enough so that it stays there when you let go.The weight limit should be checked when shopping for anchors.They are in different sizes.The big ones can weigh up to 50 lbs.Limit the weight placed on them to make sure they stay in the wall.
Step 8: The wall anchors should be flush with the wall.
The anchor has an opening on its head.It would be the same if you used a regular screw.Make sure it is level with the wall, but don't overtighten it or it could damage it.For a quicker installation, use a drill.The anchors should not be spun too much.Keep the heads level with the wall.
Step 9: Attach the brackets to the anchors.
Align the screw holes with the anchors by holding the brackets against the wall.Put a screw in each hole.Once they are flush with the anchors, turn them clockwise with a screwdriver or drill.Check to make sure the brackets are secure.When you purchase the anchors, they come with screws.The size of the screw depends on the anchor, but they should be roughly the same.32 is used in (0. 24 cm)-wide screws.The screws should not be tightened too much.It could make it difficult to remove the screws later.
Step 10: The mounting brackets should be hung on the shelf.
Place the shelf on the wall.The shelf is on top of the brackets.Push the floating shelf onto the brackets.Check the shelf to make sure it can hold the weight of whatever you put on top of it.
Step 11: The pilot holes in the wall have bolts through them.
One end of the bolts has a metal tip that is supposed to go into the wall first.The bolt must fit through the hole if the shaft is flat.Push it in as far as possible.The bolt will come out from the other side of the wall.When a bolt is in the wall, it expands on the end.If possible, close up the bolt by squeezing it against the shaft.Molly bolts are used for both plaster and drywall walls.They are a good choice for medium-sized shelving.
Step 12: When the heads are flush with the wall, turn the bolts clockwise.
First, make sure the bolts are level with the wall.Then, use aPhillips screwdriver or drill.The bolt can be secured against the wall if the screws are turned.Pull on the bolts to make them stable.Once you feel resistance, stop turning the bolts.The wall could be damaged if they continued to rotate them.The screws can stick out from the wall if you turn them counterclockwise a few times.The brackets need to rest against the wall.
Step 13: Remove the bolts from the wall by rotating them.
To remove it, use a screwdriver or drill.The bolts will stay in place because of the flanges.There is an open hole for you to use when installing the brackets.The screws can be saved for reuse.You should keep a container nearby to drop the screws in.
Step 14: The brackets should be screwed to the bolts.
You can reuse the screws that were removed from the bolts.Match them to the bolt size you are using.Attach the screws to the molly bolts by rotating them clockwise, and then hold the brackets over them.If you have to get replacements, try using 32 in wide bolts.It is the average size many molly bolts use, so you may still need a different size.
Step 15: The shelves should be placed on the brackets.
According to the type of brackets you have, fit the shelf into place.All you have to do is put the shelf on top of the brackets.Try to move the shelves and brackets.Before putting anything on top of the brackets, make sure they are stable.
Step 16: Put the metal ends into the pilot holes.
There is a metal tip on one end and a plastic strap on the other.The metal tip goes into the wall.Push it all the way through the hole.Each hole has a different toggle set in it.It is the best option for shelves between 30 and 50 lbs.Some bolts can weigh more than that.They work for both plaster and drywall.
Step 17: If you have bolts, put the plastic ring toward the wall.
There is a small ring along the center of the strap.Hold onto the ring with one hand and hold the end of the strap with the other.Pull the strap toward you and push the ring back towards the wall.The bolt will be secured to the inner part of the wall by opening the flanges on the shaft.There are metal spring toggles that work the same way as molly bolts.If they don't have plastic straps, slot them through the mounting brackets and tighten them.
Step 18: If the bolt has a plastic end, remove it.
The strap emerges from the wall.If you bend it down, you'll get it back up again.The bolt should be left behind.Pull the ends of the strap apart if you have a hard time removing it.Push them against the wall.
Step 19: The brackets need to be screwed up.
With the plastic straps out of the way, you can install the brackets.Align the screw holes with the toggles by holding the brackets up to the wall.You need to fit a screw in each one.The screws need to be turned clockwise until they are almost level with the brackets.Make sure the screws are straight.They won't fit in the toggles if they're crooked.Don't tighten them.
Step 20: The shelves should be hung on the brackets.
Try to move the brackets by touching them.If they don't feel stable, make sure the brackets are secure and that the toggles are flush with the wall.Before putting anything on the shelves, make adjustments.