The360report

How do you hang shelf brackets?

Where should shelf brackets be placed?

Position the shelf brackets against the wall along the bottom of the shelf. Mark inside the holes so you know exactly where to insert the screws. Remove the shelf and the brackets from the wall. Review your markings to make sure everything is properly labeled.

How do you install shelf supports?

How To Install Center Shelf Supports

1. Locate stud in back wall. Measure to desired shelf height and mark location.
2. Next, snap the bracket into the back plate.
3. Place the shelf on the bracket and secure it by fastening wood screws through the holes in the wings at the top of the bracket.

Do shelf brackets need to be in studs?

As a general rule, it’s always ideal to install shelf brackets into wall studs. However, it can be difficult to install brackets directly on a wall stud In that case, we recommend using a toggle anchor (which are available for purchase here).

How long do screws need to be for studs?

You should use screws long enough to engage the stud one half the length of the screw. For example, if the wallboard is 5/8″ thick and the bracket is 1/8″ thick then you want a screw that is at least 1–1/2″ long.

How far apart should you put shelf brackets?

Supporting brackets for most shelves should be spaced no more than 24 inches apart for light to medium loads (15 to 20 pounds per foot). This means that the vertical slotted pilasters must be spaced at about that distance from one another on the wall.

What size bracket do I need for a 12 shelf?

The length of the protruding leg must be at least two-thirds of the depth of the shelf. For example, if the desired shelf is 12 inches deep, the supporting legs of the bracket must be at least 8 inches. Usually, both legs of the brackets are the same length; but this is not a hard rule.

How far can a shelf span without support?

The span limit is defined as the maximum distance apart that you can place the shelving supports. Glass, particleboard, solid lumber, plywood, and other common shelving materials can have span limits that can range from 18 inches to almost 5 feet.

How far should a shelf be from the ceiling?

At the very minimum, your shelves should be at least 12 inches apart. However there are exceptions, depending on the use. It can range from 8″ to 16″. Again, I used the level to make sure it was straight.

What is standard shelf spacing?

Average Shelf Spacing

A good average spacing for shelves is between 8 and 12 inches. If you have oversize books to store, you might prefer to increase the spacing to 15 inches.

How thick should a shelf be?

Use 3/4-inch thick materials for shelves and bookcase structure. If you’re using hardwood solids, it’s OK to boost the thickness to 1 1/4 inch for almost unlimited support. This type of shelf looks more like a mantel and is expensive, but adds the opulent look of craftsmanship.

How deep should a shelf be?

The standard depth of most shelves is 16 to 20 inches deep. The highest shelf should be shallower, like 12 inches deep, to make those items easier to access. If you find that stuff seems to get pushed to the back and forgotten about, you should consider even shallower shelves.