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Best Ways to Install Shelving

Adequate shelving is one of the easiest ways to bestow storage space to your home. Wall shelving can be utilized to organize the home and store anything from boxes to books, and they are also fantastic for showing off collections. Regardless of how little experience you have with tools, you can easily install shelving without help from a professional. Vertical space in your home can be utilized for storage or a spot to exhibit your items.

Find the studs in the wall. For safe wall shelves it is crucial to locate at minimum one wall stud. Before adding shelving, use a simple magnetic or electronic stud finder to find the studs in the wall. Stud finders are available in a variety of price ranges, and even a cheap stud locator will be adequate for the job.

Install and level standards. The metal bars that hold shelving brackets are known as standards. It is easy to hang these and to level them vertically. After finding a stud in the wall, use an appropriately sized deck screw or drywall screw to attach the first standard to the wall; be cautious not to screw it in entirely. This will permit adjustments to be made. Also, the screw should be at least one inch in length so it will adequately hold the weight of the shelving and any displayed items. Keep in mind that shelving over 36″ in length or a unit that will hold more than two shelves should be equipped with more than two standards. Use at least three standards to make sure that the load will hold securely, and to prevent the shelving sagging.

Once the first standard is in place, use a level to determine the correct vertical position, and sink a screw into the next hole. Firmly attach screws to the wall in the rest of the holes, and do the same with the next standard after making sure of the distance it should be positioned from the first one. You will also have to make sure the standards are placed at the same height so the shelving will be level, and this is easily accomplished by utilized a laser level. A pencil can be utilized to indicate the right locations.

If the second standard will not be placed over a wall stud, you will have to use wall anchors. The best types of wall anchors are toggle bolts. The wings are pliable, and after the bolt and attachment are positioned through the wall, the wings instantly open and securely hold the heavy item in position. Plastic wall anchors may also be used, but make certain they have the ability of supporting the weight of shelves and items that are to be displayed. Utilize the same method of installing center standards, if needed, but make sure that the toggle bolts fit through the holes if they are to be used.

Installing brackets. Once the standards are in place, install the brackets that will hold the shelving. If the brackets are not long enough to accommodate the shelves, they can still be used. Simply the locations of the tips of the brackets against the shelving boards’ bottoms, and use a saw to create notches to accommodate the tips. Pay close attention to the load rating of the brackets before using them to support heavy items.

Placing shelving on the brackets. The last step is to place the shelving on the brackets. Costly readymade finished or laminate wood shelving is not required. Visit your local lumber yard or home improvement store and purchase inexpensive sturdy wood planks instead. Consider having them cut to your particular specifications before purchasing, and remember that they can be decorated or painted as well in order to blend with any decor theme.

Carol Mcguire is a popular contributor for WallDecorandHomeAccents.com, a site that specializes in candle lantern. Read other articles about decorating a home with tuscan style and how to redo your living room.