The Spruce / Jason Donnelly
Wall shelves can be installed easily using metalstandards and brackets.
These systems work by means of metal standards attached vertically to the wall with screws driven into studs.
Brackets are then placed in the standards to extend out horizontally to support the shelves.
The Spruce / Jason Donnelly
For most applications, the double-slotted, heavy-duty products are the best choice.
Once you decide on a suitable wall for your shelves, sketch your plan.
This will give you some flexibility in the arrangement of the shelves.
The Spruce / Jason Donnelly
When you move, the whole shelving assembly can be disassembled quickly.
Fill and paint theholes in the wallto leave things just as they were before the shelves were installed.
Locate Studs
First, use astud finderto find wall studs.
The Spruce / Jason Donnelly
The standards must be anchored with screws driven into studsthe vertical framing members to which drywall is attached.
Use a battery-operated or magneticstud finderto locate the studs in your wall.
Move the stud finder straight across the wall, marking each stud location.
The Spruce / Jason Donnelly
Rather than a pencil, use small pieces of bluepainter’s tapeto mark the location of each stud.
When youre done, you’ve got the option to remove the tape without leaving any mark behind.
If your studs are spaced 24 inches apart, plan to attach a standard to each stud.
The Spruce / Jason Donnelly
Shelves should overhang the side brackets by no more than 6 inches.
For particularly heavy loads, check the manufacturer’s instructions to determine the best spacing for your standards.
Set the first standard in place at the intended height, centered over a stud.
The Spruce / Jason Donnelly
This will make it easier to set and drive the screw.
Plumb is indicated when the bubbles in the top and bottom vials are centered.
Use a level to double-check the standard is plumb, then attach the standard to the stud with screws.
The Spruce / Jason Donnelly
Repeat the process for any remaining standards.
Plan to use brackets that are just a bit shorter than the depth of the shelves.
You dont have to make all shelves the same depth.
The Spruce / Jason Donnelly
A tap with a mallet or hammer is sometimes necessary.
Attach the Shelves
you might buy shelves ready-made or you might make your own.
There are several options.
The Spruce / Jason Donnelly
Another method is to use the special bookend brackets that slip neatly into the slots in the standards.
Bookends are available in several sizes.
Jeff Beneke
