Finished Wall-Mounted Shelving Project
By Charles L. Westmoreland | Southeast Living
If you’re tired of assembling shelving made of particle board or want to make the most of your homes awkward nooks and crannies, then wall-mounted shelving is as easy and cost-effective as it gets. The shelving, which consists of metal standards, adjustable brackets and ready-made shelves, is perfect for home offices, walk-in closets, laundry rooms, pantries, garages and kids’ rooms. The shelves are easy to install and even easier to adjust whenever needed.
The only tools you need are a power drill, level, measuring tape and pencil.
Step 1: The metal standards need to be secure so it’s essential that you support the shelving by mounting the standards into wall studs. Trying to secure shelving by placing screws into drywall will pull the entire shelf down over time if too much weight is applied. Start by using your stud finder to locate all the studs along a particular wall, marking each with a pencil. Ensure the studs in your wall extend the length of the tracks and that you have marked the center of the stud. The distance between tracks will vary depending on the weight of what will go on the shelves. In the example provided tracks were placed about 20 inches apart. Never go more than three feet apart in order to prevent the shelves from gradually bowing under pressure.
Note: Reliable stud finders can be purchased for $15-$25 at practically any hardware store. It’s worthwhile to invest in a stud finder with multiple settings that can also locate wiring inside the walls. That extra feature doesn’t cost much extra and can save you from drilling into your electrical wiring.
Step 2: Using paper and pencil draft what you want the shelves to look like once installed. Are you trying to wrap shelving around a big screen TV, or perhaps make the most use of wall with odd nooks? Essentially you want to take into account any objects you need the shelving to form around to ensure that your pieces fit within the designated area and that there are enough studs to support the weight.
Step 3: Using two-inch wood screws secure the first track to the wall, ensuring the track is vertically level. Don’t tighten the top screw too much. You want the metal standard to be secure but to also freely hang. Once the track is level insert your bottom screw. Next hold the second track in place while you use the level to ensure both tracks are even across the top. Once the second track is level insert the top screw. Now add a set of brackets and a shelf and check once more to ensure the shelf is level. Then you can finish driving in the remaining screws. Repeat this step for other mounts. Now you’re ready to start placing the remaining brackets and shelves.
Note: It’s crucial that all wall mounts be perfectly level so that weight is distributed evenly.
A fun way to make your shelving mesh with a room is to stain shelves made of natural wood and to paint the brackets and metal standards. This last part is simpler and will save time if done before the actual installation. Wall-mounted shelving won’t work in every room in your home, nevertheless is remains a quick, convenient and affordable alternative to standard bookshelves. In some instances it may even require less assembly time and be much cheaper.