HOME CLINIC; HOW TO PUT UP SHELVES AND MAKE SURE THEY'RE LEVEL (Published 1987) (2024)

FAQs

How to ensure shelf brackets are level? ›

Once your anchors are installed, you can use the screws to attach the shelf bracket to the wall. I've found that the best way to ensure all your brackets are level with each other is to use your level regularly, checking vertically and horizontally that the bracket is level.

Make sure you have removed all items from the shelf. Hold onto a shim sandwich - two or three shims stacked together with one hand. Keeping the shelf hanging on its wall screws, using your free hand tip the top of the shelf back toward the wall just until it is level.

Put your items on the shelf and then place a straightedge along it. If the shelf sags, bring the stacks closer together until it's completely straight. If the brackets can't be fixed that close together, you'll need to use a thicker material for the shelf.

The best way to ensure your shelves are straight and level is to use a spirit level. If you've never used one before, simply place the tool on your shelf and if the bubble is within the guidelines, you are good to go!

Additionally, as far as height from the ground goes, much like artwork, shelves should be hung near eye level or about four to five feet from the floor.

If your floating shelf is tilting—that is, if the front of the shelf appears lower than the back of the shelf, that points to a lack of strong supports. You could be using incorrect brackets, or the shelf might not have been installed properly.

Screwing the shelves into the back is a great start and will provide a significant amount of support along the length of the shelf. Another similar option would be to install a thicker back panel and rout a dado for the entire back of the shelf to sit in.

You can use a “shim.” You may need to try several applications before you find something that gets your shelf level. Folded gift cards, cardboard, and thin pieces of scrap wood all will work well for this. Tape or screw your shim into your shelf and try re-hanging the shelf.

vertically, plumb bobs use gravity to determine. straightness. Here's how to use a plumb bob: Secure one end of the string above the area you want.

The original way was to suspend a weight at the end of a string - it is the bob in plum-bob - and hold it vertically from the top of the wall then measure the distance from the string to the wall at various places down the wall. If they are all the same then the wall is plumb.

How do you balance shelves? ›

This is a simple way to easily add balance to open shelves.

As you place objects, put like items diagonal to one another on different shelves to create balance. In addition, try not to line objects up vertically to help create the illusion of fullness on the shelves without overcrowding.

Use a pencil or masking tape to mark the planned location of each bracket. On drywall, the brackets should be secured to the wall studs, so the bracket locations should line up with your marked wall studs. Use a level to make sure your planned bracket locations are along a straight, level line.

Depending on how wide your shelf is you will want to get at least 2 brackets on two wall studs. It is recommended to space your brackets out evenly and mount each one to a wall stud.

Check shelf supports: Look for damaged or loose shelf supports like dowels, cam locks, or metal brackets. Replace or tighten them as needed. Add corner braces: If the shelf itself is flimsy, add corner braces underneath for extra rigidity.