One of the best ways to add more storage space to a room of any size is with shelving. Wall shelving can be used to organize and store anything from books to containers, and they are also fantastic for displaying collectibles. Without assistance from a professional, most individuals discover that putting in shelving is not a challenging home improvement project. Consider the available vertical space in your home, and use the following steps and instructions to add more storage or a place to display your favorite collectibles.
Locate the wall studs. For secure wall shelving it is important to locate at least one wall stud. Use a basic magnetic stud finder or an electronic stud locator to find studs in the wall before beginning to install shelving. Stud locators are sold in a variety of price ranges, and even a cheap stud locator will be adequate for the job.
Level and install standards. The metal bars that hold shelving brackets are known as standards. They are really effortless to hang and level vertically. After you have located a wall stud, a deck screw or drywall screw of appropriate size and a power drill to secure the first standard to the wall, being cautious not to screw it in all the way. This will allow for adjustments to be made. You should use screws that are at minimum one-inch long in order to support the weight of the shelves and items on them. Keep in mind that shelving over thirty-six inches in length or a unit that will hold more than two shelves should be outfitted with more than two standards. Use at least three standards to ensure the load will hold, and to prevent the shelving from sagging.
Once the first standard has been placed, use a level to determine the appropriate upright positioning, and then sink a screw into the next hole. Securely attach screws to the wall in the rest of the holes, and do the same with the next standard after determining the distance it should be positioned from the first one. You will also have to make sure the standards are positioned at the same height so the shelving will be level, and this can be achieved using a laser level or a long carpenter's level. Utilize a carpenter's pencil to indicate the appropriate areas.
In the event that the second standard will not be installed over a wall stud, you will have to use wall anchors. The optimal 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 place. Plastic wall anchors can also be used, but make sure they are capable of holding the weight of shelves and displayed items. Use the same technique of installing center standards, if needed, but make certain that the toggle bolts will fit through the holes if they must be used.
Install brackets. Install the brackets that will hold up the shelving once the standards are in position. Brackets that not long enough to accommodate the shelves may still be used. Simply the areas of the tips of the brackets against the shelving boards' bottoms, and use a saw to make notches to accommodate the tips. Pay close attention to the load rating of the brackets prior to using them to support heavy items.
Placing shelving on the brackets. The last step is to place the shelves on the brackets. Costly ready-made finished or laminate wood shelves is not required. Pay a visit to your community home improvement store or lumber yard and purchase sturdy wooden planks instead. They can be cut to specifications before purchase, and they can be painted and decorated to coordinate with any color or style of room decor.
Article by Brenda Walker of “Wall Decor & Home Accents” – online wall art store for wall candle sconces.
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