Interior Design : DIY - Install Wall Shelving and Add Storage Space
|
By: Jeanelle Deppner
 
Date Submitted: 2009-09-23 02:37:08 - Article Views: 20215
|
|
Vertical space is often the most underutilized spaces in the house, so why not turn this dead space into storage space by installing wall shelves? Anyone can install metal wall support brackets and shelving with just a few tools and wall shelves are perfect for adding storage or displaying your favorite collectibles. Follow these easy instructions and you will be making the most of vertical spaces in no time at all.
How-to locate wall studs:
To be sure that your loaded wall shelves will not come crashing to the floor, it is essential to locate at least one wall stud for each shelf. A magnetic or electric stud finder is a useful tool that will help you locate studs for secure mounting. Once you have determined the general location for your shelves, locate the stud and mark it lightly with a pencil.
What are standards and how are they installed?
Shelving brackets are held to the wall with metal brackets called standards which are installed vertically on the wall. The key to installing wall shelves is to attach the standards so that they are perfectly level. Use a drywall or deck screw to attach the first standard to the wall where the stud is located; however, do not drive the screw into the wall all the way. Keep in mind that the screw should be at least one-inch long to secure the shelf and its contents; shelves that are longer than thirty-six inches should be secured with three standards. Units that will hold more than two wall shelves should also be installed with three standards to prevent sagging or collapse.
After your first standard is held in place by a partially inserted screw, use a level to perfectly align the standard on the wall, then sink a screw into the next hole. Double check the alignment and drive the screws all the way into the wall. Add the remaining screws to each hole. Measure the distance to the next standard, based on the width of your shelves and mark the location for the second standard with a pencil. Be certain that both standards are hung at the same height. A laser level or carpenters level can help with this task.
If there is no stud behind the location of the second standard, use toggle bolts for security. Install them according to package directions; make sure that the toggle bolts will fit through the holes of the standards before installing. Plastic wall hangers can be used in some situations, but they are designed for lighter loads. Be sure to check the load capacity and determine which hangers are appropriate for your needs.
Install brackets and shelving:
Now for the easiest part of the job: Snap the brackets in to the wall standards and lay the shelves on top of the brackets. If the shelves are deeper than the brackets, mark the location of the tips of the brackets on the bottom of the shelves with a pencil. Use a saw to notch a slit in the board that will accommodate the bracket tips. However, do not use shelves that are much too big for the brackets, or the brackets will not support the weight of the oversize shelves and contents.
When shopping for shelves, you will find that laminate or finished wood shelving is more expensive than unfinished wood planks. However, you can save a few dollars by having the wood planks cut to your specifications at the lumber yard. Smooth the edges with sand paper and stain or paint them to match the decor. |
|
|
 Author Resource Required for Reprint:
This article was written by Jeanelle Deppner and provided by http://www.walldecorandhomeaccents.com/, a site featuring unique wrought iron candle holders and modern art wall clocks.
|
|
Article Source:
Echievements
Back to Top
|
Tags:
wrought iron candle holders  modern art wall clocks |
|
|
Bookmark and Share
|
|
 Interior Design Category Rss Feed |
-
When it comes to interior designs, there is no shortage of styles to choose from. So many people will go into a redecorating project with a specific style in mind, while others are still actively looking for design inspiration.
Viewed: 94 Times.
Read More ...
-
Glider rockers are among the most beloved pieces of furniture when it comes to houses. Functionality and comfort are the two main assets that made the rockers the most coveted seats in any home. Once upon a time mothers were using them to put their babies to sleep, rocking them softly while being in their arms.
Viewed: 94 Times.
Read More ...
-
Do you ever go to visit someone for the first time and end up looking round to see how they have decorated their homes, because like it or not our decor says a great deal about the people we are. The manner in which we design our rooms can and does often indicate the things we like and dislike, and also gives a certain indication of our general character.
Viewed: 95 Times.
Read More ...
-
In order to get the best price for your home, you need to make it look good. This may require you to make a few improvements. But don't go all out; remember that any project you undertake should cost less than the return you will provide.
Viewed: 95 Times.
Read More ...
-
Designers in charge of planning for a family home have a daunting task in front of them. They must provide an aesthetically pleasing place for the family to live and gather friends for special social occasions. At the same time, the designers must provide for the utilitarian needs of that family and those friends.
Viewed: 95 Times.
Read More ...
|
|
| Jeanelle Deppner's Author Feed |
-
The preteen years can be tough enough to handle without having to worry about how to give your growing girl the perfect room.
Viewed: 95 Times.
Read More ...
-
An ideal family room is one that draws the members of your clan together for casual family gatherings and is personalized by the unique character of your family members. If you want to redesign and redefine your family room, consider these user-friendly ideas that will bring your inner decorator to life.
Viewed: 96 Times.
Read More ...
-
Window frames can be expensive so try looking for them at the curb. When remodeling, people often throw them out for any scavenger to find.
Viewed: 97 Times.
Read More ...
-
If you are looking for an affordable decorating accent then you should try candles. Candles come in every shape, size, color, style, and fragrant imaginable.
Viewed: 97 Times.
Read More ...
-
Sometimes it is hard to watch your little princess grow up and shed all of her little girl accouterments only to start flexing her independent muscles by wanting to design her bedroom in a more grown up style.
Viewed: 98 Times.
Read More ...
|
|
Article use is considered your agreement of our Terms of Service.
This work is licensed under a
Creative Commons Attribution-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License.
Thanks for visiting Echievements
Copyright © 2008 - 2011 Echievements
Back to Top
|
|
|
Print
