How to Install Floating Shelves

How to Install Floating Shelves

Floating shelves are a stylish and functional addition to any home. Not only do they provide extra storage space, but they can also serve as decorative accents and display areas for books, photos, and other objects. Installing floating shelves may seem like a daunting task, but with the right tools and techniques, it can be a simple and rewarding DIY project.

In this guide, we'll walk you through the steps of how to install floating shelves, from choosing the right materials to hanging them securely on your walls. Whether you're a seasoned DIY enthusiast or a beginner looking to tackle your first home improvement project, you'll find everything you need to know to install floating shelves like a pro.

Project Checklist

Before starting the project of installing floating shelves, create a checklist to ensure you have all the necessary tools and materials on hand. Be sure to also check the weight capacity of your shelves and choose the appropriate brackets and hardware for your installation.

Tools

Step 1: Check Walls 

Which type of wall are you fixing the shelf to? If you are dealing with a hollow wall, screwing directly into the wall studs is best. But if you need extra support between the studs, you will have to look at toggles that expand and grab inside the wall as the screw is tightened. Without these toggles, the plaster may not be able to support the weight of the shelf pulling downward, potentially leading to it coming unfixed – along with anything on it! As always when drilling into a wall, make sure you check for electrical cables, plumbing and gas pipes before you start drilling – cutting a line could have disastrous consequences.

Step 2: Mark with Pencil 

Once you’ve checked your walls and your hardware sorted, it’s time to get to work. A crooked shelf isn’t of any use to anyone, so use a spirit level to ensure that it’s in line with the floor, marking a line on the wall so you can easily angle the shelf correctly for the next step. After that, grab the shelf bracket and find the pre-drilled holes – using them as a guide and keeping the shelf on the line you’ve just drawn, mark where you’ll be drilling your screw holes with a pencil by pushing it through the bracket. 

Step 3: Getting your wall ready

Now it’s time to drill some holes. Depending on the composition of your walls, you may be required to drill a pilot hole prior to fixing the screws, especially if you’re attaching it to studs, bricks or concrete. If this is required, find a drill bit that is slightly smaller than the screws you will be using to fix the shelf to the wall and mark the length of the screw on the bit with a bit of tape before drilling the pilot hole. Shelves being fixed directly into the plasterboard will most likely require an anchor. In this case, the principle is very much the same. Using the marks on the wall as guides, drill a hole slightly smaller than the diameter of the wall plug you’ll be using, before gently tapping the anchor into place with a small hammer. 

Step 4:  Affixing your Bracket 

With your pilot holes drilled or your wall plugs in place, now we can start assembling. Holding the bracket up to the wall, push the first screw through the pre-drilled hole and partially into the pilot hole/anchor. Then, continuing to support the bracket, slowly drill in your first screw. Don’t tighten it all the way yet – leave it slightly loose at the end to allow for adjustments on the second hole. Make sure you put your fixing screws at the top of the shelf so it doesn’t move. Then, continue to place screws along the wall, pivoting the bracket if required to ensure it stays in alignment with your pilot holes/anchors. Once all the screws are in, tighten them all at once and your bracket is fixed to the wall!

Step 5: Shelving

Finally, the easy part. Pick up the shelving unit itself and slide it onto the bracket, ensuring it is securely attached by the guide rails, dowels or whatever fixing method is used to join the two components. Stand back and admire your handy work – you now not only have more storage and stylish addition to your room but have achieved it all by yourself!

By following these simple steps, you can easily install floating shelves in your home without the need for professional help. Not only will this enhance the functionality of your space, but it will also add a decorative element to any room. With floating shelves, you can create a customized look that fits your style and personality. So, whether you're looking to organize your space or showcase your favorite items, installing floating shelves is a simple and practical solution.

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