#Floating shelves brackets how to

He did the top screw first and left it slightly loose and then used a level to make sure the bracket was straight before drilling the pilot hole and screwing in the bottom bolt for each bracket. This was necessary because they weren't 'normal screws,' so a screwdriver wouldn't work and we didn't have a drill bit large enough for the drill. Once the pilot holes were drilled, he used a socket wrench to screw them in. The screws for the brackets were heavy-duty bolts, so he first drilled a pilot hole with a smaller drill bit to avoid splitting the wood on the wall. Once we knew where to place them, Joe started with the top shelf (starting with the bottom would have made it difficult to get to the top) and marked where the screw went, using the bracket as a guide. After measuring that shelf (it's this one) and holding the brackets up on the wall to visualize, we went with 14 inches of space from between the shelves. We also had to decide how far apart to space them, so we used a shelf in Joe's office for reference.

Ignore the 3 brackets, but look at the tape- this is how we decided where to put the brackets the 2nd time! We used painters tape to visualize- I highly recommend doing that before screwing anything in. Using 4, we could have them almost evenly spaced and still hitting the studs. We had 5 brackets for each shelf but once we determined where the studs were, it made more sense to use 4. This is where you have to use your judgment. Once they are marked, you'll have to identify which studs to hang the brackets on. If you're attaching to studs, use a stud finder to find, and mark them.

skipping our first round and going straight to what worked (but if you're curious, it's all saved/shared over in the 'DIY shelves' highlight!), here's what we did: Turns out we could have bought special hardware so that we didn't need to worry about attaching the brackets into the wall studs.īut since we didn't have those bolts and were rearing to go, we did it the hard not-as-easy way. Now that you're all caught up, here's how we hung the shelves we built last week, or here's how we should have done it (spoiler alert- we had to start over after hanging the first few brackets!)įirst, if you're using the same brackets we did (and even if you're not), check out their installation guide.

#Floating shelves brackets how to

Week 6- How to Make Shelves With Two Narrow Boards Week 4- Installing a Floating Desk - Finally! Week 3- S helves, Brackets, and My Secret Weapon for Shelf Styling

Week 1- Our plans for a Fresh and Kid-Friendly Office Nook