How to Hang a Wall Shelf

Hanging a wall shelf is a simple and easy job, If you do it right the first time. For most people, it looks easy enough, yet looks can be conceiving. The three biggest mistakes people usually run into often take a simple job and turn it into a time-consuming mess, so before we get into the best way to hang a shelf, first we will dissect the easiest way to avoid the three biggest mistakes.

Wall that won't hold the shelf

One of the biggest mistakes in hanging a wall shelf is realizing after you install it into your wall, the shelf pops out of the wall because you missed a stud board and shelf is too heavy. One of the most important factors you should evaluate is to see HOW the shelf is to be hung. Take a look on the back of the shelf and see if the follows not only center of where you are going to hang it, but if will hit at least one stud, (board), in your wall. Most parts on the back of a shelf can be removed, and if it makes the job easier, replace it with an easier, (or bigger), catch. Almost every hardware store sells these wall hangers and a bigger catch is better than having your shelf fall.

Shelf turned out to be uneven

You hang your shelf up, step back, and take a gander at the wall. The shelf you just installed is so uneven, a marble could roll right off the top. Uneven wall shelves are a common set back for most installers and even though you might lined it up straight from the top wall, it still came out uneven. One of the most important tools to use when hanging up a wall shelf isn't exactly a tape measure; it's a level. Instead of measuring from the wall down, try putting a level on it instead. This not only keeps your shelf level with gravity, it also looks level from the eye.

shelf too heavy

A lot of times, the person installing the wall shelf notices the shelf itself coming out of the wall. here are a few hints to help you with this mishap:
1. Use screws and put the nails away. Nails don't grab onto studs like a screw can. Often, the installer uses nails that are too small or big anyways.
2. Invest in putting drywall anchors in your wall. Just because a screw caught the drywall doesn't mean it's going to stay. An anchor can stop almost anything from pulling itself out of a wall.
3. Pay attention to width-verses-weight. Putting bowling balls on a fourteen-inch width shelf isn't too reassuring. A lot of my past clients have had shelves pull out of the wall because of this. Balance out what you are shelving and make sure it's not too heavy.

Tools and Materials

Measuring tape
Level
pencil
anchor set, (if applicable)
drill
screws

To start

Find the exact place to install the shelf. To put in a uniform position with your wall, ONLY measure the exact position to center it to your specifications, (like installing in the middle of a wall or on center of your T.V.). Determine if a stud is within the boundaries of your catches on the back of the shelf. If not, install a wall anchor exactly where the screw will be drilled in compared to the catch. hang the left side of your wall shelf. Level the shelf. then mark with your pencil, the correctlevel point on the bottom of your wall, underneath the bottom part of the shelf. Determine where the other screw is located, (or anchor), then hang. your wall shelf is now complete and your problems with unlevel shelves are over.

OVERALL

For a do-it-yourselfer, this is a level 1 project. Always see the instructions included in on your shelf and above all else; happy hanging!