Decorative Shelving Installation Tips

Shelving Spans
If shelf supports are spaced too far apart, the shelf will sag under the weight of books or collectibles. A shelf support should extend outward so that the majority of the shelf's depth is resting on the supports. Shelf span and load determines whether 3/4-inch particleboard, 3/4-inch plywood, or solid stock shelving is used.

Installing Wood Shelving
If installing track shelves to studs, use drywall or wood screws; to mount to drywall, use anchors and drywall screws. Make sure the tracks are level and fastened to the wall in each of the supplied holes; a balanced shelf does not extend more than 6 inches beyond the tracks. To alignment single decorative shelves properly, measure from the ceiling and use a strip of masking tape on the wall to mark and evaluate shelf placement. Install brackets and attach the shelf to the brackets.

The Beauty of Glass
Glass wall shelves are magnificent with overhead or under-shelf lighting. Standard glass brackets extend at least the depth of the shelf, but are usually more delicate than brackets for wood decorative shelves. Using the wrong brackets makes glass shelves look unbalanced. Glass shelves made of tempered glass can often support 100 pounds. For small decorative glass shelves and light loads, rail or clip brackets made of chrome are mounted into the wall, and the shelf is fitted into them. The brackets blend in with the glass, and mounting is almost invisible.

Floating Decorative Shelves
Floating shelves use space efficiently and appear to magically hover on walls because the brackets are hidden. Measure wall space, locate the studs, and mark placement with a strip of masking tape. Attach one side of the bracket with a screw, hold the shelf up, check that it is straight, attach the other bracket, and test that both brackets are secure. If the bracket is loose in the drywall, it is not secure enough to hold the shelf. Finally, slide the shelf into the bracket.