Common terms and phrases associated with decorative shelfs and hardware

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Decorative Shelf/Hardware Glossery

 

• Anchors: metal or plastic casing that mounts into hollow walls to securely hold screws.

 

 

• Collectible Case: a hanging or freestanding box with a transparent front.

 

 

• Curio Cabinet/Case: glass-enclosed freestanding or small hanging display case with 1 or more (often locking) glass doors.

 

Drill Bits: the component at the end of an electric drill that cuts holes.     Drywall Screws: screws with aggressive threads; bugle-head screws.     Etagere: a unique open cabinet for displaying collectibles.

 

• Flag Case: a triangular wood-and-glass case that displays folded memorial flags.

 

 

• Freestanding Shelf: a shelf or bookcase that stands by itself, with or without anchors.

 

 

• Ladder Shelf: a leaning or freestanding ladder-shaped shelf.

 

 

• Modular Shelf: a shelf that is made up of subsections.

 

 

• Overhead Shelf Lighting: lighting above shelves, common in curio cabinets and cases.

 

 

• Particle Board: plywood substitute made from sawdust and resin pressed into sheets.

 

 

• Plexiglas: an easily scratched acrylic plastic used to replace glass.

 

 

• Plywood: a sheet of wood made of 3 or more layers of wood veneer laminated together.

 

 

• Rail/Clip Bracket: a small bracket that installs into the wall to support floating shelves.

 

 

• Shelf Bracket: a bracket that supports a shelf.

 

 

• Shelf Span: the complete length of the shelf.

 

 

• Studs: wood framing that supports drywall, vertically spaced 16 inches apart.

 

 

• Stud Sensor: a tool used to locate wall studs by measuring density.

 

 

• Tempered Glass: treated glass, which is strengthened by reheating it just below the melting point and quickly cooling it.

 

 

• Wall Bracket Shelf: a wood or glass shelf that is supported by brackets that equal or are greater than the depth of the shelf.

 

 

• Wall Corner Shelf: small individual, wood or glass, wedge or square shelves designed for corners.

 

Wall Floating Shelf: a shelf supported by rail or clip brackets that are almost invisible, making the shelf seem like it is floating.     Wood Screws: a screw with a tapered shaft that easily penetrated undrilled wood.