DIY Microwave Shelf

Locate the studs, using the stud finder, in the area of the wall where you will be mounting the shelf. Mark the location of the studs using a pencil. Measure the distance between the studs and use this measurement as the distance between your shelf brackets.

Line up the brackets on the bottom of the shelf so they are exactly the same distance apart as the studs in the wall. Measure from the center of the stud and from the center of the bracket when making these measurements. Mark the location of the screw holes on the shelf using the pencil. Use a shelf board that's at least 1 inch larger than your microwave on all sides.

Pre-drill the holes in the shelf using a drill bit that is slightly smaller than the diameter of your wood screws. Attach the brackets to the shelf by screwing them into the shelf using wood screws, being careful not to penetrate the surface of the shelf.

Place the shelf on the wall and set the carpenter's level on top of it to make sure it is level. Mark the screw holes in the brackets, making sure that they line up with the previous markings for the studs. If they do not line up, remount the brackets to the shelf. Pre-drill the holes in the wall, making sure that they penetrate the studs.

Attach the shelf to the wall by drilling in all the screws halfway, then fully tightening them after all all screws have been placed. This helps balance the shelf and ensure that no screws are incorrectly placed.