How to Build a Wall Shelf With Bracing on Top

The most common shelving configuration is a simple flat board with two or more bracing boards underneath it. However, some situations call for a slight adjustment to that configuration. Whether the area below the shelf is blocked and cannot accommodate brackets, or the wall material below the shelf line is not convenient for installation, or for purely stylistic reasons, positioning the brackets above the shelf is a practical solution. Though the supportable weight load is slightly decreased in this arrangement, the shelf retains most of its capability to bear loads.

Stud finder
Pencil
Measuring tape
Shelf board
2 brackets
Drill
Drill bits
1-inch wood screws
Carpenter's level
3-inch wood screws

Instructions

- 1
  Scan the wall area where the shelf will be installed using the stud finder. Mark the locations two studs using the pencil. Use the tape measure to measure the distance from the center of one stud to the center of the next.
- 2
  Mark the top surface of the shelf board with two evenly-spaced markings the same distance apart as the wall studs. Position the brackets on these markings, with one surface of the bracket pressed against the shelf board and the other surface flush with the rear side of the shelf board. Predrill holes in each bracket screw hole, being careful not to penetrate the base of the shelf. Attach the brackets to the board with the 1-inch wood screws.
- 3
  Position the shelf with brackets against the wall, so the brackets line up on the stud markings. Set the carpenter's level on top of the shelf and adjust the edges of the shelf until it is perfectly level. Mark the location of the bracket holes with a pencil. Predrill the holes into the wall at each marking, making sure that the holes come in contact with the wall studs. Attach the shelf to the wall using the 3-inch wood screws.

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