How to Hang a Floating Glass Shelf so It Won't Sag

Glass Shelf With Mounting Brackets

• 1

  Assemble the glass shelf. Tighten the decorative bracket cover arms to the bottom of the glass according to the manufacturer's instructions.

• 2

  Place the stud finder flat against the wall in the area where you plan to hang the shelf. Place a mark on the wall where the studs are located.

• 3

  Set the glass shelf against the wall. Set a level on top of the shelf and make sure it is even. Adjust the shelf as necessary to get it level.

• 4

  Determine whether the brackets will line up with the stud marks. Then trace the perimeter of the decorative bracket covers on the wall with a pencil. If the brackets line up with the stud marks, you will not need to install toggle bolts (as discussed in Step 6).

• 5

  Position each bracket in the center of one of the traced circles, or other shapes, on the wall. Mark the screw holes in the bracket with a pencil. Then remove the bracket.

• 6

  Pre-drill a hole into the screw mark with an electric drill or Phillips screwdriver. Push a toggle bolt into the pre-drilled hole, if there is no stud behind the drywall.

• 7

  Line the brackets in front of the pre-drilled holes. Then screw them into place with an electric drill or Phillips screwdriver. If you inserted a toggle bolt, the bracket screws will be tighten into the toggle bolt.

• 8

  Place the level over the top of the brackets to make sure they are even. If not, unscrew them and even them out as necessary.

• 9

  Set the decorative bracket covers over the brackets. Tighten the small screws on the side of the covers into the bracket with a Phillips screwdriver. Also tighten the set screws holding the bracket arms to the shelf with a flathead screwdriver until they are snug.

Glass Shelf Without Mounting Brackets

• 10

  Place the supplied template against the wall and mark the position of the shelf grooves. Contact the manufacturer if you misplaced the template.

• 11

  Cut the grooves into the drywall or plaster using a wall saw. Follow the manufacturer's instructions for the depth, width and height of the grooves. The width and height should match the grooves on the shelf. The depth often doesn't need to exceed 1/2 inch.

• 12

  Place adhesive caulking on the grooved edges of the shelf. Then push the edges firmly into the wall grooves. Hold in place for several seconds until the shelf appears secure.

• 13

  Wipe away any excess adhesive caulking with a moist cloth.