How to Build Shelves for Audio Equipment

Find the location of the wall studs in the shelf installation area, and mark them clearly with a pencil, using a line to represent each side of the stud for better clarity. Measure the distance between a position dead center on one stud to a center position on the next stud.

Flip a 1/2-by-14-by-36-inch shelf board upside down, and set the brackets on the bottom surface of the board, keeping them the same distance as the studs. Place one surface of the bracket flush against the shelf board and the other surface of the bracket perpendicular to the shelf board, 3 inches behind the rear edge of the shelf. Mark the position of each bracket screw hole.

Drill a hole in each marked position, drilling just deep enough that the hole doesn't penetrate the surface of the shelf. Attach the brackets to the shelf board using 1/2-inch wood screws.

Hold the shelf up to the wall with the help of an assistant, and position it so that the board lines up on the wall studs that have been marked. Place a carpenter's level on top of the shelf, and adjust the shelf until the level reads that the shelf is in a completely straight position. Mark the position of each bracket screw hole. Remove the shelf, and drill each hole until the drill bit strikes the wood stud. Remove the drill bit, and re-angle the drill if there is no contact with the stud.

Reposition the shelf, and attach it firmly to the wall with 3-inch wood screws. Repeat for as many shelves as necessary.