How Do You Put Up Shelving?

Shelving on Brick Walls

• 1

  Use the tape measure to determine the location of the brackets on the wall. Measure up from the floor to ensure the brackets will be the same height and the shelves will be straight. Brackets should be evenly spaced across the length of the shelf. The total number of brackets needed will depend upon how large your shelf is and how much weight you intend the shelf to hold. Mark the bracket locations with a pencil.

• 2

  Drill holes in the brick at the marked locations using a hammer drill. The drill bit in the hammer drill should be the same size as the plastic plugs. Insert the plastic plugs into the holes so they are flush with the wall and not sticking out of the holes at all.

• 3

  Line up the brackets over the holes in the wall. Screw the screws through the brackets into the plastic plugs in the wall using the electric screw gun. Place the shelf on top of the brackets. Screw the shelves to the brackets.

Shelving on Drywall

• 4

  Find the location of the studs in the wall using a stud finder. Mark the locations lightly with pencil. Determine if the stud locations correspond with the necessary bracket locations for the shelf. Brackets should be evenly spaced across the length of the shelf. The total number of brackets needed will depend upon how large your shelf is and how much weight you intend the shelf to hold. If the brackets line up with the studs in the wall, your shelf will be stronger and safer and be able to hold a heavier load.

• 5

  Measure up from the floor to ensure the brackets will be the same height and the shelves will be straight. Mark the bracket locations with a pencil. Drill holes using the electric drill for brackets located on the studs.

• 6

  Line up the brackets over the holes in the wall. Screw the screws through the brackets located over studs using the electric screw gun. Screw toggle bolts through the brackets in locations where there is no stud present for anchoring the shelf. Place the shelf on top of the brackets. Screw the shelves to the brackets.