How to Install Gardening Shelves That Stagger

Measure the area where the shelves are to be installed. Divide the area by the desired space between the shelves. For example, if the wall space equals 48 inches tall and the desired space between the shelves is 12 inches, it will take four shelves to fill the space.

Sketch the staggered pattern that you want on a piece of paper to use as a reference. Begin by measuring the left-hand side of the area to locate the first staggered shelf on the wall. Use the pencil to mark the place for the left-hand bracket on the wooden studs running in the wall.

Locate the studs if they are covered with drywall using a hand-held stud finder. Place the instrument up to the wall and hold down the button. Move the machine around against the wall until the stud finder tells you where the wooden stud is located. The brackets must be secured to the wood or the shelves will not hold the weight of the items placed on them.

Attach the shelf brackets to the studs by screwing them in with wood screws and an electric screwdriver. Temporarily lay the shelf across the bracket and level it using a carpenter’s level.

Mark the location for the right-hand bracket. Screw the bracket into the stud. Finish installing the shelf brackets in the staggered pattern and place the shelves on the brackets. Paint the shelves if desired.