How to Mount Shelves on Drywall?

Answer 1

How to Set Up Shelves on Dry Wall

Setting up shelves on drywall is so easy, everyone can do it for about $20 and 20 minutes of their time. Before you purchase any of the materials, scope out the wall to figure out how big you want the shelf. Figure out how long the shelf should be, then purchase a shelf made from glass, wood, particle board, or other material, drywall anchors, and mounting brackets.

Required Tools

Most people have the following tools already, but you'll need to go ahead and purchase them at your local hardware store if you don't:

• Level
• AC Detector/Studfinder
• Philips-head Screwdriver
• Tape Measure
• Pencil

Preparation

Scan the wall with your AC detector to ensure that no wires are running behind the wall where you're about to drill. Fraying or snapping a wire causes serious problems, potentially electrocuting you or even starting a fire. Mark the right-most point of the shelf, called the "datum," and then make a mark about 4 inches to the left of the datum. Use the tape measure to mark a point 4 inches from the left edge of the shelf as well. Use the level to make sure that the shelf will be perfectly horizontal on the wall.

Installation

There's no need to pre-drill the drywall anchors. A normal philips-head screwdriver should be sufficient to screw the anchor into the wall at the market location. Secure the anchor's screw, tightening it almost the whole way. Slide a bracket over each anchor screw, tightening the screw if the bracket wobbles too much. Finally, all that's left is to place the shelf on top. Push it flush against the wall, and measure each end to make sure that it's balanced between the two brackets. With about 20 minutes of work, you've set up your very own drywall mounted shelf.