Our solid wood wall shelves will make a beautiful addition to any space. I just shot a few Brad nails through the shelf into the brackets.Pine Wall Shelves, Oiled with Powder-Coated Cast Iron Brackets You can install the shelves in two ways, through the top of the shelf or underneath the bottom of the shelf. Make sure the shelf is perfectly level, and mark it under the shelf with a pencil. After installing the first bracket I put my board up with the level on top and marked for the second bracket on the opposite end. Installing the shelf brackets with this design means you will have to drive your screws in at a slight angle. Mark each spot you want to install a bracket, measuring in between for proper support placement. Measure from the ceiling or the floor for placement unless you have a laser level. Or other anchors depending on your wall material (masonry anchors, etc). If this works for the placement of your wooden shelf brackets, great, if not you may need to supplement with drywall anchors. Find your studs and mark them with a pencil on the wall so they are clearly visible. If you’re doing a shelf above a piece of furniture or further up the wall, the same logic applies. Determining how far off the ground I wanted my first shelf. When starting to install my shelving I actually started with my bottom shelf and did my top shelf last. So, make sure to pay attention to these detailed instructions and the following pictures. I know from personal experience that cutting angles can feel tricky. I would start with your largest pieces and then cut smaller pieces out of what is left of each board.

To cut your boards efficientlyĬutting your back pieces and tops are simple as they are a simple straight edge cut. This involves carefully measuring and marking the wood, and then arranging the cuts to minimize waste and maximize the number of brackets that can be cut from the available wood. Get the most use out of the material by creating a cutting plan or layout before cutting the pieces. And then cut in the opposite direction from your first cut. Then measure 8 7/8″ from that point, mark it, and turn your board completely over. Diagonal Support: 8 7/8″ (with 45° angles on either side in opposite directions)Ī Word of Caution: Make the 45° angled cut.You will need one of each of these pieces for each shelf bracket. Since my shelves will be 11 1/2″ deep I chose to create brackets that are 9″ in total length. With these steps, you’ll be one step closer to creating functional as well as stylish shelves for your home on a very small budget! Cut List for A Simple Shelf Bracket This section will guide you through the process of selecting the right type of wood, measuring and cutting your pieces to size, as well as preparing them for assembly. This will also determine the spacing between the shelves so your books can stand up, as well as the width of the shelf so you can fit all of your books. How can you ensure the safety and stability of your shelves and brackets, especially if they will be supporting heavy loads or in high-traffic areas?įor example: If I am designing these shelves to store books, I will want to look at my biggest book and measure that object to ensure the shelves are deep enough.How much time and budget do you have for the project and can you realistically complete it within those constraints?.What tools will you need for the project and do you have the necessary skills and experience to complete it?.

How will you finish the wood and add any hardware or decorative elements?.

How will you space them out and ensure they are level?.

How many shelves will you need and at what height?.

Where will the shelves be located? (for spacing).

What will you be storing it on? (to determine shelf depth needed).

How much weight will this shelf support?.

But ask yourself a few questions before moving forward with building your own DIY shelf brackets. The good news is that measurements of the brackets are super easy because they’re literally three pieces, a top, back, and support.

So, I include information to help you make yours built specifically for your space and project. I will go through precise instructions using the size of the bracket I needed, but you may need a different size bracket.

Pine wood shelf brackets