How to Install Shelves in Your Closet
Installing shelves in a closet turns dead space into useful storage.
Instructions
- Step 1: Measure space Measure the space available for shelves.
- Step 2: Identify wall substance Check if your walls are made of drywall, masonry, or concrete.
- Step 3: Locate a stud If your walls are drywall, locate a stud – the frame behind the drywall. You can use a studfinder (available at hardware stores) or you can simply tap on the wall to determine which points sound less hollow.
- TIP: If you can’t locate a stud, use drywall anchors. Just make sure that when you fill the shelves, you don’t exceed the maximum weight.
- Step 4: Determine shelf location Decide where you want the shelf to be, and mark with a pencil. Use a leveler to make sure the line is straight.
- Step 5: Position shelf brackets Using the line you just drew, determine where the shelf brackets will need to be mounted and mark the place where the brackets’ screw holes will go.
- Step 6: Drill pilot holes Drill pilot holes at your markings.
- TIP: If you’re using anchors, make the holes slightly bigger than the screws. If you’re screwing directly into a stud, use a drill bit slightly smaller than the screws.
- Step 7: Insert anchors Insert the anchors into the holes you just drilled and hammer them into place.
- Step 8: Screw in brackets Screw the brackets into the wall or the wall anchors.
- Step 9: Mount the shelf Mount the shelf on top of the shelf brackets.
- TIP: Some shelves need to be screwed into the brackets as well.
- Step 10: Enjoy your space Enjoy the new space and try not to fill it up too quickly!
- FACT: The U.S. Library of Congress has over 500 miles of shelving.
You Will Need
- A tape measure
- Shelving
- Studfinder (optional)
- A pencil (optional)
- Leveler (optional)
- Brackets (optional)
- Drill and bits (optional)
- Wall anchors (optional)
- Screws (optional)