Difficulty
Beginner
Duration
Under 2 hours
One way to display books and collectibles in any room of your home is adjustable bracket shelving. They are easy to install and create a stable and level exhibition area. The standards are designed to give you the added flexibility of changing the height, spacing, and even the lengths of individual shelves as your storage needs change. Read this guide for the basics of how to install adjustable wall brackets.
Mark the Wall for the Bracket Standards
Your first task for how to install adjustable wall brackets is to mark the wall where you want it to go. This allows you to install the bracket standards securely so they don’t fall.
The bracket standards commonly have pre-drilled holes called countersunk holes. They allow you to mark the spots on the wall for drilling into the studs for maximum stability.
- Using an electronic stud finder, locate the studs where you'll mount the bracket standards and make a mark to represent each stud.
- Position one of standards so the top end is closest to the ceiling. The top end usually is the one with a screw hole closest to the edge of the standard.
- Using the countersunk holes as a guide, mark the studs for the screws.
- Repeat the process with the other bracket standard on the adjacent side of the wall.
Attach the Bracket Standards
The next step is to attach the bracket standards to where the studs are marked.
- Mount the first standard at the desired height using 3-inch wallboard screws.
- Use a carpenter's level to make sure the standard is plumb.
- Place the level on the top of the mounted standard and make a level mark at the stud location where the next standard will go.
- Attach the next shelf standard to the wall using 3-inch wallboard screws. Again, use a carpenter's level to make sure the standard is plumb.
Attach the Shelves
The final step is to attach the shelves to the standards.
- Insert the brackets into the slots of the wall standards. Make sure the brackets are secure before attaching the shelves.
- Place the wood or wire shelf on the bracket between the notches.
Tip: Use a level to make sure the shelves are straight.
Know Your Shelf Weight Limits
Now that your adjustable wall brackets and shelves are installed, you’re ready to fill the shelves with items you want to display. Keep in mind that the wood or wire shelves on your adjustable wall brackets accommodate limited weight. A shelf on brackets mounted to studs could hold between 80 and 100 pounds. Books, framed photos and the occasional sculpture are suitable, but space them out to distribute the weight on the shelves.
Once you know how to install adjustable wall brackets, you’ll be able to add some flexibility in the display space in any room. Download The Home Depot Mobile App and shop for HDX plastic cabinets and shelves easily. The Home Depot delivers online orders when and where you need them.