How to Add More Shelves
- 1). Use a stud finder to locate the wall studs in the area where you wish to add more shelves to your wall. Place the stud finder against the wall, dragging it over the wall's surface. Stud finders emit an electronic sound and/or light up when a stud is located. Most studs are positioned 16 inches apart.
- 2). Make a pencil mark where the stud finder indicates the presence of studs. Select two studs, 32 inches apart, for the positioning of the mounting tracks. Double mounting tracks have two rows of slots for holding shelf brackets and, according to "This Old House" magazine, double tracks bear more weight than single mounting tracks.
- 3). Measure the 25-inch long tracks to determine the track's half way point. Place tape at the 14.5 measurement on each track.
- 4). Make a pencil mark 66 inches up from the floor along the chosen wall stud. Place the left track so the tape marking the track's half point is aligned with the 66-inch mark on the wall. According to Ebay Guides' article, "How to Hang Pictures the Easy Way," the optimal placement of wall décor is 66 inches from the floor, known as eye level. Eye level should be aligned with the central measurement of whatever is being installed on the wall, in this case, the shelves.
- 5). Hold the track firmly against the wall. Screw the left track into the wall, into the stud, using a 2 ½-inch long flathead wood screw, through the top most hole on the track.
- 6). Place a level vertically beside the track. Align the track so it is straight. Screw the remaining screws through the holes and into the wall. Different brands of tracks require varying amounts of screws for installation.
- 7). Insert a shelf bracket into the top slots of the track. Brackets are inserted by tilting the bracket down slightly so the hook can be inserted into the slot on the track. Straighten and lift the bracket upward to slide the hook into position.
- 8). Measure 32 inches to the right to the second stud selected. Make a pencil mark. Measure up 66 inches from the floor. Make a pencil mark. Align the tape on the right track with the 66-inch pencil mark on the wall over the stud.
- 9). Hold the track against the wall. Insert a bracket into the top slots of the track. Place a level horizontally over the brackets. Align the track so it is level. Make a pencil mark through the top screw hole on the track. Screw the track to the wall.
- 10
Position the shelf brackets where you desire depending on the height of the objects you wish to place on your shelves. Lay the shelves on top of the brackets. Some brackets have a hole beneath so you can screw a screw through the bracket and up into the shelf. Secure the shelves to the brackets, if desired, if your brackets feature this design.
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