It’s not difficult to learn how to build wall shelves even if you have no experience building shelving at all. Wall shelves consist of two simple parts, the support bracket, which is usually a 90-degree angle brace, and the shelving board, which is just a simple wood or laminate.
You also need to know how to use a screwdriver, level and drill, but that’s really all you need to build great wall shelves in the living room, bathroom or bedrooms.
What to buy: First purchase a set of angle brackets at a hardware store. Any type of shelving brackets will do but they must be large enough to support your shelf. The bracket size should be 3/4 the width of your shelves.
Step 1
Determine where to build your wall shelves and mark a light pencil mark on the wall. Choose a height that allows easy access to your things and if you plan on stacking shelves along the wall, leave at least a foot between each one, or enough space for the bracket.
Step 2
Use a carpenter’s level to draw a level line on the wall at your mark. This line determines the bottom edge of the shelf and helps you mount your shelf brackets to the wall. It provides for a straight, centered installation.
Step 3
Mount the first bracket to the wall, using the line as a guide. Set the bracket so the top edge is flush with the line and drive in the first screw. Then install the second screw.
Step 4
Set the second bracket on the wall with the top flush to the line and mount this bracket in place with screws. The brackets should be at least 3/4 the length of your shelf board apart. So, if your wall shelves are 3-feet long, space the brackets 27 inches apart.
Step 5
Use a level to ensure the brackets are straight for even wall shelves. Mount the second bracket.
Step 6
Place your shelf board on the bracket and drive in a small, 1/4 inch screw up through the bracket and into the bottom of the board to secure the shelf.
That’s all you need to do to build wall shelves. Repeat the process to add new shelves stacked one on top of the other.