What size shelf bracket do I need?

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Shelf brackets range in size from 5 inches deep (for shelves holding paperback books) to 24 inches (for desktops and other large spaces). Plan to use brackets that are just a bit shorter than the depth of the shelves. For example, if you want shelves that are 8 inches deep, use 7-inch brackets.



Beside this, what size brackets for 300mm shelf?

Wooden brackets Choose from brackets that can be used on shelves from 150mm to 300mm, or ones that can be used on shelves from 250mm to 450mm. Brackets are reversible, so they can be used in 2 different positions and have a maximum load of 40kg.

Additionally, how much can a shelf overhang a bracket? If your studs are spaced 24 inches apart, plan to attach a standard to each stud. Shelves should overhang the side brackets by no more than 6 inches.

Additionally, how wide can shelves be without support?

Bookshelf width is typically no more than 12 inches. If the space is limited, the shelf can be reduced to 9 inches. Single bookcase units with two sides, top and bottom should be no wider than 36 inches without a center support.

Can shelf brackets be used upside down?

The top-most screw holding the bracket in would be supporting the most weight. If the bracket was upside down, all the weight would be going straight down. The corner of the bracket would be a fulcrum point and the angled piece would then be pulling all the weight out from the wall.

28 Related Question Answers Found

Which side of a shelf bracket goes against the wall?

The long part goes against the wall, under the shelf. The length of the actual bracket under the shelf should be three quarters the width of the shelf.

How much weight can an L bracket hold?

The brackets can only hold up to 9 kilograms per pair, including the floating shelf.

Will MDF shelves sag?

Guard against sagging
MDF is commonly used for shelving in closets and cabinets because it's inexpensive and smooth. But MDF isn't as stiff as plywood and will sag over time. So when I use MDF shelving for heavy loads, I simply beef it up with wood.

How do you stop a shelf from sagging?

If you have a sagging shelf, you can reinforce it with metal shelving brackets. Get a metal shelving bracket that fits between the sagging shelf and the one below it. Then, take down the 2 shelves so you can install the metal shelving bracket to support the sagging shelf. Finally, put the shelves back up.

How much weight can a 3/4 plywood shelf hold?


If the customer wants them that long, then you need to build the shelves thicker by laminating two layers. I don't normally build shelves longer than 36" and at that, I build them thicker to carry heavier loads. My limit for 3/4" plywood shelves is 32", and I think that is pushing it for heavier objects.

How wide should shelf supports be?

A bookshelf should be at least 9 inches wide. Allow 11 inches for magazines. The length will be determined by the wall's size and the number of shelf supports that you can install. Generally 3/4-inch thick shelves should be supported every 32 inches with a bracket (the shelves can overhang the supports by 6 inches).

How wide should Shelves be?

Shelf depth for a general purpose bookshelf is usually 10 to 12 inches. Shelf spacing will generally range from 7 to 15 inches with 8 to 12 inches being common for bookshelves. To prevent the case from looking and being top-heavy, use a smaller shelf spacing near the top and a larger one near the bottom.

How do you support a large shelf?

Tips on Putting up a Shelf
When in doubt, try to anchor into the studs as often as possible. If you can't find studs, then use wall anchors on every single screw. Invest in good wall anchors, like toggle strap anchors. Don't use those little plastic anchors that come with picture frames.

Do you need a drill to put a shelf up?

It's time to put up a shelf and graduate to the top of the DIY class. These same principles and steps apply to putting up a shelving system with long vertical brackets. Tools you will need. A drill, wood screws, a pencil, hammer and nail for marking up, and a stud detector.

Do shelves need to go into studs?


If you're drilling into a stud, you do not need anchors. You can just go ahead and screw right into the stud. If there isn't a stud, you'll definitely want to install wall anchors so your shelf is sturdy and able to hold more weight. You can find wall anchors in various weight limits at your local hardware store.

What screws to use for shelf brackets?

Drive a 2 ½-inch long flathead screw 1/8 inch in diameter through the top hole in the shelving standard and into the stud. Place a 4-foot-long carpenter's spirit level against the standard.

How do you fix a shelf that leans forward?

Make sure you have removed all items from the shelf. Hold onto a shim sandwich - two or three shims stacked together with one hand. Keeping the shelf hanging on its wall screws, using your free hand tip the top of the shelf back toward the wall just until it is level.

How do you secure a shelf to the wall?

To secure a bookcase to a wall with brackets, start by using a stud finder to locate the studs in your wall. When you find a stud, mark the center of it with a vertical line using a yardstick and pencil. Then, position your empty bookcase at a point between the wall studs.