How to hang Iron Shelf Brackets?

We're here to answer this question and help make your next install simple and easy.
Here is a quick list of the most basic tools needed to complete this installation.

• Level (a strait one works best)
• Tape measure (one you can read)
• Pencil (with a sharp tip)
• Drill (with a full battery)
• Drill Bit (sharp enough to drill into wood)
• Screws (long enough to penetrate the sub-straight ideally hitting a stud)
• Humor (its free and helps the job go smoothly)

1. Decide where you want to put your shelf or shelves.

This is mostly up to personal preference, but you will want to consider such factors as opened doors and stud placement when choosing a location.

2. Find the stud closest to where you want your shelves. Mark it with a pencil.

A stud is the wood framing that makes up the inner structure of your walls (the bones of your home). It's essential to find a stud to when when hanging a shelf because drywall just doesn't provide the same support on its own. If you have to mount into drywall you will need to use special drywall anchors.

3. Find the next stud either to the right or left of the one you've already found. Lightly mark it with a pencil.

Studs are typically spaced 16 to 24 inches apart on center. Depending on how wide your shelf is you will want to get at least 2 brackets on two wall studs. It is recommended to space your brackets out evenly and mount each one to a wall stud.

4. Hold up one of the brackets to the wall.

Decide on the height of the shelves. How high should my shelves be? With shelves above a couch, measure 10” above the back of the couch. With shelves in a hallway wall, measure up from the floor 5-6 feet. When mounting shelves in your dining room or living room, measure up from the floor 4-4.5 feet.

5. Mark for level.

Place the level horizontally just above the pencil mark where you picked your height. Draw a straight horizontal line to the next stud. This is how you make sure your shelf will be straight.

6. Mark and drill your pilot holes

While holding up your bracket to the line take your level, vertically now, and place it along side your bracket making sure its level up and down. With a pencil mark your holes. Using a drill bit smaller in diameter than your screw drill pilot holes where you marked them (drill straight as possible). Repeat this step for the other studs and other shelves. Use your level to guarantee the brackets are aligned.

7. Hang the shelf bracket

Screw the 2-inch deep wood screws in so that the bracket fits tightly (don't over tighten them).

Repeat this step for the other studs and other shelves. Use your level to guarantee the brackets are aligned.

8. Put your shelf on the brackets

Adjust the shelf so that it is evenly spaced on the brackets. Secure the shelf to your brackets using a wood screw that will not stick through the shelf. Typically a 5/8" to 3/4" long wood screw will work but make sure you check first.