Find the studs, then fix each bracket with its long leg flat against the wall and its short leg pointing out under the shelf. Use at least two brackets, one near each end and more for a long shelf, screwed into studs or proper wall anchors. Rest the shelf on the brackets, level it, then screw up through each bracket into the underside of the shelf. With slotted brackets you can slide them level after the wall screws are in.
What you need
- L-brackets: at least two per shelf, plus one in the middle of a long shelf
- Screws: #8 or smaller for BINKIN brackets; wood screws into studs, anchors made for your wall where there is no stud
- A level, a drill or driver, a pencil, a stud finder if you have one
Step by step
- Find the studsStuds are usually 16 inches apart. Mark them where the shelf will go. Screws into studs hold far better than screws into drywall alone.
- Mark the shelf lineDraw a light pencil line at the height you want. With slotted brackets it only has to be close.
- Get the bracket the right way upLong leg flat against the wall, short leg pointing out from the wall under where the shelf will sit.
- Screw the first bracket to the wallFor a slotted bracket, put one screw through the slot, snug but still able to slide. For a fixed bracket, drive all its wall screws.
- Mount the restOne near each end of the shelf, about 2 to 4 inches in, and more in between for a long shelf, on studs where you can.
- Set the shelf and level itRest the shelf on the brackets with a level on top. Slide the slotted brackets until the bubble is centred.
- Fix it downTighten the wall screws, then drive a short screw up through each bracket’s hole into the underside of the shelf so it cannot slide off.
Which way up does an L-bracket go?
For a shelf, the longer leg goes on the wall and the shorter leg goes under the shelf. On a BINKIN bracket, the long leg is the one with the slot: it goes on the wall so you can slide the bracket up or down to level the shelf.
How many brackets?
- At least two for any shelf, one near each end.
- Add one for a long shelf or a heavier load, ideally on every stud the shelf crosses.
- On a slotted bracket in the middle, slide it up until it just meets the shelf, then lock it.
Hiding the brackets
Set the brackets a little back from the front edge and they disappear from standing height. For a fully hidden look, see the hidden jobs on On the job, where the bracket sits behind a picture ledge or a box shelf.
Shelf brackets like these are light-duty hardware. How much a shelf holds depends far more on the screws, the studs or anchors, and the shelf itself than on the steel. For heavy loads, use load-rated shelf hardware made for the job.
Questions people ask
Which way do L-brackets go for shelves?
The long leg goes on the wall and the short leg goes under the shelf. On a BINKIN bracket the long leg carries the slot, so you can still level the shelf after the wall screws are in.
How far apart should shelf brackets be?
Put one near each end, about 2 to 4 inches in, and add brackets in between on the studs (usually 16 inches apart) for a long shelf.
Can I install shelf brackets without studs?
Yes, with wall anchors made for your wall and rated for what the shelf will hold. Studs are always the stronger choice where you can reach them.
What screws do I need?
For BINKIN brackets, #8 or smaller, with a pan or washer head in the slot. See which screws to use.