| As an architectural element a shelf bracket | | | | length exceeds 30 inches plan on using at least 3 |
| serves an important function: assisting in the | | | | brackets - it is important to provide adequate |
| support and carrying of weight. Most brackets | | | | support for longer shelves to prevent sagging or |
| have a simple L shaped design of two "legs" with | | | | breakage. |
| one side attaching to a wall and the top leg | | | | 4) Where Should They Be Installed? |
| extending outwards to support overhanging | | | | Shelf brackets should always be installed into a |
| objects. There are a variety of materials that can | | | | stud - do not mount a shelf bracket into drywall |
| be used to construct a bracket including wood, | | | | only because it will get torn off the wall when |
| stone or metals. Since a bracket is expected to | | | | weight is added. A stud finder is a simple and |
| carry a large amount of weight it is important to | | | | inexpensive tool available in most home hardware |
| choose a high quality material that will not bend or | | | | stores and a good investment for all |
| snap under pressure. | | | | homeowners. |
| Choosing new brackets for a shelving project in | | | | If brackets are being installed into a solid wall such |
| the home is a simple process when it is broken | | | | as brick or concrete, wall anchors will need to be |
| down into a series of questions. | | | | used. Installing these anchors into weak areas |
| 1) How Many Shelves Are Being Installed? | | | | (such as mortar) will cause the same problems as |
| A shelving system can range from one shelf to | | | | installation directly into drywall over time. |
| however many will fit in a given area. Take into | | | | 5) How Much Weight Can One Shelf Carry? |
| account what will be stored on the shelves | | | | This will depend entirely on the material the shelf |
| (books, knick knacks, tools, etc.) and consider any | | | | is made of and what it is carrying. A glass shelf |
| additional space certain items may require. | | | | will typically support no more than 50 pounds |
| 2) What Material Will the Shelves Be Made Of? | | | | while wood and metal shelves can carry |
| Shelves can be metal, wood, glass or even plastic. | | | | anywhere from 200 to 400 pounds depending on |
| The type of material is especially important to | | | | thickness. |
| consider when storing heavier objects such as | | | | Solid brass shelf brackets offer added strength |
| books or home hardware. Thinner materials will | | | | and durability over time and come in a variety of |
| bend and can possibly break under extreme | | | | ornate designs to add beauty to any shelving |
| weight so choose a higher quality material such as | | | | system. A bracket is a focal point of design and a |
| wood if needed. | | | | unique shelving bracket will transform a boring |
| 3) How Many Brackets Will It Take? | | | | shelf into a decorative element in the home. Shelf |
| This will depend greatly upon the size of the shelf | | | | brackets can be matched with other existing |
| - a good rule of thumb is the longer the shelf, the | | | | patterns in the home or stand alone as a new and |
| more brackets each shelf will require. If you shelf | | | | exciting change from the ordinary. |