4 Common Mistakes Made During DIY Shelf Installation

Shelves might seem like they are easy to install, but there are a few mistakes homeowners make that can cause the shelves to sit crooked on the wall or leave them sitting uneven on the brackets. The staff at Unique Flooring in San Diego discusses 4 of these mistakes and how you can avoid them.

  1. Not Using Enough Screws
    When you place the brackets that will hold the shelf in place on the wall, you’ll likely notice there are a few holes that need screws. These probably seem like a lot, but not adding the right number of screws to the bracket is a mistake you don’t want to make. You need as much support for the shelf as possible to hold heavy items, and the brackets kept in place will hold the shelf.
  2. Finding the Right Location
    In most homes, there are studs in the walls that offer support for installing shelves. Drill at least one hole for the brackets that lines up with a stud. If you drill the holes on an area of the wall that has nothing but insulation on the other side, you’ll find the brackets will easily fall off the wall or cause the shelves to sag from lack of support.
  3. Using the Wrong Brackets
    Wood, metal, and plastic are the most common types of brackets, and some people use the wrong type for the shelf they want to install. Examine the shelf and what you want to place on it to determine the kind of bracket you want to use. Some hold more weight than others.
  4. Drilling Uneven Holes
    When you drill the holes for the brackets, make sure they are even. If they aren’t, you might end up drilling several holes in the same area until you finally get the brackets lined up on the wall. A level is ideal for making sure you have the holes as evenly spaced as possible.

There are many DIY projects homeowners can take on that can easily go wrong if they don’t know what they’re doing. Installing flooring is at the top of this list. If your next home renovation project involves your floors, reach out to Unique Flooring for help. In addition to carrying a wide variety of amazing flooring materials, we also offer competitive rates for the hardwood, tile, and carpet installation San Diego homeowners need. Call 760-945-0010 today to learn more and receive a free quote.