Wondering how to hang floating shelves on drywall? You’ve come to the right place as we walk you through all the steps and tricks involved in ensuring that you can get these shelves up in no time!
Hanging floating shelves on drywall can be tricky, but you can have them up in no time. This blog post will show you how to measure and mark the wall for your shelves, drill holes for the anchors, and hang the shelves. We’ll also go over some tips for choosing suitable anchors and shelf placement.
Tools You Will Need
Here is a list of the tools you will need for this project:
- level
- tape measure
- pencil
- drill
- drill bit (sized according to the anchors you are using)
- hammer
- screwdriver
- wire cutter (optional)
How To Hang Floating Shelves On Drywall – Top 3 Methods
There are three main ways to hang floating shelves on drywall:
- Using anchors and screws is the most common way to hang shelves, and it’s the method we’ll show you how to do in this blog post. Anchors are inserted into the wall, and screws are used to hold the shelf.
- Using a French cleat – A French cleat is a two-piece system where one piece is attached to the wall, and the other is attached to the shelf. The two pieces fit together like a V-shape, and this type of mount is very sturdy.
- Using an L-bracket – An L-bracket is a metal bracket that attaches to the wall and holds the shelf. This is a less common way to hang shelves, but it can be a good option if you don’t want to use anchors or screws.
Choosing The Right Anchors And Shelf Placement
When learning how to hang floating shelves on drywall, before drilling any holes in your wall, you’ll need to decide where you want to hang your shelves and choose the proper anchors. Shelf placement is critical – you’ll want to make sure that the shelves are evenly spaced and that the weight of the items on them is distributed evenly. You’ll also want to be sure to use strong anchors to hold the weight of your shelves and whatever you put on them.
For this project, we’ll be using the EZ Anchor. These anchors are designed for use with drywall and can hold up to 50 pounds. You can find them at most hardware stores.
Once you’ve chosen the suitable anchors, it’s time to measure and mark the wall where your shelves will go. It’s best to measure twice and mark once – mistakes happen, and it’s always easier to fix an error before you start drilling holes in your wall!
Measuring and Marking the Wall
Before hanging your shelves, you need to measure and mark the wall where the brackets will go. The easiest way to do this is to use a level to draw a straight line on the wall. You can then use a tape measure to measure the distance between the lines and mark the spot for your shelves.
Once you’ve marked the spot for your shelves, it’s time to drill the holes for the anchors. Use a drill bit that’s slightly smaller than the size of your anchors to avoid over-drilling the holes. Drill the holes in the wall, making sure to keep the drill straight and perpendicular to the wall.
Hanging the Shelves
Now it’s time to hang the shelves! Start by inserting the anchors into the drilled holes. Then use a screwdriver or drill to screw the anchors into the wall. Ensure that the screws are tight so that the shelves don’t wobble.
Once the anchors are in place, you can hang the shelves by sliding them onto the anchors. You may need to wiggle them a bit to get them to fit snugly against the wall. Then
use a screwdriver or drill to attach the shelf to the anchors. Be sure to use a level when attaching the shelves to be straight.
Congratulations – you’ve now learned how to hang floating shelves on drywall! Shelf placement is vital, so be sure to take your time and measure twice before drilling any holes. And always use anchors that are designed for use with drywall to avoid any accidents.
Tips for Choosing Anchors and Shelf Placement
There are a few things you need to keep in mind when choosing anchors and shelf placement:
- The weight of the items you plan to put on the shelves will determine how strong the anchors need to be. For lightweight items, a simple anchor like a drywall anchor will work. But for heavier items, you’ll need to use a stronger anchor like a wall plug.
- Ensure the anchors are inserted into a stud in the wall for extra support. If you don’t have a stud available, you can use anchors that come with a built-in sleeve to help distribute the weight of the shelf.
- When choosing the placement of your shelves, make sure to leave enough space between them for easy access to the items on the shelves. You also want to make sure that there’s at least 18″ of space between the top of the shelf and the ceiling.
Precautions To Take When Setting Up Floating Shelves
When setting up floating shelves, there are a few precautions you need to take:
- Only put lightweight items on the shelves. The weight of heavier items could cause the shelf to sag or fall off the wall.
- Make sure the anchors and screws are tightly secured in the wall. If they’re not tight, the shelf could wobble or fall off the wall.
- Be careful when putting items on or taking them off the shelves. The shelves could warp or break if too much weight is applied.
Conclusion
Now you know how to hang floating shelves on drywall, you can start decorating your walls! Just take the necessary precautions when setting them up and using anchors designed for drywall use. Measure and mark the wall before drilling any holes, and use a level when attaching the shelvesThe e specifications might change depending on the type of shelf bracket. Be sure to read the instructions carefully before installing your floating shelves.
If you’re looking for a more permanent solution, you can also try installing the shelves into wall studs. This will provide extra support and prevent the shelves from wobbling or falling off the wall. When choosing a spot to install your shelves, leave enough space between them for easy access to the items on the shelves. And finally, remember only to put lightweight items on the shelves to avoid accidents. And that’s how to hang floating shelves on drywall!