Since 1997, HomeTips has guided millions of homeowners with original, expert advice for DIY home improvement and repair. Founder Don Vandervort, a nationally recognized authority, has written more than 30 books and countless magazine articles, been a host on HGTV, and served as MSN's home improvement expert. MORE
1) Plot where you want the top hang track to go, keeping in mind your shelving system. Plan to affix the highest shelf at an accessible height and attach the track approximately 6 inches above it. Use a level, and mark a line where this track will rest. Find the wall studs, and drill screws into them to attach the hang track to the wall. Make sure the track is secure.
2) Place the first shelf standard (the long vertical track to which you will attach the shelves) into position on the hang track. It is best to allow a distance no greater than 4 inches between the end of the shelf and this first standard (the same rule goes for the last standard). It is also prudent to place this standard over a wall stud for maximum stability.
Check to make sure the standard is plumb, and then insert a screw through its center and into the stud. Follow this process to attach the rest of the standards, being careful not to space them more than 2 feet apart. Use expanding anchor hooks for standards that are not attaching to wall studs.
3) Hook the shelf brackets into the slots of the standards, according to your layout.
4) Resize shelves, as needed, using bolt cutters or a hacksaw. Cover rough ends with rubber end caps. Secure the shelves onto the shelf brackets. Attach the hanger tracks.
5) Double-check to ensure that each standard is plumb before you finish securing them to the walls with additional screws.
1) Plot where you want the top hang track to go, keeping in mind your shelving system. Plan to affix the highest shelf at an accessible height and attach the track approximately 6 inches above it. Use a level, and mark a line where this track will rest. Find the wall studs, and drill screws into them to attach the hang track to the wall. Make sure the track is secure.
2) Place the first shelf standard (the long vertical track to which you will attach the shelves) into position on the hang track. It is best to allow a distance no greater than 4 inches between the end of the shelf and this first standard (the same rule goes for the last standard). It is also prudent to place this standard over a wall stud for maximum stability.
4) Resize shelves, as needed, using bolt cutters or a hacksaw. Cover rough ends with rubber end caps. Secure the shelves onto the shelf brackets. Attach the hanger tracks.