DIY Shelf Installation Mistakes

Most homeowners think installing shelves is a quick job. It definitely can be, but it can also quickly become complicated if you don’t make the proper preparations. The flooring and design experts at CMA Flooring in Carrollton recommend avoiding these 4 common mistakes during your shelf installation project.

1. Not Using a Level

It might be tempting to just eyeball where to place the shelf brackets. However, neglecting to use a spirit level can actually create problems later when your books are sliding onto the floor due to a crooked shelf. Establish a level edge, then draw a penciled line as a guide.

2. Skimping on Screws and Brackets

It’s common for homeowners to deem the number of screws they receive with their shelf unnecessary, and they end up only using a few of them. This decision means you’re likely to hear your shelves crashing to the floor at the some point. The manufacturers provide a specific amount of hardware for a reason, so make sure you use most, if not all of your screws and brackets.

3. Putting the Shelf in a Bad Location

Homeowners often place a shelf on a certain location on their wall, only to realize later the shelf is close to falling off. Make sure you screw the shelf into at least one stud inside the wall to keep it secure. Also, install shelves close to electrical outlets or light fixtures. Otherwise, you’ll find yourself straining your eyes next time you need a book or are trying to read a label.

4. Not Planning Ahead

Home design experts highly recommend planning your shelf installation ahead of time. Know where the studs in your walls are. If you need to install the shelves in a place where there aren’t any studs, you’ll need a different way to secure them, like self-tapping bolts or molly bolts. In any case, make these preparations beforehand.



For additional tips on installing shelving correctly, or if your next DIY project involves your floors, get in touch with CMA Flooring. In addition to our wide selection of attractive flooring materials, we also offer the granite countertops Carrollton, TX, homeowners love. Give us a call today at 972-418-6606 or stop by our showroom for a free quote.