Fixing shelving in alcove to brick walls

[davidjamestate]

Hi,

I've got shelving I want to put up in the alcoves either side of my fireplace. We've gone for a rustic look, so I've got some reclaimed 12x2 timber cut to size for the shelves.

They're obviously pretty hefty, and will be used for books as well, so want solid fixings.

My thought was to get lengths of 2x1 and attach to the left and right walls of either alcove with something like an M10 bolt (with the head recessed into the wood?), then the shelves would sit on those - does that sound sensible/reasonable??

If not, what have I missed? The walls are brick either side so should hold shouldn't it?

Thanks in advance for any help or advice!

 

[Burnerman]

By all means use 2x1 bearers, but you can't screw bolts directly into a wall.
Consider 50x5mm screws, into 8mm plugs.
John

 

[davidjamestate]

Sorry, I did mean into plugs, forgot to write that bit!

So an 8mm masonery bit, 8mm plugs and 5mmx50mm screws (or bolts?) should do the job?

Only reason I mention bolts at all is because I used them to fix my television to the wall using a mount, and they seem pretty solid?

 

[Burnerman]

Personally I'd go for screws and plastic plugs.....Rawlbolts are overkill for situations like this, I feel.
If you get a secure fix into the brickwork, all will be well.
John

 

[foxhole]

You can use timber or even ali angle [rebated if you don't want to see it.]

 

[HawkEye244]

You can use timber or even ali angle [rebated if you don't want to see it.]

Hi fox sorry for being thick but can you explain that a little more? Ali angle rebated into the timber ???

 

[foxhole]

Gives the impression of floating shelf.
See below, ali angle fixed to wall at rear and at sides [but short of front edge on sides] then shelf is rebated with a slot to accept the aluminium angle.
Once in position a single screw from above or below will secure shelf to bracket.

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