Putting up shelf, need advice please.

[MoonMan2]

I need to put up a shelf as shown.

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• MoonMan2
• 18 Jul 2011
• 1

I hope the 4 brackets shown are in the right place. There is no wall above and below the diagram only on the left and right side.

I would like it to support upto 30Kg, perhaps a little more?

I was intending on using 18mm thick MDF,

B&Q medium weight self drill plasterboard 1.5" screws ( http://www.diy.com/diy/jsp/bq/nav.j...72210}/specificationsProductType=nylon_plugs)

and 4 x heavy duty 'L' shaped brackets, not sure whether to use:
80 x 80 x 10mm (8 screw holes in total)
100 x 100 x 20mm (6 screw holes in total)
120 x 120 x 20mm (8 screw holes in total)

Does this all sound feasible?

 

[TheOriginalTonkaToy]

If you want it to support a heavy load then plasterboard fixings aren't up to the job. You really need to fix your support brackets directly into the studwork or masonry behind if it's dot and dabbed.

 

[foxhole]

Replace your brackets with a timber baton, will spread the load better , look neater an enable fixing to stud work.

 

[MoonMan2]

Foxhole can you explain what u mean please? A timber baton is a plank of wood? So shelf is to sit on 4 columns of wood so to speak. The wood columns are attached to the wall.

Am I right?

Also I don't know where the wall studs are.

 

[Monkeh]

Also I don't know where the wall studs are.

That's what you've got knuckles for. Start knocking.

 

[foxhole]

Not four columns , two batons, one along each edge against the wall. From your description you have a space between two walls you want to shelve?

 

[MoonMan2]

This is a side view of what I think you mean with the battons underneath supporting the shelf

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• MoonMan2
• 20 Jul 2011
• 1

If so, then I have some questions:

1) What height and length should the battons be?
2) How should the battons be fitted to the wall?
3) How should the battons be fitted to the shelf?
4) What type of wood should I use for the battons?

Thanks.

 

[TheOriginalTonkaToy]

1. They should run the full depth of the shelf
2. They should be screwed securely to the studwork at as many points as possible - 2 minimum though. Make sure the screws you use are long enough to go through both batten and plasterboard with enough additional length to go deep into the studwork.
3. Up to you
4. Something like 50 x 25mm PSE pine available at any DIY shed or woodyard. Those are nominal dimensions before planing. Actual dimensions are something like 45 x 22mm
5. Don't forget to use a spirit level

 

[foxhole]

You can even use the 18mm mdf cut in strips as a baton.