DIY Network

Installing Garage Shelving From "Ask DIY" episode ADI-211

Wall anchors and laminated boards make shelving steady and sturdy.

Q: I need more storage space in the garage. How difficult is it to install shelves?

A: (Brad Staggs, Ask DIY Home Repair expert): It's actually very simple, and the great thing is that these days you can buy laminated shelves, which are particleboard with plastic laminate. They're spill-resistant -- paint, gas or oil won't corrode the finish. With a couple of pieces of hardware, you can install the shelves on any wall. Here's how:

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	Figure A
	Figure B
	Figure C
	Figure D
	Figure E
	Figure F
	Figure G

Materials:

Laminate shelves
Standards and brackets
Appropriate wall anchors and screws
Stud finder
Safety eyewear
Power screwdriver
Hammer

1. Consider what hardware you'll need to install the shelves. Standards (metal strips with slots for the brackets) are essential, as are the brackets (figure A) themselves.

2. To install the standards, you'll also need appropriate wall anchors (figure B). Drill a hole into the drywall and then insert the anchor, which expands to hold the screw securely. There are plastic versions and also metal ones for thicker walls. Butterfly bolts (figure C) work the same way: you drill a hole and insert the bolt with the metal "wings" down; the wings open up inside the hole to hold a large screw securely in place. The only thing with butterfly bolts is that you can never take them out again!

3. For cinderblock walls you'll need a lead anchor (figure D) to grip the screws. My favorite are self-tapping drywall anchors, which you tap directly into the drywall with no predrilling.

4. Put the shelf standards on the wall. First, measure how far you want the shelf to be from the ceiling or the floor and mark the spot for the top and bottom of each standard. Then decide how far apart the standards should be to hold the shelf. Measure the length of the shelf, allowing at least 8 inches of overhang on the outside of each standard, so the shelf won't be on the very edge of the brackets.

5. Hold the first standard up to the wall and use a level to make sure it is both level horizontally and plumb vertically. It will have open holes for screws -- hold a pencil inside each one to mark the spots where you'll need a wall anchor. Use a stud sensor to locate studs in the walls because you don't want to drill the anchors or the screws into studs.

6. Take the standard off the wall again. Use a drill and a screwdriver to insert anchors at the spots you've marked, or just use a power screwdriver if you're using self-tapping drywall anchors (figure E).

7. Hold the standard in place over the anchors and check once again to make sure it's level and plumb. Then insert the screws through the standard slots and into the anchors. Screw them into place (figure F).

8. Double-check the spacing between the standards and then use the same process to install the second standard.

9. Insert the shelf brackets into the appropriate slots on the standards and tap them in with a hammer (figure G). Place the shelf on the brackets.

More Questions for Brad:

Q: I have old countertops and can't afford to replace them. Is there something I can do to bring new life to them?

A: Nowadays they have paints that will actually stick to laminate countertops. Make sure, though, that you tell them at your local paint store that you're going to be preparing food on the surface so you get the right kind of paint.

Q: The chain broke on my ceiling fan, and I was wondering if I can fix it myself.

A: Absolutely. They make little kits for the job, and you can get one at a lighting store or hardware store. But make sure you turn the power off at the breaker before you start messing with that stuff.

Q: I need help stripping old wallpaper. Usually I can just peel off the front, wet the backing with soapy water, and strip it right off. But this paper won't peel off, and water won't penetrate. Can you help?

A: Try one of those wallpaper-scoring tools. Then mix hot water with some vinegar and give it several applications. Let it soak for about 10 minutes and then use a scraper. Good luck!

Book:

Tools, Shelves, Walls, Doors
By Cy Decosse Inc.
ISBN: 0865737045
Cy Decosse Inc. (1989)
Creative Publishing
5900 Green Oak Dr.
Minnetonka, MN 55343
Phone: 800-328-0590 or 612-936-4700
Fax: 612-988-9108