How To Install Closet Shelves – Do It Yourself Installation

When installing closet shelves there are many different things that one must take into consideration. Their importance is mandatory in the closet especially if you are installing or have existing closet organizers to accommodate them. Shelving allows you to go vertical and maximize storage space especially if you have a small closet.

The basic principle here is a geometric one, of course. If you can understand basic geometry, then you can probably coordinate and work out your own new closet shelving system, or replace bad shelves in their current condition.

What You Will Need:

Tape measure
Pencil
Drill or screwdriver
Level
Stud finder (optional)
Drill bits (optional)
Wall anchors (if needed)
Hammer
Screws
Brackets & shelves

Step 1 : Measure the closet

First of all, get to measuring all of the relevant dimensions inside your closet. top to bottom. Write the dimensions down so you can have them when you go to the hardware store. Also, I would advise doing some planning beforehand. Think about how you might want to divide up the closet’s inner space.

This can be a little tricky for those of us who are not exactly math buffs. Nevertheless, it is worthwhile to try and hatch out as much of the plan as you can before you actually go to the hardware store to buy the wood, shelving or closet rods.

TIP: You don’t want to get home and then realize that what you bought is 2 inches too short to reach across the entire space of your closet. That would be a disaster and a huge time waste. If you have ever been to Home Depot or Lowe’s you know how much time you can waste looking for things.

“Measure twice cut & buy once”, words to live by!

Step 2 : Examine the wall material your drilling into

The next thing I want you to do is consider how important the look and feel of this closet shelf really is to you. Be sure you know what your hanging shelves on. Is it masonry, sheetrock, concrete or brick. The more important it is, the more you are going to want to spend on materials. You will also want to get a higher quality wood. That is very key.

Step 3 : Find a stud in the walls to mount to

A stud is what the wallboard is mounted to, it is made of wood and provides a sturdy base for drilling and hanging. This is key and will help be sure your closet shelving stays mounted and doesn’t fall to the ground when weighed down with clothing and accessories.

Tip: If you have a stud finder this process will be easy. If not then you can tap on the wall until you hear a a higher pitch thump. If you simply cannot find a stud then use drywall anchors for mounting but be sure you stay within recommended weight limits. See videos below

Step 4: Set shelving heights

Be sure to get the shelving set at the appropriate height. To do this you need to use a level or laser line to be sure you have it lined up straight. Mark with a pencil where you want them to hang and check to be sure when finished if the marks look good.

Step 5: Align the shelving support brackets

Use the pencil line from the previous step to mark where you want the holes for the brackets to go. This will ensure you have them set properly.

Step 6: Drill small pilot holes

Begin drilling small holes at the appropriate markings for bracket mounting. If drilling directly into the stud you will want to use a slightly smaller drill bit than the size of the screws. If using wall anchors then you will need a slightly larger size drill bit for the holes.

Step 7: Mount the screws/anchors

Attach the screws/anchors into pilot holes in the wall and tighten them securely Caution: Do not over tighten, just secure to the wall

Step 8: Screw brackets into the wall/anchors

Step 9: Mount the shelf onto the top of brackets You will probably need to screw the shelves into the brackets for secure fit

Step 10: Organize your closet!

TIP: Paint

The last thing one might want to consider is whether to actually paint the shelves or not. I know that you are tempted to think it’s just a closet shelf and no one will ever even see the top or surface of it anyway, so why bother? But the thing is that it may eventually pay off when you go to sell your house.

Closet organizers are made to look important and your closet should reflect the rest of the house, clean tidy and neat.

Remember presentation is everything. Little things like that add up to make a house seem like it’s worth a lot more than it really is. This is one of many closet organization ideas to help you get your closet in order.