If you need to build a shelf on a brick wall, you can usually do so without any special tools except for a masonry or hammer drill. The steps below will show you how to make it easy and quick! 1. Knock out any cracked or loose bricks and cut any protruding nail or screw heads that may be sticking out of the brick. 2. Drill guide holes in the brick above where the first shelf edge will sit using the appropriate drill bit size for your screws and a masonry-drilling hammer drill if possible. This is usually less than an inch apart for screws with 16 threads per inch (TPI) or more, but measure yours with a ruler if you’re not sure what size to use.
Building a shelf on a brick wall is basically like regular shelving, but with some extra considerations. The first step is to measure the height of the wall and subtract approximately 1/8 inch from it. Line up your ruler on the ground 1/8 inch below where you want your shelf to sit, and use a marking pencil to mark a straight line across the bricks.
The last thing you want to see when hanging a shelf is the bracket crashing through the drywall, shattering that pretty vase from your grandmother. Luckily, we have some tips to help you build a shelf that lasts on any type of wall, even a brick one.
Find the studs.
To start, find the studs. Use a stud finder to locate them. If you don’t have access to one, use a hammer and screwdriver instead. Tap the wall with your screwdriver to detect any wood behind it. If you haven’t found anything after several taps, then go ahead and use the masonry anchor as well.
If that doesn’t work out either, try putting in drywall anchors instead of masonry ones; they should be able to hold up your shelf just fine! When installing these types of anchors directly into brick/stone surfaces (as opposed to plaster), make sure that they’re long enough for their purpose.
Drill holes in the shelf to accommodate the masonry anchors.
Drill holes in the shelf to accommodate the masonry anchors. Drill holes in the brick wall to aid installation of the shelf and masonry anchors.
Screw in the masonry anchor screws. Screw the shelf into place, making sure that it is secured well enough so as not to fall off later on down the road when you need it most (like when there’s an earthquake).
Screw in all remaining components: your shelves and/or whatever else you want to put on them; any accessories such as electrical outlets.
Screw in the masonry anchor screws.
To screw in the masonry anchor screws, use a drill to make a hole in the brick. Use a hammer to drive in the masonry anchor screw. Use a screwdriver to tighten it further and ensure that it is straight with no gaps or holes around it. If you do not have access to power tools, you can use alternate methods such as using an awl or chisel; however these are both more time consuming and dangerous. For example, if you were using an awl rather than a drill, then every time you need to make more holes while building your shelf on top of this wall you would have to go back through all previous holes with another tool like sandpaper due remember exactly where each one was located (with regards to existing walls/objects).
Finally after making sure everything has been installed correctly according to manufacturer’s instructions (including leveling), we can begin adding our new shelf.
Place the shelf on top of the wall.
Make sure your shelf is level, straight, centered and secure before you begin to attach it.
If you are hanging the shelf on a brick wall, make sure it is not secured too tightly or it could cause damage if the bricks crack.
Screw the shelf into place.
Now you’re ready to put up the shelf!
Don’t worry, this part is easy. First, use a level to make sure the shelf is straight. If it’s not straight, take the time to adjust it so that it is.
Next, drill holes into each stud using your drill bit (the one that’s slightly smaller than your screws). This way there won’t be any damage done when you screw into them later on. If you aren’t sure where all of these studs are in relation to each other (and I don’t blame you if this is confusing), just look for where there are lines on top of bricks: those are usually where two or more studs meet and will give you an idea of where they are located within your wall space.
Even brick walls can’t stop you from hanging a shelf with these easy steps!
Not all walls are created equal. Some are built with studs, some you can’t hang a shelf on, and others have no studs at all. If you’re planning to put up shelves in your home, keep in mind that the type of wall you have has an effect on what kind of shelf you can install. Here’s how:
- Plaster and drywall: You’ll need to be extra careful with plaster and drywall—these types of walls tend to be much thinner than other walls (which means less support for heavy objects). While there are ways to get around this issue if you’re set on hanging something heavy on these types of surfaces (such as installing a support bracket), it’s best not to go overboard with any kind of weighty object in this case.
- Brick or cinder block: These materials make excellent bases for decorative shelving units because they’re both solid and sturdy enough to hold up whatever you want without moving around too much over time! Just make sure when installing your new shelves that they don’t cover any outlets or ductwork behind them.
Final words
Now you know how to build a shelf on a brick wall. As you can tell, it is a relatively simple process if you have the right materials. The most important thing is to make sure that whatever kind of fastener or adhesive you use is compatible with both a brick surface and the weight of your shelf. If done correctly, this project should easily last for many years without any signs of wear and tear.
