1. Identify Needs of the Space

One of the most important steps in creating shelves is figuring out exactly what the space needs.

I really try to identify how I’ll be using the shelf (storage or decor). What exactly will be placed on it and look out any possible conflicts (open doors, installation, eye-level hazards, etc.). 

For these wood shelves, they are replacing the upper cabinets in a very small kitchen. I need them to hold some bigger items like mixing bowls as well as every day plates and glasses.

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Design Tip:

I used painter’s tape to tape off shelf placement and length. This helps me visualize the end result. It also helps during installation (see below).

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2. Select Wood Shelf Size

 

Because brackets are dependent on the actual shelf board dimensions, you’ll want to find your shelf first.  My white oak shelves are 11.25″ deep x 1.5″ thick x 42″ long.

There are so many options, like common lumber from hardware store, reclaimed wood, or pre-made boards.

I used white oak lumber that I was able to reclaim from a fallen tree. Some lumber yards have white oak depending on the location in the US. I’ve also seen lots of pretty wood shelves online, like my finished White Oak Shelves.

Common Shelf Sizes:

• Kitchen Shelves: 11.25”- 12” deep 

• Bathroom Shelves: 5.5” – 8” deep

• Living Room or Display Shelves: 5.5” -9.25”

• Photo Ledge: 3.5” – 5.5”

• Pantry Shelves: 15″-18″ deep* (these would need heavy duty supports)

 

PRO- TIP:

 

Common lumber from the hardware store, like Home Depot, is easy and relatively inexpensive. They will even cut the board to whatever length you want for free (seriously)!

However, common lumber’s nominal size is different than its actual size. This means a 2 x 12 is actually 1.5” x 11.25.”  You’ll want to look for the actual size.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

3. Prepare Your Shelves

Once you’ve determined the shelf length and found your boards, you’ll want to treat the wood before installing. Instead of stain, I use a beeswax to protect the wood and keep a natural look.

Of course, if your shelves are already finished, skip this step. Or, if you want bare wood that works too, just know they may get marked up over time.

 

4. Choose Shelf Brackets

Ok, now we’re making some progress here! Once you know what size and type of wood you’ll be using you can select the best brackets for the job. 

In general, bracket styles all function the same by securing to a wall and supporting the shelf. A lot of times they are referred to by their shape. I used these Heavy Duty J Brackets in Black for the kitchen shelving.

 

5. How Many Shelf Brackets Are Needed

At first, it seems like a shelf just needs two brackets, right? Well, not so fast. Many shelving projects need more support than what two can hold. I had to use three for these longer, heavy shelves!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

6. Shelf Spacing – Use This Guide

Also, you don’t want to place your brackets too far in from each end of the shelf. This will make the middle of the shelf strong, but the end of the shelf will be weak and not supported.

As a hard and fast rule, I’d say no more than 6” in from each end of the shelf. I think brackets placed towards the end of each shelf looks slightly more modern while farther in seems more traditional. But that’s just me. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

How to Space Kitchen Shelf Brackets?

Standard cabinet height above the counter is about 18.” Because there are no upper cabinets nearby, I placed my bottom shelf 17″ up from the countertop. There is 13″ between my bottom and top shelf.

I also wanted to make sure the higher shelves weren’t too high so as to be inaccessible but then also not too low creating a lot of negative space. 

I outlined more of my Kitchen Shelving Details with lots more specifics on the shelves.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

7. Shelf Bracket Installation

With some prep and the basic tools, installation is pretty easy. This is probably the most daunting step of learning how to make open shelving though!

 

Use a Long Level Tool To Line Up Brackets

Using a level tool, we made sure each bracket placement was lined up and level. While I do love the level app on my phone, a longer level is really helpful here to get precise placements and measurements.

TIP: Avoid using the ceiling as a level guide. Ceilings are often not truly level. Instead use a level surface such as the countertop.

 

Should Brackets Go Into Wall Studs or Drywall?

Installing shelf brackets into wall studs is preferable and should be the first choice. However, this can really affect shelf and bracket placement. If this is not possible, use a wall anchor like these.

The painter’s tape used to layout the shelving comes in hand to mark the level lines and drill holes.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Pre-Drill Holes

You’ll want to refer to the installation guide of whatever brackets you’re using, but in general pre-drilled holes are a good idea. This means you are making small holes before using the bolt or screw.

Then using a power drill and correct size bit, pre-drill the holes where marked.

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