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A number of materials can be used for shelving. Our table on types of shelving provides a list of those in common use, with a suggested maximum span or bracket spacing for average loading.

Shelf (Stayed) Brackets

For supporting heavy loads, sometimes called gallows brackets. Welded steel brackets for shelving up to 300 mm wide can be purchased ready-made, or they can be constructed from timber to suit shelving up to any reasonable width (say 600 mm).

• To fix brackets to the wall, select a suitable spacing so as not to exceed the maximum span for the type of shelving to be used.
• Strike a level line at the required height of the shelf. 1:11 For timber-framed structures, brackets must be fastened to a solid stud using 12- or 14- gauge screws; on brick or masonry walls, drill and plug the wall for a screw fixing or, alternatively, a suitable masonry bolt will provide even more secure fixing for very heavy loads.

Shelf Supports

These are a simple method of providing support for adjustable shelving within a cabinet or wall unit. A series of holes to fit the pin of the shelf support, usually 5 mm to 6.5 mm in diameter, are drilled into the side members. Supports of metal, or coloured or clear plastic come in a variety of patterns. It is essential that all of the holes are drilled at the same height within the unit. On a piece of firm timber, approximately 40 mm x 10 mm, mark out and drill the holes at the required spacing. Clamp this jig to the side members where holes are required, keeping the bottom to a fixed line marked on each member. Drill the holes to the depth required, using a depth-stop on the drill bit.

Shelf Brackets

For average loads. Available in galvanised steel or pressed metal in a variety of sizes to suit shelving up to 300 mm wide of solid timber, plywood or particle (chip) board. Again, strike a level line to indicate the height of the shelf and fix the brackets to this line with 10- or 12-gauge screws.

Timber Battens/ Cleats

Where the end of a shelf butts up to a side wall, a timber batten/cleat can provide adequate support.

• Cut the batten/cleat from approximately 50 mm x 25 mm DAR (PAR) timber and mark a level line at the height of the shelf.
• Drill and plug the wall and secure the batten/cleat with 10- or 12-gauge screws.

Metal Standards and Brackets

Slotted metal uprights and adjustable brackets provide adjustable shelving for average loads. Shelving is usually of 16 mm melamine-faced particle (chip) board or MDF in a variety of colours and widths from 150 mm to 300 mm. The shelves can also be of glass.

• To set up the system, select a suitable spacing for the uprights and locate secure fixing points on the wall. Strike a vertical line at each position and mark lightly. Mark the height to the bottom of the first upright and from this point level across and mark a point for the next and any subsequent ones. Using suitable screws, often provided with the system, fix the uprights to the wall at the positions marked.
• The brackets can now be fixed in the desired positions by means of two lugs which engage into the slots in the uprights.

Ladder Bracket

The ladder bracket is a convenient way of giving support to multiple shelving where fixing points for other types of brackets or battens/cleats are not available. The brackets can be made to any depth up to 450 mm for the storage of linen and so on, or 600 mm if part of the space is to be used for the hanging of clothes. Brackets

Can be made from 50 mm x 25 mm DAR (PAR) timber, and consist of uprights and intermediate rails spaced as required for the shelving. They are preferably dowelled together, and need only be nailed to the side walls as a complete unit at, say, four or five fixing points wherever they can be found.

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