How to Reinforce a Sagging Shelf

By: Don Milne

When you have an old shelf sagging down the middle, it can make your display look unsightly and pose a safety risk to yourself and others. This typically occurs when the shelf is either poorly installed, made of low-quality material, or forced to hold too much weight. 

Fortunately, there is an easy way to re-align your shelving so that it stays strong and reliable for years to come. All you need is some basic tools and a few spare hours of your time. Don’t worry, you’ll have enough time to enjoy the rest of your weekend too.

Here’s how to get the job done right the first time.

What You’ll Need

Most tools you can purchase at your local hardware store for around $100 or less. If you already have some tools on hand, or you manage to borrow some, you could spend as little as $20 depending on the type of bracket you purchase.
You’ll need the following:

• Measuring tape
• Pencil
• Drywall anchors
• Shelving brackets
• Screws
• Screwdrivers

Choosing the Right Bracket

By far the most important tool you have to purchase is the shelving bracket. Why? Because they come in a range of shapes and styles to suit any budget. Also, each bracket is specially designed to handle a certain amount of weight, so you need to choose the right one for the right job!

Here is a simple breakdown of the different types of brackets:

• Angle Brackets – An L shaped right angle bracket. Available in your choice of galvanised, zinc, black, or white powder-coated finish. The average load testing of a quality angle bracket is 415mm distance between 2 brackets.

• L and T Shape Brackets – Typically made from steel and zinc plate for corrosion resistance. Suitable for repairing and reinforcing a range of shelves.

• Plate Reinforced Brackets – Ideal for supporting heavy-duty loads. Made from galvanised steel to protect against the elements – an ideal way to support an outdoor shelf.

If you’re unsure which bracket to choose, visit your local hardware store. You can check out the full range in-person and seek expert advice from a staff member who will help you make the best choice.

How to Install

To install your new reinforcing brackets, follow these simple steps below:

1. Use measuring tape to determine the length of the shelf. Mark the centre with a pencil.
2. If you have multiple floating shelves stacked on top of each other, measure the distance between each shelf parallel to the sagging layer.
3. Take the reinforcing bracket and place it at the centre point. Mark this spot on your wall with a pencil.
4. Remove the shelves from the wall. Then screw the drywall anchors into the spots you marked.
5. Position the brackets over the anchors, screw in the anchors and ensure the screws are tight.
6. Reinstall the shelves back onto the wall, and you’re done.

This is by far the easiest way to reinforce a sagging shelf. While you can also place planks of wood vertically along the wall, this method requires more tools and expertise to do properly.

Where to Buy Brackets

Any hardware store you go to should carry a range of reinforcing brackets to suit your needs and budget. By far the most reliable and diverse brand on the market is Carinya, as they offer a wide range of brackets to suit a variety of applications. Plus, they come in a range of colours, styles, and finishes to complement your existing property.

Carinya and other reinforcing brackets are available at all Bunnings Warehouse stores across Australia. Visit your local Bunnings today to discover the full range of reinforcing brackets in-store and seek expert advice from a friendly and knowledgeable team member today, who’ll be happy to help you find the right products for the job.

Article provided by Carinya https://www.carinya.com.au