Display Solutions Giving Out? A Guide To Strengthening Your Shelves

Wall shelves are a popular choice for homeowners who want to maximize their living spaces. In many cases, these fixtures replace the traditional dividers and similar fixtures that take much of the area in the living room. Apart from this, these racks are flexible enough to enhance the interior appeal of a property. Generally, they come in different designs and forms that could improve any room.

However, because of heavy loads, some shelves may sag or start to get wobbly. If you find yourself in this situation, you may be wondering what steps to take to fix these issues. Fortunately, this article may provide you with the solutions in reinforcing your shelves. So, read on!

Reasons Shelves Sag Or Wobble 

Before you find out how to strengthen your shelves, you should first know the typical reasons shelves loosen or shake. This way, you can avoid doing the things that may weaken these wall fixtures. Below are some of the common causes of the shelves’ decline: 

Subpar Shelf Quality 

Shelf quality is a top consideration in buying wall shelves. There could be a vast array of shelf products in the market, but there may just be some that are durable, versatile, and could stand the test of time. For instance, many shelves start to detach when their screws and nails loosen after just a few months of use. Some boards may also splinter faster than the other types. 

To avoid this scenario, you may need to check the quality first before paying for the shelves you want. If you’re in Australia, you may look for the stores known for their top-quality furniture products. Generally, they provide a variety of options, such as wall-mounted shelves.

 For example, RJ Living's range of wall shelving units are preferred by homeowners because of the shelves’ proven quality. Others also provide flexible design solutions so buyers can modify them into the style they want.

Improper Maintenance 

Shelves, like any furniture, need proper maintenance and cleaning. From the wiping off of dust and oiling the hinge and bolts of the frames, homeowners need to clean them regularly. In addition, they could apply a wood finish to ensure wood quality and extend the material’s lifespan. 

For metal-based shelves, painting may be necessary. Re-welding could also be done to strengthen the connections. If these maintenance activities are neglected, chances are these components will suffer from rust and dust buildup that may lead to even bigger damages. 

Too Much Weight 

Too much weight of the displays, be it books, jars, and other items, may result in damages. This condition may result in the loosening of screws as well as the detaching of a baseboard. If you have many displays and not enough shelves, you may need to evenly spread the shelf’s contents. Avoid concentrating weight on particular areas as it may cause damage.

Detached Baseboard 

The baseboard and walls are the primary strength support of the shelves. If they’re detached, the frames will weaken dramatically. To avoid this, you may remove the baseboard and reattach them fully and more securely to strengthen the connection between each part. You may also choose screws and bolts in locking attachments as they fit better.

How To Strengthen The Shelves 

Now that you know why having shelves is advantageous, you may now start learning more about fixing sagging racks. To address that issue, you need to apply some reinforcements by doing the following steps:

1. Choose hardwood for baseboards. 

The baseboard provides the necessary support to the shelf. Because of this, you need to ensure that it’s strong enough to hold the whole shelf, especially if it’s designed to interconnect with the other racks. Keep in mind that some shelves don’t have baseboards. 

Of course, they could still function properly, mainly if they were manufactured with a back lip that functions as a backboard. However, it’s highly suggested that you install a dependable backboard before attaching the shelves to it and the walls.

2. Choose a wide and rigid wood for the shelf. 

The rigidity of the wood ensures that the shelf can hold the displays firmly, even the heavy items. On the other hand, the space should be wide enough for books, jars, and other displays. In doing this, you may need to check if the baseboard is thicker and more robust than the fixtures so they’d remain attached even if the loads become bulky. If the shelves are very heavy, you may need to install wall anchors and brackets.

3. Use Screws, Nuts, And Bolts 

The threads of screws provide enough grip for the shelves. On the other hand, nuts and bolts serve as a locking mechanism for the frames and baseboards. In using these fasteners, you should ensure that they’re drilled into the durable wall or baseboard spaces, as used drill holes may not be a good fit for these attachments.

4. Add Braces In The Middle Part 

Typically, the middle portions of the shelves are the first to sag. If you don’t reinforce them soon enough, the sagging may worsen to the point where the endpoints will detach. If there are already signs that some parts aren’t connected well, you should apply a brace thicker than the shelf to ensure support. If other areas still bend despite placing a mount in the middle, you may need another prop to the specific dangling portion. 

5. Extend The Backboard 

If the shelf is longer or equal to the backboard’s length, you may need to extend the backboard. This way, you’ll add enough strength to your display solution. Apart from this, you may attach extra racks and hooks if you decide to add some fixtures and modifications. Doing so will allow you to maximize the use of your shelves and space.

Wrapping Up 

Fixtures like shelves face issues. That’s why, as a homeowner, you need to clean and maintain them regularly. Moreover, you may need to be aware of the usual reasons they’re damaged. While you may not prevent natural wear and tear, avoiding the things that could damage the shelves is an excellent way to keep them in good condition. 

If you’re planning to mount shelves on your walls, you may refer to the insights you gained from this article. While they’re not a fit-for-all solution to your shelving issues, they could help you solve some problems in which racks and mounts are usually involved.