We created our shelving unit using Ikea shelves and brackets. It’s a good idea to secure the bookshelves to the wall using TV safety straps to prevent accidents (see Dreambaby.com.au).
BEGIN WITH
14 X 28CM BRACKETS;
PRIMER;
SPRAY PAINT IN VARIOUS COLOURS;
PENCIL;
MEASURING TAPE;
SHELVES – WE USED 5; DRILL; 3MM DRILL BIT;
Bookshelves: PHILLIPS HEAD DRILL BIT; 25 X 30MM SCREWS; 25 X 40MM SCREWS; RIGHT ANGLE; SPIRIT LEVEL
STEP ONE Spray the Ikea brackets with primer and allow to dry. Then spray paint each bracket with a colour of your choice and let dry completely.
STEP TWO Label your shelves one through five. You can do this using chalk or a white architect’s pencil. On shelf number one, use a measuring tape to measure and mark 8cm in on both sides of the front edge. Drill holes 30mm deep into markings.
STEP THREE Turn shelf the other way around and measure and mark 35cm in from each side on the rear edge. Drill holes about 30mm deep into each marking
STEP FOUR Take four brackets and insert a 40mm screw through the factory-drilled holes. Place screw and bracket in place, on top of pre-drilled hole, and drill to secure – make sure the right-angled triangle on bracket is positioned inside the shelf. Use a right angle to vertically align brackets.
STEP FIVE Place shelf two on top of brackets. Use a spirit level to ensure it is aligned overhead of shelf one. Make sure the rear sides are facing the same direction.
STEP SIX Pre-drill holes into shelf two as close as possible to where the edge of the shelf meets each bracket. Secure shelf two to top of brackets using a 30mm screw.
STEP SEVEN Lay your shelves flat with the black veneer side facing up. On the rear (black veneer) edge of shelf two, measure and mark 8cm in from each side. Pre-drill holes about 30mm deep into each marking.
STEP EIGHT Turn shelves to the other side with the timber grain facing up. Measure and mark the centre point on the edge of shelf two. Pre-drill a hole about 30mm deep into the marking.
STEP NINE Take three brackets and insert a 40mm screw through the factory-drilled holes. Place screw and bracket in place and drill to secure – make sure the right-angled triangle on the bracket is positioned inside the shelf. Position shelves upright and use right angle to vertically align brackets.
STEP TEN Place shelf three on top of brackets. Use a spirit level to ensure it is aligned overhead of shelf two. Pre-drill holes into shelf three as close as possible to where the edge of the shelf meets each bracket. Drill shelf three to the top of brackets by using a 30mm screw through each pre-drilled hole. Repeat until you have five tiers for bookshelves.
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