Fit batten-supported alcove shelves to a solid brick or block wall — HomeGraft

Add strong support battens to alcove walls, then fix your shelves on top for tidy, sturdy storage.

AS-01Measure the alcove and plan your shelvesMeasure the width and depth of the alcove at several heights, because brick and block walls are rarely perfectly square. Decide how many shelves you want and mark their heights on the wall with a pencil, checking spacing with a tape measure. Buy timber battens roughly 20mm shorter than the depth of the alcove so they sit clear of the front edge, and shelf boards cut to the full width and depth measured.

3 m · Timber batten 25x38mm, per metre

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1 each · Shelf board (MDF or timber), 18mm thick

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1 each · Tape measure

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1 each · Pencil

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AS-02Check for cables and pipes before you drillCables and pipes can run almost anywhere in a wall, not just in the usual safe zones, so run a detector over every line you plan to drill. Even with a clear reading, still treat the wall as if something is there until you have drilled a small pilot hole and checked what comes out. Find your stopcock now, usually under the kitchen sink, and check it turns freely, so you can shut off the water fast if you hit a pipe. If you have any doubt at all, isolate the relevant circuit at the consumer unit before drilling, and only restore power once you are sure the wall is clear.

1 each · Cable and pipe detector

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AS-03Mark level lines for each shelfUsing a spirit level, draw a level line across the back wall and both side walls at each shelf height you planned. Double check the line with the level rather than trusting the eye, because even a small brick wall can be slightly out of true. These lines mark the top edge of each batten, not the top of the shelf itself.

1 each · Spirit level

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AS-04Cut the battens to lengthCut one back batten and two side battens for each shelf, using your earlier measurements. Cut the side battens at a slight angle if the alcove narrows towards the back, so they sit flush against the wall. Sand any rough saw edges so the batten sits neatly under the shelf.

1 each · Handsaw or jigsaw

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1 sheet · Sandpaper, medium grit

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AS-05Fix the battens to the brick or block wallHold each batten on its marked line and mark through the fixing holes onto the wall. Drill into the brick or block using a masonry bit sized to match your wall plug, typically 6mm for a standard plug and screw, to a depth of at least 45mm. Push in a wall plug, then fix the batten with a screw at each end and one in the middle for anything over 400mm long, checking the level as you go.

1 each · Masonry drill bit, 6mm

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12 each · Red plastic wall plugs (6mm)

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12 each · Wood screws, 6mm x 60mm

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1 each · Drill/driver

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AS-06Cut the shelf boards to sizeMeasure the alcove again at shelf height, since it may differ slightly from your first measurement, and cut each board to fit snugly between the side walls. Check the fit by offering the board up dry before fixing anything, and sand the cut edges smooth.

1 sheet · Sandpaper, fine grit

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AS-07Fit the shelves onto the battensLower each shelf board onto its battens so it rests on the back and both side supports. Fix down through the top of the shelf into the battens with short screws, keeping them near the back and sides so they will not be seen once the shelf is in use. Check the shelf is level and does not rock before moving to the next one.

8 each · Wood screws, 4mm x 30mm

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AS-08Fill, sand and finishFill any screw holes on the top face of the shelves with wood filler and leave it to dry fully. Sand smooth once dry, then paint or varnish the shelves and battens to match the room, letting each coat dry before adding the next.

1 tub · Wood filler

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1 tin · Paint or varnish

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1 each · Paintbrush

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AS-09Clean up and check the finished shelvesVacuum up dust and offcuts from the alcove and floor, and wipe down the shelves once the finish has fully cured. Give each shelf a gentle push test to confirm it is secure before loading it with books or ornaments.

1 each · Vacuum cleaner or dustpan and brush

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