Fit slatted airing cupboard shelves to a timber stud wall — HomeGraft

Measure, mark and fit slatted shelves in your airing cupboard for tidy, ventilated linen storage.

AC-01Clear the cupboard and gather your toolsEmpty the airing cupboard completely, including any lagging or boxes on the tank. Lay a dust sheet on the floor below to catch drilling dust and off-cuts. Get your tape measure, pencil, spirit level, drill driver and stud detector to hand before you start.

1 each · Dust sheet

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AC-02Measure and mark the shelf heightsDecide how many shelves you want and how far apart, usually 250-300mm so air can still move through the cupboard. Measure up from the floor and mark a level line on both side walls for each shelf, using a spirit level to keep it straight. Check the marks line up on both walls before you drill anything.

1 each · Spirit level (600mm)

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1 each · Tape measure

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1 each · Pencil

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AC-03Work out whether you have a timber or metal stud wallRun a stud detector or magnet up and down the wall, looking for a vertical line of screw heads under the plasterboard skin — these mark the studs. Tap the wall: a dull thud usually means a stud is behind, a hollow sound means you're between them. Drill a small 2mm pilot hole at your mark; timber dust means a wood stud, fine grey swarf means a metal one. Metal studs are common in flats and anything built or refitted since the 1990s, so don't assume timber just because the wall feels solid.

1 each · Stud detector

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1 each · 2mm pilot drill bit

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AC-04Locate cables and pipes, and know how to isolate themCables and pipes can run almost anywhere in a wall, not just in the usual safe zones, so use a detector and still treat the wall as live until you prove otherwise. Before you drill, find your stopcock — usually under the kitchen sink — and check it turns freely, so you can shut the water off fast if you hit a pipe. If you have any doubt about what's behind the wall, isolate the circuit at the consumer unit before drilling, and turn off the water at the stopcock before cutting into anything that could carry it.

1 each · Cable and pipe detector

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AC-05Fix the support cleats — the right method for your wallIn a timber stud wall, drive a 4mm x 50mm wood screw into the centre of the stud, using a 2mm pilot hole. In a metal stud wall, use a self-drilling metal stud screw or a hollow-wall toggle between the studs — never a wood screw or plastic plug, which strip straight through 0.5mm steel. In solid brick or block, drill a 6mm hole 40mm deep and fit a Rawlplug with a 40mm screw; behind dot-and-dab plasterboard, use a longer 60-75mm fixing to reach the masonry behind. Metal studs won't hold anything heavy or anything that pulls away from the wall, so add a timber noggin or fix through to the masonry for extra strength.

8 each · Wood screws 4mm x 50mm

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8 each · Self-drilling metal stud screws

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8 each · Rawlplugs 6mm with 40mm screws

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4 each · Hollow-wall toggle fixings

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4 length · Timber batten cleats 30 x 20mm

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AC-06Cut the slatted shelf panels to sizeMeasure the width between your side walls and cut your slatted shelf panels to length, allowing a small 5mm gap at each end for an easy fit. Sand any cut edges smooth so they don't snag towels or bedding. Keep the slats running side to side rather than front to back, so air can move through the stack.

4 each · Slatted shelf panels (pine, 20mm slats)

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1 each · Handsaw or jigsaw

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AC-07Fit the slats onto the cleats and check they're levelRest each slatted panel on its pair of cleats and check it's sitting level with a spirit level. Screw down through the slats into the cleats if you want the shelf fixed permanently, or leave it resting if you'd rather lift it out to clean. Work from the bottom shelf up so you're not leaning over finished shelves as you go.

1 sheet · Sandpaper (120 grit)

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AC-08Load-test the shelvesOnce all shelves are fitted, load them gradually with towels or linen and check nothing flexes or pulls away from the wall. Press down firmly on the front edge of each shelf, the point under the most strain, to check the fixings are holding. If any cleat moves, don't use that shelf until you've fitted a stronger fixing.

AC-09Tidy upVacuum up drilling dust and offcuts from the cupboard floor and surrounding area. Wipe down the shelves before loading the airing cupboard back up. Dispose of any packaging and offcuts, and put your tools away.

1 each · Bin bags

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