Hang cube or box shelves on a solid brick or block wall

Mark, drill and fix cube shelves securely to a solid brick or block wall using the right plugs and screws.

SH-01Plan the layout and gather toolsDecide where the shelves will go and hold a cube against the wall to check the height feels right. Mark the top corners lightly in pencil. Get everything together before you start: drill, masonry bit, spirit level, pencil, tape measure, screwdriver, dust sheet or old towel.

1 each · Pencil

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1 each · Tape measure

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1 each · Dust sheet or old towel

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SH-02Check for cables and pipes, and know your stopcockCables and pipes can run almost anywhere in a wall, even where a detector says it's clear — detectors can miss cables that are deep, in metal conduit, or outside the usual safe zones. Run a detector over the drilling area, but still drill cautiously and stop at the first sign of resistance, dust colour change, or heat. Before you drill, find your stopcock (usually under the kitchen sink) and check it turns. If you're at all unsure, isolate the circuit at the consumer unit before drilling.

1 each · Cable and pipe detector

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SH-03Mark and level the fixing pointsHold the first shelf bracket against the wall at your marked position and use a spirit level to get it dead level. Mark the screw holes through the bracket with a pencil. Repeat for the other brackets, using a level or a straight batten to line them up with the first.

1 each · Spirit level

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SH-04Drill the fixing holes in the brick or blockFit a 6mm masonry bit and drill straight into the wall at each mark, to a depth of 45mm — mark the depth on the bit with a bit of tape so you don't overdrill. Use a hammer drill on 'hammer' setting for brick or block; go slowly and let the drill do the work. Blow or vacuum the dust out of each hole before fitting the plug.

1 each · Masonry drill bit, 6mm

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SH-05Fit the wall plugsPush a red plastic wall plug (rated for No.8 screws, 6mm hole) into each hole until it's flush with the wall. Tap it in gently with the handle of a screwdriver if it's tight. Don't force an oversized plug — if it won't seat, redrill slightly deeper rather than wider.

8 each · Red plastic wall plugs (No.8, 6mm)

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SH-06Screw the brackets to the wallDrive a 40mm No.8 wood screw through each bracket hole into the plug, tightening until the bracket is snug against the wall — don't overtighten and crack the plug. Check each bracket is still level as you go, adjusting before the last screw goes fully home.

8 each · No.8 wood screws, 40mm

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SH-07Fit the cube shelves onto the bracketsSlot or clip each shelf onto its fixed bracket, following the shelf's own fitting method — some slide on, others need a small screw through the base into the bracket. Give each one a firm push and pull test once fitted to check it doesn't move.

3 each · Cube or box shelves

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SH-08Final check and tidy upCheck every shelf is level and firmly fixed by pressing down and pulling outward on each one. Keep loads light and even at first — spread heavier items rather than piling weight at one end. Sweep up dust and pack tools away.

1 each · Dustpan and brush

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