Put up a heavy-duty floating shelf with hidden rods on a solid brick or block wall

Fit a heavy-duty floating shelf on solid brick or block using hidden steel rods, checking for pipes and cables first.

AB-01Plan the shelf positionDecide where the shelf will go and mark a level line for its top edge using a spirit level and pencil. Measure and mark the centre points for two or three rods along this line, spaced evenly and at least 40mm in from each end of the shelf. Hold the shelf up first to check it clears any socket, switch or window reveal.

1 each · Spirit level

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1 each · Tape measure

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1 each · Pencil

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AB-02Check for pipes and cables before drillingCables and pipes can run almost anywhere in a wall, not just in the usual safe zones, so sweep the marked area with a detector. Even so, treat every hole as if something could be behind it. 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 about what is behind the wall, isolate the relevant circuit at the consumer unit before you drill.

1 each · Cable and pipe detector

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AB-03Drill the rod holes in the wallFit a masonry bit matching your rod diameter (12mm for M12 rod) into an SDS drill and mark the required depth on the bit with tape, usually 90-100mm into solid brick or block. Drill each hole straight and level, working slowly so the bit does not wander. Blow or brush out all dust from each hole; resin will not grip properly if the hole is full of dust.

1 each · SDS drill

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1 each · Masonry drill bit, 12mm x 150mm

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1 each · Dust mask

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1 each · Safety glasses

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AB-04Cut the rods to lengthMeasure the depth of your shelf and work out how much rod needs to sit inside the shelf versus in the wall, leaving 90-100mm for the wall and enough for the shelf depth minus 10mm clearance. Cut the rods to length with a hacksaw and file the cut ends smooth so they slide cleanly into the drilled holes.

3 each · Threaded steel rod, M12 x 300mm

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1 each · Hacksaw

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AB-05Fix the rods into the wall with resinLoad the resin cartridge into the applicator gun and inject resin into each hole, filling from the back so no air pockets form. Push each rod in with a slight twisting action, then check they are level and sit at the same depth using your spirit level. Wipe off any excess resin straight away and leave the rods undisturbed for the manufacturer's stated cure time, usually around 60 minutes, before touching them.

1 each · High-strength resin anchor cartridge

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1 each · Resin applicator gun

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AB-06Drill matching holes in the shelfTransfer the rod spacing from the wall onto the underside or back face of the shelf using your tape measure and pencil. Drill each hole with a wood bit slightly larger than the rod diameter (14mm for M12 rod), to the depth you worked out earlier. Keep the holes square to the shelf so it sits flush against the wall once fitted.

1 each · Wood drill bit, 14mm

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1 each · Shelf board, prepared to size

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AB-07Dry-fit the shelf before bondingOnce the resin in the wall has had its initial cure time, slide the shelf onto the rods without any adhesive to check the fit. Confirm the shelf sits flush against the wall and is level along its front edge. If any hole is tight, widen it slightly with the drill rather than forcing the shelf on.

AB-08Bond the shelf to the rodsSlide the shelf off, apply epoxy adhesive inside each drilled hole, then push the shelf fully back onto the rods so it sits flush against the wall. Check it is level and prop it from underneath with battens or an offcut so it cannot droop while the adhesive cures. Leave it supported for the full cure time stated on the adhesive, often 24 hours.

1 each · Two-part epoxy adhesive

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2 each · Timber prop or batten

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AB-09Clean up and finishWipe away any excess resin or adhesive around the wall and shelf edges with a damp cloth before it fully sets. Remove any masking tape or pencil marks, and vacuum up dust from drilling. Do not load the shelf with any weight until the adhesive's full cure time has passed.

1 each · Cloth

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