Put up a picture ledge shelf on a solid brick or block wall

Fix a picture ledge shelf level onto a solid wall, checking safely for hidden cables and pipes before you drill.

PL-01Plan the shelf positionDecide where you want the ledge and check it clears light switches, sockets and door swings. Measure along the wall and mark a rough guide line in pencil at the height you want. Hold a spirit level along the line before you commit to anything, so you know your starting point is level.

1 each · Tape measure

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1 each · Pencil

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1 each · Spirit level (600mm)

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PL-02Confirm the wall is solid brick or blockTap along the wall in the fixing area. Solid brick or block sounds dense and dull, not hollow, and a detector will show a solid, even reading with no repeating stud pattern. If you're still not sure, drill a small 3mm test hole: brick or block gives gritty, reddish-brown or grey dust, while a stud wall gives soft timber dust or fine plasterboard powder instead.

1 each · Wall detector

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1 each · Masonry drill bit (3mm)

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PL-03Check for cables and pipes before drillingCables and pipes can run almost anywhere in a wall, not just in the usual safe zones, so treat the whole area as live until you've proven otherwise. Sweep a cable and pipe detector over the full fixing line, then still drill your first hole slowly and stop straight away if anything feels different. Find your stopcock (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 you drill.

1 each · Cable and pipe detector

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PL-04Mark and level the fixing pointsHold the picture ledge against the wall at your chosen height and get it dead level with a spirit level. Mark through the fixing holes on the back of the shelf, or mark your own points evenly spaced along its length, roughly every 400-500mm. Check the marks with the level once more before you pick up the drill.

1 each · Spirit level (600mm)

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1 each · Pencil

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PL-05Drill and plug the fixing holesDrill each marked point with a 6mm masonry bit to a depth of about 45-50mm, keeping the drill straight and steady. Blow or vacuum the dust out of each hole, then push in a No.8 wall plug so it sits flush with the wall. Make sure the plug fits snugly; if it drops in loosely, drill a fresh hole rather than relying on it.

1 each · Masonry drill bit (6mm)

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1 pack · Wall plugs, No.8 (pack of 20)

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PL-06Fix the shelf to the wallLine the shelf up on the plugged holes and drive in the screws evenly, tightening a little at a time rather than fully on the first hole. Check the shelf is level once it's fixed, and adjust the screws if one side has dropped. Don't overtighten - stop once the shelf sits flush and doesn't rock.

1 pack · Wood screws, 50mm (pack of 20)

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1 each · Picture ledge shelf (900mm)

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PL-07Load-test the shelfPush down gently on the shelf along its full length to check it's solid and doesn't flex or pull away from the wall. Rest a couple of light items on it first rather than loading it fully straight away, and check again after a day or two.

PL-08Tidy up and finishVacuum up brick or block dust and any offcuts from the floor and skirting. Wipe down the wall and shelf with a damp cloth. If you drilled a test hole you didn't use, fill it with a matching filler and touch up the paint once dry.

1 each · Fine surface filler (small tube)

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1 each · Dust sheet

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