Put up a shelf above a radiator on a solid brick or block wall

Fit a level shelf above your radiator into solid brick or block, keeping it clear of heat and hidden pipework.

SH-01Plan the height and positionMeasure up from the top of the radiator and mark a line at least 100mm above it, more if you'll stand anything heat-sensitive on the shelf. Avoid positioning fixings directly above the radiator valves, since pipework usually runs up the wall from there. This guide covers solid brick and block only — if your wall turns out to be stud or dot-and-dab plasterboard, the fixings are different, so confirm the wall type before you start.

1 each · Tape measure

Buy:ScrewfixB&QToolstationAmazon

1 each · Pencil

Buy:ScrewfixB&QToolstationAmazon

SH-02Check for pipes and cables, then find your stopcockPipes feeding the radiator often run up inside the wall towards the shelf area, and cables can run almost anywhere, not just in the usual safe zones. Run a detector over the marked area, but still treat the wall as if something is there rather than trust the detector completely. Before you drill, find your stopcock — usually under the kitchen sink — and check it turns freely. If you have any doubt about what's behind the wall, turn off the water at the stopcock, and isolate the relevant circuit at the consumer unit if you suspect a cable.

1 each · Cable and pipe detector

Buy:ScrewfixB&QToolstationAmazon

SH-03Mark and level the bracket positionsHold the shelf brackets against the wall at your chosen height and mark the screw holes through them with a pencil. Use a spirit level across the top of both brackets to make sure they're level with each other before you commit to drilling. For a shelf over 600mm long, fit a third bracket in the middle to stop it sagging.

1 each · Spirit level

Buy:ScrewfixB&QToolstationAmazon

2 pair · Shelf brackets (150mm)

Buy:ScrewfixB&QToolstationAmazon

SH-04Drill the fixing holes in brick or blockFit a 6mm masonry bit and drill at a right angle to the wall, going slightly deeper than your plug length — around 45-50mm for a standard 40mm wall plug and 50mm screw. Drill in short bursts rather than one long push, and let the bit clear its own dust. If the drill suddenly runs much easier partway through, stop and check you haven't broken into a cavity or a soft mortar joint rather than solid brick.

1 each · Masonry drill bit (6mm)

Buy:ScrewfixB&QToolstationAmazon

1 each · Hammer drill or SDS drill

Buy:ScrewfixB&QToolstationAmazon

SH-05Insert wall plugs and fit the bracketsPush a red or brown 40mm wall plug into each hole until it's flush with the wall surface, tapping it gently with a hammer if it's tight. Hold each bracket in place and drive a 5mm x 50mm masonry screw through it into the plug, tightening firmly but not so hard that the plug spins in the hole.

6 each · Wall plugs (40mm, red)

Buy:ScrewfixB&QToolstationAmazon

6 each · Masonry screws (5mm x 50mm)

Buy:ScrewfixB&QToolstationAmazon

SH-06Check the brackets are level and secureLay the spirit level across both brackets again once they're screwed in and adjust if needed before the shelf goes on. Give each bracket a firm tug by hand — it should not move or creak away from the wall.

SH-07Fix the shelf board to the bracketsSit the shelf board on top of the brackets and check the overhang is even at both ends. Screw down through the bracket's top plate into the underside of the shelf using short screws that won't poke through the top surface.

1 each · Shelf board (cut to length)

Buy:ScrewfixB&QToolstationAmazon

6 each · Wood screws (4mm x 20mm)

Buy:ScrewfixB&QToolstationAmazon

SH-08Load test and tidy upPlace a light item on the shelf first and check nothing shifts, then load it up to the weight you actually intend to use. Vacuum up the brick dust from the floor and skirting, and wipe down the wall and radiator top with a damp cloth.

1 each · Dust sheet

Buy:ScrewfixB&QToolstationAmazon

Some links may earn us a small commission at no extra cost to you.

Save this as a project

Back to all guides