Put up open kitchen shelving on a solid brick or block wall — HomeGraft

Fix floating shelf brackets into solid brick or block, level them, then fit and load-test the shelf safely.

KS-01Plan the shelf height and lengthDecide where the shelf goes and mark the top edge lightly in pencil. Hold the shelf or a length of batten up to check it clears cupboard doors, extractor hoods and light switches. Measure and mark where each bracket will sit, usually near each end and every 400-600mm along longer shelves.

1 each · Pencil

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1 each · Tape measure

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1 each · Spirit level (500-600mm)

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KS-02Draw a level line for the bracketsRest the spirit level on your pencil mark and draw a level horizontal line along the wall. Mark each bracket's screw holes on this line using the bracket itself as a template. Double-check the line is level, not just straight, before you drill anything.

1 each · Spirit level (500-600mm)

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1 each · Pencil

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KS-03Check for cables and pipes before you drillRun a cable and pipe detector over every mark before drilling. Cables and pipes can run almost anywhere in a wall, not just in the usual safe zones, so treat the detector as a warning system, not a guarantee — expect something to be there until you have proved otherwise. Find your stopcock now (usually under the kitchen sink) and check it turns, so you can shut the water off fast if you hit a pipe. If you have any doubt at all, isolate the relevant circuit at the consumer unit before drilling.

1 each · Cable and pipe detector

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KS-04Drill and plug the fixing holesUse a masonry drill bit sized to match your wall plugs, typically 6mm or 8mm, and drill straight into the brick or block, not the mortar line if you can avoid it. Drill to a depth about 5mm deeper than the plug length, so the plug sits fully inside and the screw doesn't bottom out. Push a Rawlplug into each hole until it's flush with the wall, tapping gently with a hammer if needed.

1 each · Masonry drill bit 6mm or 8mm

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8 each · Rawlplugs (red, 6mm)

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1 each · Hammer

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KS-05Screw the brackets to the wallHold each bracket against its marks and drive a screw into the top hole first, checking the bracket is still level before fully tightening. Fit the remaining screws into each plug, going firm but not overtight, so you don't crack the plug or bracket. Use screws long enough to bite well into the plug and masonry behind, not just the bracket.

8 each · Wood/masonry screws 50-60mm

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1 each · Screwdriver or drill/driver

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KS-06Fit the shelf to the bracketsLower the shelf onto the brackets or slot it into place, depending on the bracket type. Check the shelf itself is level along its front edge, adjusting brackets slightly if needed. Secure the shelf to the brackets from underneath if the design allows, using short screws so they don't come through the top.

2 pair · Floating shelf brackets

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4 each · Short fixing screws 12-16mm

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KS-07Load test and tidy upPress down firmly on the shelf at both ends and in the middle to check it doesn't flex or pull away from the wall. Add a few items gradually rather than loading it all at once, and check the brackets again after a day or two. Wipe away any dust, vacuum the worktop and floor below, and put your tools away.

1 each · Dust sheet

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1 each · Vacuum cleaner

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