Putting the brackets above the shelves

[ciphergoth]

We want to put some bookshelves above our living room window. We'd like to create as much space as possible and the brackets aren't very attractive, so we're thinking of mounting the brackets above the shelves instead of below.

I'm not sure, but I think this will reduce the amount of weight the shelf can carry before pulling the rawlplugs out of the masonary. I'm guessing that it won't reduce it so much that we have to worry, but does anyone know better?

Thanks!

Comments

[hairyears.livejournal.com]

The pulling-out forces on the upper screws are identical for a top- or bottom-supported shelf bracket.

Take care that an upside-down bracket isn't secured to the shelf in such a way that screws are subject to a force that pulls them axially out of the wood! Drill through and use a nut, bolt and washer if this is the case.

A hint: angle the drill downwards 10 to 15 degrees when making the upper holes in the wall. The screw heads might not fit flush into the bracket, but this arrangement us far, far stronger.