How to Secure a Bookshelf to a Wall: Velcro, Brackets & More

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Expert-backed instructions on anchoring your bookcase
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Unlike smaller pieces of furniture, bookcases are usually filled with heavy objects and pose a safety risk if they fall. This safety risk can be reduced by attaching them to a wall. In this article, with the help of master carpenter Matt Mimnagh, we explain how to secure a bookcase to a wall using various methods, including brackets , velcro , and no screws at all !

Using Brackets to Secure a Bookshelf to the Wall

  1. Remove everything off the shelf.
  2. Locate the two studs with a stud finder.
  3. Position your bookcase in between the two studs.
  4. Align “L” brackets with the top of your shelf and the wall.
  5. Drill the brackets into the studs and bookcase.
Method 1
Method 1 of 4:

Securing a Bookcase With L Brackets

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  1. Remove all of the books from your bookcase so none of them fall once you start securing it to the wall. After clearing the bookshelf, move it away from the wall so you can find the studs.

    Meet the wikiHow Expert

    Matt Mimnagh is a Master Carpenter and owner of Castleguard Home Services based in Charlotte, North Carolina.

  2. Depending on the stud finder you have, you may have to calibrate it first. Once you do, place it against the wall to scan and find the studs. Then use a yardstick to mark each stud with a 1 ½ inch (3.81 cm) line. This line will help you determine where to place your brackets to ensure optimal weight distribution. [1]
    • Where to Buy: Stud finders are available at local hardware and department stores, like Home Depot, Ace Hardware, and Target.
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  3. If you’re unable to position your shelf between the two studs due to size, attach your brackets at the top to a single stud by realigning your bookcase so the stud is in the center and can evenly distribute the pressure.
  4. Place your stepladder in front of the stud you’re planning to attach the bookcase to. For tall shelves, the top (just above the case) is the best place to secure a bookcase to a stud because it is the least noticeable.
  5. Use short screws for the side of the bracket that’s going into the bookcase and long screws for the side that’s going into the wall to ensure that they properly connect without creating a sharp hazard. [2] Mimnagh suggests using cabinet screws. [3]
    • Where to Buy: “L” brackets are available at any local hardware store, like Ace Hardware, Home Depot, and Lowe’s.
  6. Use 3 inch (7.62 cm) wood screws. Drill until the screw head is almost even with the bracket, but avoid stripping the screw. Ask a friend to hold the bookcase against the wall if it is tipping forward to ensure that the screws are straight and even.
    • If you can’t find a stud, you should install wall anchors before you drive screws into drywall or masonry. Drill a pilot hole into the wall and push the wall anchor in. Then, align the brackets and drill with three-inch screws.
  7. Depending on where your studs are, you may need to drill multiple “L” brackets into the bookcase and wall. If you’re drilling into two studs up top, repeat the previous two steps on the second stud. Then, place an “L” bracket between the wall and the side of your shelf, where it will hit a stud. Repeat the same procedure on the other side of the shelf. [4]
    • Before placing your books back on the shelf, place a smaller item on the shelf to see whether or not it’s stable. Keep your eye out for any wobbling or motion from the bookshelf, and adjust accordingly if you notice anything.
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Method 2
Method 2 of 4:

Securing a Bookcase with Velcro

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  1. Mark the right and left sides of the top of the wall where it meets the bookcase. The lines will remind you where to look for studs once you start scanning the wall. [5]
  2. After marking the location, take all of the books off of the shelf, then carefully move the bookcase so you can gain access to the wall behind it. [6]
    • It is best to secure the bookcase without the books in it, and then fill it up once you are finished. That way, none of the books will fall.
  3. Scan the wall for studs by running your stud finder across horizontally. [7] Then, mark the stud locations by drawing a vertical line with a pencil. The intersecting vertical and horizontal lines are the locations where you will drill your wood screws into the wall.
  4. Align your velcro strap with the vertical line you drew earlier. Make sure the adhesive layer is facing down. Mark the screw holes of your straps with a pencil. Hold the straps down as you make the guidemarks for extra security. [8]
  5. Use a cordless drill to drill the wood screws into the screw holes of your velcro straps at the wall studs if possible. The number of screws may depend on the brand of Velcro straps you use, as different straps have a different number of screw holes. [9]
    • Mimnagh says to secure the bookcase to wall studs whenever possible, instead of using wall anchors. [10]
    • Wall studs are much stronger than anchors, as they’re designed to hold heavier loads. [11]
    • If you can’t find a stud, Mimnagh says to make pilot holes and insert wall anchors . Then, screw the wood screws directly into the wall anchors, where your lines meet. [12]
    • Where to Buy: Wall anchors, cordless drills, and wood screws are available at local hardware stores, like Home Depot and Ace Hardware. They’re also available at Target, Walmart, and Amazon.
  6. Peel back the clear cover from the sticky adhesive and press the strap onto the top of the bookcase. For best results, don’t remove the adhesive strip to realign, or it may lose some of its hold. [13]
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Method 3
Method 3 of 4:

Securing a Bookcase with an Anti-Tip Kit

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  1. 1
    Locate your studs and mark them at bookcase height. Scan the wall using your stud finder to locate the wall studs. Once you locate two of them, mark them with a pencil at the height of your bookcase. Then, mark the bookcase at the same height. [14]
  2. 2
    Make guidemarks on the back with the bracket’s screw holes. Grab the brackets from your anti-tip kit and place them at the bookcase’s marked height on the back (from the previous step). Then, use a pencil to make circular guidemarks in the bracket’s screw holes. Once you have those guidelines, you can move the bracket away froim the bookcase. [15]
  3. 3
    Use a 3/32 inch drill bit to make pilot holes in the bookcase. Using the guidemarks you made, drill pilot holes into the bookcase with a 3/32 inch drill bit. These pilot holes will be where you place the first bracket to the bookshelf. [16]
  4. 4
    Secure the first bracket to the bookshelf. Align the bracket with the pilot holes you made. Then, take small 3/32 screws and use your drill to secure the bracket to the back of your bookcase. [17]
  5. 5
    Use a vertical wall bracket to make pilot marks at the wall studs. After securing the bracket to your bookshelf, place the other brackets vertically against the stud marks you made earlier. Ensure that they align with the horizontal bracket on the bookcase. Then, draw guidemarks in the holes, remove the bracket, and drill pilot marks into the studs. [18]
  6. 6
    Use two long screws to secure the bracket to the wall studs. Place the bracket over the pilot marks and screw two long screws into them to secure the bracket to the wall studs. The wall brackets should be about 1 inch (2.54 cm) lower than the bookshelf brackets. [19]
  7. 7
    Position the bookcase and connect the wall brackets with the included strap. Move the bookcase to the desired position and leave a small gap behind. Grab the strap included with your kit and thread the pointed end down through the bookcase bracket and up through the wall bracket. Then, move the furniture to the wall, pull the strap up through the ratcheting buckle, and tighten the strap. [20]
    • Tuck any excess strap behind the bookcase.
  8. 8
    Repeat the process on the other brackets. After you’ve secured the brackets on one end of the bookshelf, repeat the previous steps for the other studs you’ve located. That way, the bookshelf will be secure on all ends.
    • Before placing anything back on your bookshelves, test the stability by placing other items on the shelf.
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Method 4
Method 4 of 4:

Securing a Bookcase without Screws

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  1. 1
    Clear the items off your bookcase and move it away from the wall. Before securing your bookcase, clear all of the items off it so they don’t fall. Then, move the shelf away from the wall so you can prepare the area.
  2. 2
    Place a piece of cardboard where the front of your bookcase will sit. Get cardboard that’s about ¼ in (0.635 cm) thick, as you’ll need to raise the bookcase and slightly tilt it against the wall for support. Avoid cardboard that’s so thick that tilts the bookcase and keeps the items from properly standing without falling. You may want to tape the cardboard down to the floor to keep it from moving once you place the bookshelf.
  3. 3
    Lift your bookshelf onto the cardboard and tilt it back toward the wall. If the bookshelf is too large for you, ask a friend or loved one to assist you in lifting. Place the bookcase back where it was, but make sure the front of it is slightly elevated on the piece of cardboard. Then, slightly lean the bookcase toward the wall.
    • Check for tilting or imbalance once you place the bookcase. If you notice anything, reposition the cardboard and bookcase until it is steady.
    • Always have a friend or second person holding the bookcase if you’re adjusting something and can’t keep a secure grip on it yourself. That way, you’ll keep the bookcase from falling on you.
    • This method works best as a temporary fix. While the cardboard does help keep the bookcase from tilting, it still isn’t firmly positioned to the wall.
    • If you’re renting, this method can be super helpful for preventing damaging to the unit. But if you own your home (or prefer security), it’s best to directly secure the bookshelf to the wall.
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Tips

  • Keep the tops of your bookcases free of items to reduce the risk of danger during an earthquake. Also, avoid stacking the books so that the shelf is top-heavy, or it may push away from the wall. [21]
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  • For metal or plastic bookcases, use three-inch machine screws with washers to attach your brackets.
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Expert Interview

Thanks for reading our article! If you’d like to learn more about woodworking, check out our in-depth interview with Matt Mimnagh .

References

  1. ↑ https://www.earthquakecountry.org/step1/bookcases/
  2. ↑ https://www.familyhandyman.com/woodworking/bookcase/bookcase-and-shelf-tips/view-all#step3
  3. ↑ Matt Mimnagh. Master Carpenter. Expert Interview
  4. ↑ https://www.todayshomeowner.com/video/how-to-secure-tall-furniture/
  5. ↑ https://youtu.be/AXbFRtaTi0I?t=24
  6. ↑ https://youtu.be/AXbFRtaTi0I?t=39
  7. ↑ https://youtube.com/shorts/mhklKyX3kgg?si=LPMh6lZAIVgkgiFD
  8. ↑ https://youtu.be/AXbFRtaTi0I?si=Lx449KjL_n5hIRoF&t=68
  9. ↑ https://youtu.be/AXbFRtaTi0I?t=73
  1. ↑ Matt Mimnagh. Master Carpenter. Expert Interview
  2. ↑ https://abutterflyhouse.com/wall-anchor-vs-stud/
  3. ↑ Matt Mimnagh. Master Carpenter. Expert Interview
  4. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AXbFRtaTi0I
  5. ↑ https://youtu.be/RuZNA3v8UWk?si=YJBhO_eUvWR-_lRS&t=18
  6. ↑ https://youtu.be/RuZNA3v8UWk?si=RKGv6wCHF9BsLYhP&t=29
  7. ↑ https://youtu.be/RuZNA3v8UWk?si=c821KS46q3ZtuDUd&t=41
  8. ↑ https://youtu.be/RuZNA3v8UWk?si=llJqCP6KVEtOezBs&t=50
  9. ↑ https://youtu.be/RuZNA3v8UWk?si=DMzwva3BPyRj9e-6&t=53
  10. ↑ https://youtu.be/RuZNA3v8UWk?si=YM7Dcsw4ppjpzYDs&t=56
  11. ↑ https://youtu.be/RuZNA3v8UWk?si=kbJR6LaZm8KKH_F0&t=71
  12. ↑ https://www.fema.gov/press-release/20210318/tips-reduce-earthquake-damage

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