How to Hang Corbels

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Corbels make great decorative features, and they offer support to structures like arches, balconies, and shelving units. If you want to use them as accessories, use wood glue to attach your corbels. For a secure hold, hammer nails into the wall, and slide your corbels over top. With some basic tools and supplies, you can easily hang your corbels!

Method 1
Method 1 of 2:

Using Wood Glue

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  1. Arrange your corbels in your desired location. If you'd like, use a pencil to mark your placement, so you can easily install them when you are ready.
    • This ensures you don't misplace your corbels.
  2. If you want to use the floor, lay down a drop cloth or piece of cardboard so dirt and debris do not get on your corbels. Lay the corbels down so the back edge faces you. This way, you can easily apply the glue. [1]
    • Place your corbels down gently so they don't get damaged.
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  3. Apply your glue in dime-sized beads, working from top to bottom. Evenly space out your beads of glue, and apply glue around the edges if you want extra stability. [2]
    • Purchase wood glue from a home supply store.
  4. After you’ve applied your wood glue, hold your corbel up to the wall. Push the corbel against the wall with moderate pressure for about a minute. Then, let your glue dry for 2-3 hours. [3]
    • Your corbel should easily stay in place. If it starts to slide, apply more wood glue to the back. [4]
  5. After you’ve installed the first corbel, repeat the process for your other corbel. It is best to work 1 corbel at a time so your glue doesn’t dry out. [5]
  6. Pick a spot towards the bottom of your corbel, and hold a nail up to the corbel. Use a hammer to attach the nail to your corbel and wall. Be sure to use a nail thick enough to reach through both surfaces. This way, your corbel will stay put with confidence. You can do this right after you secure the corbel. The wood glue can dry after you install the nail. [6]
    • If your corbels are painted, you can use a bit of putty to cover up the nail if you’d like. Place the putty over top the nail head to hide it.
    • Alternatively, you can use a nail gun.
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Method 2
Method 2 of 2:

Mounting Corbels on Nails

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  1. Use a stud finder to determine where to hang your corbels. Slide the stud finder across the wall where you want to hang the corbels. Listen for a beep, or look for the light to flash, depending on your model. When the finder locates your stud, make a mark with a pencil so you can position your corbels. [7]
    • If you don’t have a stud finder, that’s okay. Use heavy-duty wall anchors and screws instead. They can still support the weight of your corbels.
    • Make sure your screw holes are as centered to the stud as possible.
  2. Oftentimes, corbels have keyhole slots on the back so you can easily hang them on the wall. If your corbels do not have slots already installed, create 2 holes about 2–4 in (5.1–10.2 cm) from the top using your drill. Ensure your holes are parallel, so you don't hang your corbels unevenly. [8]
  3. Place the nail inside the slot or hole before you hang up the corbel. If the nail fits securely, it is an adequate size. Most keyhole slots are 3 ⁄ 16  in (0.48 cm), so you want to use a nail with a 3 ⁄ 16  in (0.48 cm) head.
    • If you use the wrong size nail, your corbel may fall off the wall.
  4. Line your corbels up with your guidelines, and make a mark on either side approximately where the hole or slot is located. Do this for both corbels so you can easily hammer in your nails.
  5. Hold 1 nail up to 1 of the markings you made, and tilt the top slightly upwards so it is at an angle. Then, use a hammer to attach it to the wall. Continue hammering until about 1 ⁄ 4  in (0.64 cm) of your nail sticks out of the wall. [9]
    • Hammer in a nail for each of your markings. You should have 2 nails installed for each corbel.
    • Use a drill, masonry drill bit, and a tapcon screw if installing corbels over brick.
  6. Once all of your nails are in place, line up the keyhole slot or drilled hole with the tip of the nail. To use keyhole slots, place the nail inside the larger, circular section and slide the nail into place. To use drilled holes, secure 1 hole on the nail, then gently lift up on the other side to align the nail. Do this for both corbels, and you’ll add support or a decorative touch to your walls. [10]
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      Tips

      • Some decorative corbels will attach to the bottom of the shelf, with the shelf attaching to a bracket on the wall.
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      Warnings

      • Do not use corbels to support electrical fixtures.
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      • Wear safety goggles when using power tools or hammers.
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      • If you have never installed corbels, you may want to hire a professional. Do this especially if you are using corbels for added support to existing structures.
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      Things You’ll Need

      • Corbels
      • Wood glue
      • Nail and screws
      • Pencil
      • Drill
      • Hammer
      • Masonry drill bit and tapcon screw (optional)

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      References

      1. ↑ https://youtu.be/8rXXoFwlTws?t=3s
      2. ↑ https://youtu.be/8rXXoFwlTws?t=7s
      3. ↑ https://youtu.be/8rXXoFwlTws?t=23s
      4. ↑ https://youtu.be/8rXXoFwlTws?t=7s
      5. ↑ https://youtu.be/8rXXoFwlTws?t=7s
      6. ↑ https://youtu.be/8rXXoFwlTws?t=44s
      7. ↑ https://www.prettyhandygirl.com/install-shelving-corbel-brackets-tile-wall/
      8. ↑ https://www.vintagewoodworks.com/howtoinco1.html
      9. ↑ https://www.vintagewoodworks.com/howtoinco1.html
      1. ↑ https://www.vintagewoodworks.com/howtoinco1.html

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