A Reelken floating shelf goes up in about 30 minutes: mark four holes through the bracket, drill, fix the bracket to the wall, then slide the shelf on. The key is a solid fixing behind the bracket, because the shelf is rated for up to 26 lbs when it is mounted correctly.
This guide follows the installation steps from the Reelken manual and adds what to check on your wall first. Drywall alone is not strong enough to carry a solid oak shelf, so we cover the right fixing for each wall type.
Check Your Wall Before You Start
The manual says the shelf must be fixed with materials that suit your specific wall. Use this table to pick the right approach.
|
What is behind the surface |
What to do |
|---|---|
|
Solid brick or concrete |
Drill with a masonry bit, push the plastic dowels in fully, and screw the bracket into them. |
|
Drywall over wood studs |
Fix the bracket with the supplied screws straight into the studs, not into plastic dowels. |
|
Drywall, no stud where you want the shelf |
Move the shelf until the screw holes meet studs, or ask a professional to add backing behind the wall. |
|
Metal studs, old plaster or an unknown wall |
Ask a qualified installer before you drill. |
Tools and Materials
- Reelken floating shelf and its wall bracket
- Electric drill, with a masonry bit for brick or concrete
- Plastic dowels and screws, included in the shelf package
- Level, pencil and tape measure
- Stud finder, if your wall is drywall
How to Install the Shelf, Step by Step
- Mark the hole positions. Push the wall bracket into the holes in the back of the shelf. Hold the shelf against the wall at the height you want and check it with a level.
- Mark the wall. With the shelf still in position, mark the center of each of the four screw holes on the wall with a pencil.
- Drill four holes. Take the shelf and bracket away and drill a hole at each mark. In brick or concrete, use a masonry bit that matches your dowels. On a stud wall, drill pilot holes into the studs instead.
- Insert the dowels. In brick or concrete, push a plastic dowel fully into each hole until it sits flush with the wall. Skip this step on a stud wall.
- Fix the bracket. Hold the wall bracket over the holes and tighten the screws firmly. Check the level once more and make sure the bracket does not move.
- Place the shelf on the bracket. Slide the shelf onto the bracket until it sits tight against the wall. The installation is now finished.
- Add your things. Place your favorite objects on the shelf, with heavier items close to the wall.
How Much Weight Can the Shelf Hold?
The maximum load is 26 lbs. Do not go over it, because overloading can pull the shelf off the wall. Spread the weight evenly along the shelf instead of stacking it in one spot, so the fixings are not overstressed.
Placing the Shelf Safely
- Do not mount it directly above a bed or anywhere people sleep. If the shelf ever fails, this lowers the risk of injury.
- Do not put heavy objects or sharp-edged items right on the edge of the shelf.
- Do not let children climb on the shelf or hang from it.
- Keep it out of damp rooms. Moisture can weaken the wood and the fixings over time.
- Check the shelf and the fixings from time to time, and tighten any loose screws.
Caring for Your Solid Oak Shelf
- Dust regularly with a soft, dry cloth or a microfiber cloth.
- Wipe with a lightly damp cloth when needed, then dry the surface right away. Avoid harsh cleaners and rough cloths.
- Keep wet items off the wood. Wet cups and plant pots can leave water marks or make the wood swell. Use felt pads under objects.
- Oil the shelf every 12 to 18 months with a special wood oil. Clean the shelf, apply a thin coat with a soft cloth, let it absorb for about 15 minutes, and wipe off the excess.
- Fix light scratches by gently buffing and re-oiling the spot. For deeper damage, ask a specialist.
5 Mistakes to Avoid
- Fixing to drywall alone. Plastic dowels and screws pull out of drywall under the weight of oak and books.
- Skipping the level. A shelf that is off by a few millimeters looks crooked once it carries a row of books.
- Using the wrong fixing for the wall. Use the dowels in brick or concrete, and screw straight into the studs on a stud wall.
- Going over 26 lbs. Count the weight of everything on the shelf, not just the heaviest item.
- Loading the front edge. Put heavy items near the wall.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you hang floating shelves on drywall? Only when the bracket is screwed through the drywall into the studs behind it. We do not recommend mounting a solid oak shelf on drywall alone.
How many holes do I need to drill? Four, one for each screw of the wall bracket. Mark them through the bracket so they line up exactly.
How much weight can a Reelken floating shelf hold? Up to 26 lbs, spread evenly and fixed to a suitable wall.
How often should I oil an oak shelf? Every 12 to 18 months, depending on your home and how much the shelf is used.
Can I put plants on the shelf? Yes, but keep the pot on a felt pad or saucer. Water directly on oak can stain it or make it swell.
Ready to Choose Your Shelf?
Our solid oak floating shelves are made to be fixed into a solid wall and sit clean against it. Browse the wooden shelves collection, or start with these: