DIY Builds
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Can you hang floating shelves without anchors?

If you're going to be attaching your floating shelf and bracket to a wall stud, you do not need any anchors. If you are working with plaster or drywall, however, additional support is necessary. Wall anchors, also called molly plugs, will help you build a sturdy foundation for your shelf.

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Before hanging anything, it’s important to find out what your wall is made of. Ideally, you should attach floating shelves (or anything else you’re hanging) to a wall stud, as this will give you the most supportive base for your project. A stud finder—a hand-held device that uses a magnet to detect metal, such as the nails and screws in the wall studs of your home—can help you locate these. Need a hand? Receive free, no-commitment project estimates from qualified pros near you. Find Pros Now +

Installing Floating Shelves on Drywall or Plaster

But what if you want to hang a shelf in a spot with no stud? First, check to see if your wall is made of drywall or plaster. To do this, simply knock with a light fist against the wall. If it sounds hollow, it’s drywall. Not hollow? Probably plaster. Another test is to see how readily a nail goes through. If it slides right in, you’ve got drywall. If it takes a few more taps, then you’ve either got plaster or have found a wall stud (tapping around the sides of the hard area will help you determine which). Knowing the type of wall you’re working with will help you decide what kind of hardware is necessary for your project.

Installing Floating Shelves on Wall Studs

If you’re going to be attaching your floating shelf and bracket to a wall stud, you do not need any anchors. If you are working with plaster or drywall, however, additional support is necessary. Wall anchors, also called molly plugs, will help you build a sturdy foundation for your shelf. Regular hollow wall anchors are fine for plaster; for drywall you will need butterfly or toggle anchors. Before deciding which anchors to buy, consider what you want your shelves to hold. Anchors are rated for how much weight they can support, but to be safe, it’s best to stay on the low end of an anchor’s max weight rating.

How to Install Floating Shelves

Measure and mark the spaces on the wall (on both ends) of where you want the shelf to go. Using a level, draw a discreet line in pencil across the wall to ensure that your shelf will sit straight. Use the hand drill to drill pilot holes into the wall for the anchors. Insert hollow anchors into the holes, following specific directions on the package. Align your bracket with the anchor-filled pilot holes. Using a regular screw driver, attach the bracket to the wall by screwing into the anchors. Slide shelf onto bracket.

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Are Keter sheds fire resistant?

Metal sheds are durable, inexpensive, and last a long time. Unlike wooden sheds, metal sheds are fire, insect, rot, and weather-resistant, making them a zero-maintenance shed option.

The final decision on what shed to purchase comes down to your personal preference. The differences between resin vs. wood vs. metal can be narrowed down into 4 categories: price, durability, maintenance, and assembly. When it comes to price, wood is the most expensive and least environmentally friendly option, the resin is the second-most expensive and the most environmentally friendly option, and metal is the cheapest but the hardest to transport and assemble. All three materials are durable and will be able to hold anything you store. But you’ll want to remember which options are going to last the longest through the harshest weather elements. Wooden sheds are not necessarily waterproof and are not resistant to fire or rotting. Metal sheds are more durable as they are fire, insect, rot, and weather resistant. They can rust, but they are more durable to the elements vs. wood. Resin is the most durable because it’s weather-resistant to fading, rusting, warping, rotting, insects, and fire. Assembly is the final factor to consider when purchasing a shed. Some wooden sheds are already built and just require you to install them. However, most wooden sheds are difficult to build and require a lot of work and patience. Metal sheds are also difficult to install and once they are built, it’s very difficult to transport a metal shed. Resin is the easiest to build and easy to move to a new location because of its lightweight material.

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