Wall shelving may be used in practically any room in your home as a means for organizing and storing belongings. Traditionally, wall shelves are installed using a combination of screws and nails. While this method secures shelving, the end result is holes in the wall. If you can’t put holes in your wall, but need to install a weight-bearing shelf you may do so by following several steps.
Mix 2 tablespoons of liquid dishwashing detergent with 3 cups of water. Dip a sponge into the cleaning solution and clean the wall where the shelves will hang.
Sand the area where the shelves will gang with 150 to 180 grit sandpaper. Gently sand the area by hand to roughen up the surface. Clean the area once more with the soap and water mixture.
Position a leveler on the wall until it is level. Draw a straight line with a pencil across the leveler. This line serves as a guide when attaching the shelves.
Apply a liberal amount of urethane glue, or polyurethane glue, along the back edge of the shelf. According to acclaimed home improvement author Tim Carter, urethane glue is waterproof and can withstand up to 4,000 pounds per square inch.
Line up the shelf with the pencil line and press into the wall. Press the shelf into the wall for 60 seconds to begin the bonding process.
Put five to six strips of duct tape extending from the wall below the shelf to the wall above the shelf. Separate each strip of tape by at least 4-inches to ensure even pressure. Taping the shelf applies constant pressure while the glue hardens. Keep tape secure for at least eight hours. Keep the shelf taped for 24 hours for the strongest seal.
Remove the tape and test the durability of the shelf by pressing down on it with your hand. If the shelf does not move, begin adding your items; however, if the shelf moves the glue did not cure long enough. Re-tape and allow the glue to rest for an additional 8 to 24 hours.
If your shelf comes with brackets, you may glue these in place instead of nailing them.
Do not allow the urethane glue to come in contact with anything other than the shelf and the wall.