Building Shelves with Different Utility Supports

Picture Hanger

Nail Hangers consist of a piece of metal with a hook on the lower end of a twist and loop that forms a nail hole. Depending on the size, this type will hold from 10 lbs. to 100 lbs.

Adhesive Hanger is a piece of flat metal with cuts or serrations along either edge that attaches to the back of a picture frame. The strip will stick to any clean, flat surface like glass, wood or metal. For light-duty use only.

Adjustable Hanger is a piece of flat metal with cuts or “serrations” along either edge that attaches to the back of a picture frame. Serrations allow for adjustment. For light-duty use only.

Utility Hanger is a hook that has an eye drilled into the flat upper piece for nailing or screwing to the wall. For light to medium use.

Hook Anchor is made of polypropylene and can be used in hollow or solid walls. For light to medium use. It will hold mirrors and pictures.

Hardwall Hanger is a plastic hook with case-hardened pins that can drive into brick or concrete walls to hold light- to medium-weight mirrors and pictures.

Flush Mount Hanger has two pieces of formed metal. One piece mounts to the picture and the other to the wall. These pieces interlock to create a high-load system.


Shelf Bracket

Fits into the slots on shelf standards and supports shelves. Some types mount directly onto the wall.

A flexible storage system can be built with standards and brackets that are easily removed and repositioned by pushing up and lifting out.

Can be mounted in cabinets, closets or bookcases.

One type is used with invisible shelving systems, which offers ways to put shelving into living areas. These systems mount brackets directly on the walls to support wood or glass shelving. They are not suggested for heavy support jobs.

Another form of standard is the Z bracket. It is frequently used for utility shelving in basements or garages. It offers more support than other types and is less expensive.

Floor-to-ceiling standards can be used to create room dividers.

These pieces are usually double-slotted and come in lengths ranging from 7’6” to 12’.



Shelf Standard


Pre-slotted metal strips attached to the wall, preferably into wall studs.

Can be attached with toggle bolts or similar fasteners approximately 16” apart.

If the standards are further than 16” apart, the shelves may not support heavy loads.

A newer variation includes a mounting rail that is fastened across the studs. The standard then clips directly into the rail or may require an adapter. Usually requires a fastener at the bottom for stability.


Support Hardware



Includes metal plates and braces specifically designed for use as reinforcement in a variety of applications.

Available in an assortment of sizes, shapes and finishes.

Specific items include t-plates, corner braces, mending plates, triple corner braces and chair leg braces.

Can be packaged with or without mounting hardware


Courtsey of NRHA.org http://www.doityourself.com/stry/typesofutilitysupport