Can I put up alcove shelving?

Question

Hello all,

I am looking into putting up shelves in some shallow alcoves (approximately a metre wide). They are located close to my living room fireplace. 
Would it be sufficient to use floating shelves or would I need brackets? 
I intend to use these as bookshelves, so there will be some weight to them. 
Advice on this would be brilliant!

Ryan · Answer

Assess the fire risk for the book shelf. I’d advise close to a metre away from a fire and floating shelves should be fine.

Craig · Answer

There is no risk putting up shelves in an alcove at the side of a chimney breast. However, I wouldn’t go for floating shelves as they are not strong enough to hold the weight of books. The metal frame would snap under the weight. Always use brackets or make a frame fixed to the back and side walls.

John · Answer

Thanks for asking, yes it would be possible to have this work completed I would definitely recommend you get a professional to carry out the work required. It would only cost around £75.
Thanks

Garry · Answer

I would use strong sturdy brackets as you say books can be quite heavy.

Matthew · Answer

If the shelving is to accommodate books, I would recommend brackets, also ensure correct fixings utilised for the required strength.

Jason · Answer

Hi,
I would say it boils down to the integrity of the wall that the shelving is to be fixed to. If it's soft and crumbly then you may want to fit a batten either side. Drill a small test hole avoiding any inline services, this will give a good indication of the structure and what fixing would be best. Hope this helps.
 
Kind regards.

Rod · Answer

Either will work as long as you can locate the timber frame behind the plasterboard to secure it to. If you have brick/masonry walls then you can simply secure it using wall plugs in then drilled holes.

John · Answer

It is ok to install shelving into the alcoves. You can use either method, it depends on what look you prefer. If you are wishing to do floating shelves you could make a frame and wrap in MDF then paint to the desired colour. Fix timber to the wall with screws and wall plugs before wrapping to ensure strength.

Jason · Answer

I would go for some strong brackets as you are using for bookshelves

Nicholas · Answer

If your fixing to a brick wall then you should be fine for the floating shelves, as long as there are enough fixings as you have said there will be some weight on them.

Andy · Answer

I would use bracket later if you're using it as a bookshelf.

Mark · Answer

There is a couple of different ways to do this but if you are putting books on it which will be heavy I think the best way is to fix 2 x 1 timber battens levelled all the way round the alcove and sit your shelf on top of that. It will be the strongest way of doing it. 
Mark. 
MB Frames

Waldemar · Answer

Floating shelves aren't solid enough. If you already have them, add on the brackets underneath as it will make them more secure. Floating shelves are for decorating purpose really and I wouldn't use them to support anything heavy like a bookshelf.

Can I put up alcove shelving?

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