The exact weight the shelf can support depends on the plugs you use. Check the packaging for a listed weight limit, and buy a set that lines up with what you’ll be storing on the shelves. If this isn’t the case for your pantry, then the standards and bracket method is better for you.
If your pantry is 24 in (61 cm) across and 8 in (20 cm) deep, then those are the dimensions you’ll have to cut the plywood to. Always wear gloves and goggles while you’re using a saw. Keep your hands far away from the blade while it’s spinning. If you want to paint or stain the wood, do it now. It’s a lot easier to do before you install the shelves.
If your shelves are 8 in (20 cm) wide and flush with the edges of the pantry, then simply make a mark 1 in (2. 5 cm) in from each side of the pantry.
There are also attachments you can use that have pre-drilled holes in them at equal distances. You’d just have to hold the attachment against the pantry and poke through the holes without measuring the distance by hand. Be careful and make certain that the holes on all sides are even with each other. If not, your shelves will be crooked.
Check the wall plugs that you’re using to see if the set recommends a drill bit size. If the holes are too big or too small, the plugs won’t fit correctly.
Press the plugs into the holes so you know they’re secure. It might help to tap them with a hammer a few times. Double check and make sure the plugs are all at the same height. If not, your shelf will be crooked and could fall.
If the shelves are too wide for the pantry, then just shave the edges very slightly with a saw until they fit correctly.
Wall standards and matching brackets are easy to find at any hardware store. You’ll need 2 brackets for each shelf, and you can put multiple brackets and shelves on each pair of standards. Most brackets will fit in a wall standard. It’s more important to make sure the brackets are long enough for the shelves you’re using to rest on.
Studs are typically 16–24 in (41–61 cm) apart. If your shelves are longer than that, then you may need to find and make the third stud instead of the second. [13] X Research source
Make sure you don’t slide the standard off the stud while you’re adjusting it. Only make tiny adjustments until the standard is straight. You can get standards from any hardware store. They come in different sizes and colors, so shop around to find a pair that matches your pantry.
Double check to make sure the standard is vertical before driving in the bottom screw. This way, you can make any last-minute adjustments easily.
Making sure the standards are level is very important. Otherwise, your shelves won’t be level and things could fall off.
If you have to take the standard away from the wall before screwing it, use a pencil and put dots in all the screw holes so you can hang it back up at the right height.
If you don’t like the height of the shelf, just take it off, pop the brackets out, and reinstall them in a different spot. Some brackets have screw holes through the bottom so you can drive screws into the shelf for a stronger hold. [21] X Research source
