A crooked shelf is one of those small things that bothers you every single time you look at it. The good news: done right, it goes up straight on the first try. Here is exactly how to do it.
What You Will Need
- Spirit level (at least 40 cm) or a level app on your phone
- Drill with the right bits (concrete, brick, or drywall — depends on your wall)
- Wall plugs and screws suited to your wall type
- Pencil and tape measure
- Shelf brackets or a rail system
First: Know Your Wall
Warsaw apartments can have concrete, brick, hollow block, or drywall — and the fixing method is different for each. Before drilling, use a cable and pipe detector to check what is behind the plaster. Then choose your drill bit and plugs accordingly.
Step-by-Step Installation
- Mark the points. Hold the brackets against the wall and mark the screw hole centres with a pencil.
- Check the level. Place the level across both marks. Adjust now — fixing it after drilling means extra holes.
- Drill the holes. Depth should equal plug length plus 5 mm. Pull the bit out occasionally to clear dust.
- Insert the wall plugs. Tap them in with a rubber mallet or through a wooden block. Hitting directly with metal can damage the thread.
- Attach the brackets. Start both screws loosely, recheck level, then tighten fully.
- Fix the shelf. If the shelf has mounting holes, screw it to the brackets. If not, mounting tape can help stabilise it but should not be the primary fixing.
Common Mistakes
- Plugs that are too short — the shelf holds for a while, then pulls out along with a chunk of plaster.
- Skipping the level — a 2–3 mm difference per metre is clearly visible to the naked eye.
- Drilling without checking for services — risk of hitting an electrical cable or water pipe.
- Wrong plug type for hollow block — a standard expanding plug will not grip; use a hollow-wall anchor instead.
When to Call a Professional
If the plaster is loose, the wall is cracked or damp, the shelf needs to carry more than 20–30 kg, or you are not confident about what is inside the wall — it is not worth the risk. One wrong hole near an electrical line or pipe costs far more to repair than simply booking a handyman from the start.
Need a hand? Leave a request via the form on the site — we cover all districts of Warsaw. Pricing depends on the number of shelves and wall type.