Help For Do-It-Yourselfers: Home Shelving Systems
"Just What Is a Home Shelving System?" If you have ever tried to construct shelving or wall units on your own before -- from scratch, I mean -- you know how difficult this can be. You need to cut everything very carefully, make sure it matches and fits together properly, mess around with nails and screws and other odds and ends -- and then you end up with something that, well, really just doesn't look that great. Home shelving systems are designed to eliminate the problems and hassles associated with making your own shelving and storage units. The great advantage in using a home shelving system is that you can choose the length and size of the shelving you need, and regardless of the size or type of shelving that you select it is guaranteed to fit together perfectly. "What Is Included in a Typical Home Shelving System Kit?" Home shelving systems are designed to be a complete installation solution for you. For this reason, you will typically receive a number of different shelving boards in your kit, already sized and ready to fit into the uprights (uprights form the sides of your shelf and give it its height). In addition to the shelves and uprights you will also receive all the necessary hardware (such as screws -- if these are necessary with your type of shelves). In addition to hardware, you will also need additional accessories such as fascia (a small band that goes along the bottom edge of your shelf next to the ground), and brackets for mounting your shelf onto a wall (to keep it from tipping over). In addition, some home shelving systems also include cross braces to help keep shelves straight and level (especially if they are not mounted against a wall), and small display lighting (which is great to show off valuable collections such as curios or dishware). "What Are Some Potential Problems Associated with Using Home Shelving Systems?" In general, most home shelving systems allow for relatively quick and easy assembly of all components. Problems you encounter are usually due to inexperience, poor planning, and poor measurements. For example, a common problem is not taking accurate measurements. The resulting home shelving system which is ordered and purchased may not fit properly in the designated area -- but whose fault is that? Certainly not the manufacturers! Another potential problem is that of failing to anchor tall, narrow shelves firmly against a supporting wall. Any home shelving system can be tipped over, no matter how sturdily it is constructed, if it is tall enough or narrow enough, or if it is located in the middle of the floor with no walls to lean against. If your home shelving system must be located in the middle of your room, make sure that you use cross braces to help stabilize it, and also make sure that it rests on a floor surface that is perfectly level, and that it is not too tall. Another mistake that is commonly made when installing home shelving systems is a failure to anticipate the fixed obstacles that will be in your way -- such as embedded fireplaces, electrical outlets -- even exposed plumbing! Make sure that when you take your measurements that you select a properly-sized home shelving system that will fit in or around these obstacles. |
