Most times, if our shelves are not fixed properly, they tend to fall off in the long run. Good shelf brackets are meant to hold your kitchen shelves to the wall comfortably without wear or tear in the nearest future.
If you want to make a DIY shelf for your kitchen, you should consider using good shelf brackets. There are different patterns and materials that can be used for kitchen shelf brackets. I have put together a list of some amazing DIY shelf brackets that you can DIY easily.
Some of the projects are woodworking projects, while others are metalworking projects. The good news is, you will definitely find the perfect brackets for your open shelving.
Table of Contents
DIY Metal Shelf Brackets
Do you know how to make metal shelf brackets? Do you want to know how to? Below are some how-to guides to make the metal shelf brackets easier to build. It is amazing to have a strong bracket holding your beautiful shelf to the wall. Another thing is that the metal bracket is strong enough to uphold the weight of the shelf and other weights on it.
1. Farmhouse Steel Shelf Brackets
| Level | Intermediate |
| Cost | $10 |
A store-bought bracket might be inexpensive and effective but making one by yourself from scratch is actually amazing and professional. The first thing to do is to get some flat steel- you can get three brackets from one flat steel. You’ll need three flat steel for all the brackets in this guide. Take the flat steel to the vice. Then, use a 3 lb sledge hammer to bang the steel till it bends to a 90-degree angle. After that, determine how deep you want the brackets to be.
2. Pipe Shelf Brackets
| Level | Intermediate |
| Cost | $10-$20 |
This pipe shelf bracket is very easy to put together. The first thing to do is gather the materials and tools required: steel pipe, floor flanges, plastic plugs, short screws, long screws, and steel pipe elbow. After that, take one of the floor flanges and mark its holes on the shelf. Drill the holes and use short screws to attach the flange to the shelf. Then, screw in the pipe, elbows, another pipe, and the second flange that will be on the wall. You need long screws to attach this flange to the wall.
3. DIY Plumbing Fitting Shelf Brackets
| Level | Intermediate |
| Cost | $15-$25 |
These DIY shelf brackets are exactly what is used for plumbing fitting this means it can be used for several uses. For the shelf, you will need a wooden board and black steel pipe floor flanges, black steel pipe nipples, pipe elbows, and screws. Assemble the pipe fitting to be used as shelf brackets. Clean and secure the plumbing fixture. Torch the shelf and fix it on.
4. DIY Metal Shelf Brackets
| Level | Intermediate |
| Cost | $15-$30 |
This is a pretty shelf bracket made from a metal motorcycle sprocket and a reclaimed pine joist. You will also need mounting bolts for this. To make the bracket, prepare the sprocket and weld it enough to be able to support a shelf. Prepare the metal bar then weld the entire bracket. Finish it up as well. When mounting, you will need to mark the top of the bracket to know the best spot. Prepare the shelf and mount.
5. How To Make Metal Shelf Brackets
| Level | Intermediate |
| Cost | $10-$20 |
To make this DIY shelf bracket out of metal, you will need to fetch the metal. Measure and cut out the excesses. Make it long enough for the whole measurement so you don’t need to cut and join. You can just bend appropriately and get your bracket.
6. Forged Shelf Brackets
| Level | Intermediate |
| Cost | $10-$15 |
This shelf uses a bracket that is made of metal, to make this, you will need to work with a blacksmith to make the sizes equal. Hammer flats on the end and clean the burrs on the metal. Drill the rivet and make mounting holes. The mounting holes need to be close to the edge so you can get a screwdriver around the curved piece. Bend and add rivets then weld in the curved piece.
7. Making Forge Shelf Brackets
| Level | Intermediate |
| Cost | $10-$25 |
Are you liking the best shelf brackets? You can check out this video for the full tutorial on how to make forged shelf brackets from flat steel. Flame polish one end of the flat steel till it is red hot. Then, place the heated end on the edges of your work surface and use a hammer to bang it till it bends (90 degrees). The process of heating is required to make the steel easier to bend. After bending the edge, use the hammer to make dents all over the flat steel and you’re good to go.
8. Floating Shelf Brackets
| Level | Intermediate |
| Cost | $15-$25 |
If you want to mount a floating shelf on your wall, you’ll need to install a floating shelf bracket to hold it firmly. The floating bracket is a steel bar that has an inch-and-a-half wide flange at the back with six to seven inches of steel rods attached to it. The steel bar is installed into a quarter-inch fir board. Let’s see how the installation happens. Trace and mark the center of the back edge of the board. Then, drill holes for the steel rods and you’re good to go.
9. Metal Shelf Brackets
| Level | Hard |
| Cost | $20-$30 |
This is a really easy DIY shelf bracket that is made from metal with a wooden pattern. The wooden piece serves as the pattern to create the metal piece. Insert the wooden piece between the two metal pieces and weld the metal dowel to the metal piece below.
10. Industrial Shelf Brackets
| Level | Easy |
| Cost | $10-$20 |
Here is a guide that will take you through the process of making shelf brackets using black pipe flange and steel pipe. For each bracket, you will need one black pipe flange and one black steel pipe. Locate the stud in the wall and mark the holes on the flags to the wall ( on the stud). Then, drill the holes into the wall and attach the flange. After that, screw on the pipe. Repeat this process for the second bracket and you’re good to go.
11. Welded Metal Shelf Brackets
| Level | Intermediate |
| Cost | $15-$25 |
If you’re mounting a long shelf or you want the shelf to uphold higher pounds of weight, then the number of brackets holding such a shelf will be more than normal. In this video, nine metal brackets were built for a long shelf. The first thing to do here is to gather some angular metal bars. After that, cut the bars into small pieces, and sand the edges to make them smooth. Now, separate the metal bar pieces into groups of three, take one in each group, and cut some angles into it at both ends. After that, assemble the three and weld them in place.
12. DIY Farmhouse Shelf Brackets
| Level | Intermediate |
| Cost | $10-$15 |
This shelf bracket is made out of metal. It is shaped to fit to the front base of the shelf. To make this, you will need a table vice or a couple of bar clamps that are slid into a galvanized pipe. This was fixed-in and finally wiped clean. A coat of metal spray primer and a couple of coats of flat black spray paint, as well, were used.
13. Metal Farmhouse Bracket
| Level | Intermediate |
| Cost | $20-$25 |
If you study this shelf brackets tutorial, you will see that the cost of one bracket at the store is worth two brackets if you do it yourself. Let’s see; you will need a flat metal bar, screws, metal brake, hack saw, metal file, square, wrench, and clamps. After getting these materials and tools. Start by bending the flat steel. For this type of bracket, you need to bend the metal bar in four places. Check the link above for full details.
14. C Clamp Shelf Brackets
| Level | Intermediate |
| Cost | $20-$30 |
There are two options to assemble these c clamp brackets; the welding option and the no welding option. If you don’t have access to a welder or you don’t have any welding skills, you can go for the welding option. This no-welding method requires a metal brake or hammer and bench vice. For the welding option, you weld the clamp together. See the link above for the full tutorial.
DIY Wooden Shelf Brackets
The wooden shelf brackets listed below are great and each comes with a cutting and materials list to make the bike easier. Check out the step-by-step instructions on how to build the wooden brackets below.
15. How To Build A Simple Shelf Bracket
| Level | Intermediate |
| Cost | $10-$15 |
If you have woodwork materials, this should be an easy task for you. This simple shelf bracket requires that you measure the shelf and cut the wood accordingly. Cut the angles and add a decorative touch. Connect the pieces together through the pocket holes. You can choose to either paint or stain the brackets. Install them neatly.
16. DIY Wooden Shelf Brackets
| Level | Intermediate |
| Cost | $10-$20 |
All you need for this wooden wall shelf bracket include a pine board, pencil, square, tape measure, wood glue, air nailer, table saw, and miter saw. The first thing to do is to rip that pine board into pieces with the miter saw. While cutting, you need to put in mind the width of the shelf and how deep you want the brackets to be. After cutting, gather three pieces of wood and put wood glue on the edges. Then, nail the pieces together. Note that the support brace on each bracket will be at an angle of 45 degrees.
17. Batman Shelf Brackets
| Level | Intermediate |
| Cost | $10-$20 |
This wall bracket is perfect for any Batman-themed shelves. It is amazing and strong enough to hold up to 20 lb of weight. Here are some of the materials and tools required to make the brackets: scrap pine lumber, scrap plywood, spray paint, shelf hangers, wood glue, clear finish, table saw, jointer, scroll saw, and brad nailer. You will need a template for the Batman bracket to make the work easier.
18. DIY Oak Shelf Brackets
| Level | Intermediate |
| Cost | $10-$15 |
One of the amazing wood materials to use for woodwork is oak. It is pretty strong and durable. Measure and cut out your pieces of wood. Make it straight enough so you can easily get the angle for the dowel. Fix the pieces together and sand them down. Use wood polish.
19. DIY Farmhouse Shelf Corbels
| Level | Intermediate |
| Cost | $15-$25 |
These corbels are really crafted and fanciful. Research shapes and sizes to get the best one for you. Use a graph sheet to draw out your pattern. Trace the paper template on square plywood that is cut out. Use lumber and cut the shape carefully out. There will be some imperfections so use a sanding tool to get smooth edges. Make a slot for the keyhole hanger. The making process would take a while to complete, but you will be proud of what you were able to make in the end.
20. DIY Rustic Shelf Brackets
| Level | Intermediate |
| Cost | $15-$20 |
This shelf is structured such that heavy things will not be placed on it so that it will not fall off because the bracket may not be strong enough to hold up the shelf with the heavy things on it. The only saving grace is to increase the size of the shelf. You will need reclaimed wood, furring strips, and pine wood. Cut the pieces of wood and build the brackets. Use a weathered paint finish.
21. 3D Printed Shelf Brackets
| Level | Intermediate |
| Cost | $10-$20 |
These 3D printed brackets are very easy to make, all you need is your 3D printer. Start by changing the nozzle of your 3D printer (from 0.4mm – 0.6mm), this step is to allow it to print faster. Then, get the wood pieces you want to use and measure them. Then, design the brackets on 365 fusion. After designing, connect to the 3D printer and you’re good to go. Yes! It’s as simple as that, not many tools and equipment are required.
22. DIY Shelf Brackets
| Level | Intermediate |
| Cost | $15-$25 |
Are you looking for cooler designs to try out? Here’s another one you can try out. For the making process of this easy DIY shelf bracket, you will need to cut two different sizes of pieces. The dowel looks like a full bracket made like a dowel only that it is fitted into some other pieces of wood. Join the pieces together and smooth out the edges.
23. DIY Wooden Shelf Brackets
| Level | Easy |
| Cost | $10-$15 |
If you need an easy woodwork project then you can try this on. The first thing to do is to trim both sides of the wood then begin ripping it to the pieces you will need to use. When you have all your joints, apply some glue to join them together. I think it has to be one of the easiest shelf brackets that you can make, However, I won’t advise that you keep heavy things on the shelf.
24. DIY Modern Wood Shelf Brackets
| Level | Intermediate |
| Cost | $10-$15 |
This wooden shelf bracket looks different from the regular. Instead of a long bar in the middle wedging the frame, there are two parallel cylindrical wooden creations fixed in a creative manner. This uses a pine board for the shelf and a thick maple board for the brackets. Layout 45-degree angle lines where you want your dowel to be. For that angle, make holes and assemble the dowels in it.
25. Walnut And Oak Shelf Brackets
| Level | Intermediate |
| Cost | $15-$25 |
This bracket is made from a walnut plank, oak dowel, head planes, pull saw, workbench, hand drill, screws, clamps, and other materials. To prepare the wood, use a bench dog that fits into the hole in the workbench then clamp the other end. Do your shaving and sanding. Cut the end squares and make the board even. Assemble then add a diagonal dowel. Add mounting holes and finish. The making process of these DIY shelf brackets is very easy to follow.
26. DIY Floating Shelf WIth Invisible Brackets
| Level | Easy |
| Cost | $10-$15 |
Have you ever thought of a shelf with an invisible bracket? Determine how long your floating shelf should be. Use a miter saw and cut it to your size. Sand and stain the floating shelf. Hang the brackets on the wall. Drill pilot holes over your marks on the wall then tap the wall anchors into the hole with a hammer. Install the brackets then fit the holes into the wood and slide the shelf into the brackets.
27. Easy DIY Shelf Brackets
| Level | Intermediate |
| Cost | $10-$20 |
Here is a great guide that will show you how to make easy DIY shelf brackets. The first step here is to know what you want (the height and width of the shelf). Then, gather the materials as listed in this guide. After that, rip down the wooden board into pieces and assemble the shelf. Then, bend and prepare the brackets. Spray-paint the brackets and you’re good to go.
28. Life Edge Maple Shelf Brackets
| Level | Intermediate |
| Cost | $10-$15 |
There are two different metal brackets in this video as described by the creator. The first one is the modern metal square bracket which is more of a square and radiant metal shelf bracket that has a little curve at the end. Both of them can be installed through the bottom flange or the top flange. When installing the brackets, ensure to screw them nicely on the stud.
29. How To Make Strong Shelf Supports
| Level | Intermediate |
| Cost | $15-$25 |
This is a really classy pattern to make a shelf bracket. The brackets are not made one by one. They are made up to 3 in a row and then connected to the wall where the shelf can comfortably sit. Measure and make your markings. Drill holes; use nails to connect the pieces together. This hanger is strong enough to carry on any weight.
30. How To Make Your Own Shelf Brackets
| Level | Intermediate |
| Cost | $10-$15 |
Brackets like this can hold your shelf to the wall firmly. All you need is scrap wood, a band saw, and a pencil. From the scrap wood, you can get two brackets if you use opposite corners. Use the pencil to draw the bracket shape on opposite corners of the wood. Take it to the band saw and cut out two nice wooden brackets. After that, sand it properly and you’re good to go.
31. How To Make A Shelf Wall Bracket
| Level | Intermediate |
| Cost | $15-$20 |
Check out these amazing metal brackets for a wooden shelf. It is made from steel and welding and soldering equipment is required. Start by cutting two strips of steel. Drill holes in the steel pieces and take them to a bench vice to bend the pieces into an L form. After that, attach a thin steel rod as a support rail to each of the bracket’s unsung soldering. Ensure to wear protective equipment while working with these tools.
DIY Heavy-Duty Shelf Brackets
The efficiency of your wall shelf depends on the effectiveness of the bracket. The brackets hold the shelf to the wall which means the brackets should be able to withstand all the weights gathered on the shelf. Heavy-duty shelf brackets will guarantee the efficiency of your shelf.
32. Heavy Duty Shelf Brackets
| Level | Intermediate |
| Cost | $15-$20 |
Do you need to hang or mount a shelf on the wall inside your garage? Here is a great shelf bracket to ease the process. This heavy-duty shelf bracket is made from pieces of 2×4. The first thing to do is to rip down the 2×4 into square pieces on a table saw. After that, take the pieces to the miter saw and cut them to size the length of the bracket. However, for the support rail of the bract, cut it to 45 degrees on both ends. After cutting, assemble the pieces with screws and you’re good to go.
33. Garage Shelf Brackets
| Level | Intermediate |
| Cost | $15-$25 |
If you need quite several brackets in your garage to hold shelves. Here is an easy way to make multiple wooden brackets at the same time. All you have to do is to get a CNC router, done screws, a band saw, and a sander. Place a big sheet of thick plywood on your work surface and connect your CNC router. Use the router to carve out numerous brackets on the board. After that, remove the brackets and take them to the band saw to remove the extended edges. Then, sand them thoroughly before installing them on the wall with screws.
34. How To Make Heavy Duty Brackets
| Level | Intermediate |
| Cost | $20-$30 |
This is a heavy-duty DIY Shelf bracket since the wood is relatively thick, meaning you can place very heavy kinds of stuff without having to worry about the shelf falling off. After making your pieces with the right measurements, use wood glue on them before nailing them together with screws.
35. DIY Wood Shelf Brackets For Open
| Level | Intermediate |
| Cost | $10-$15 |
These are pretty much simple and inexpensive. You will need to choose boards for open shelving. The spacing of the brackets will tell on the strength of the shelf. Cut your wood to size then sand it properly. Connect top and back pieces then attach diagonal support. You can finally stain or paint.
36. DIY Heavy-Duty Brackets From Scrap
| Level | Easy |
| Cost | $10-$25 |
Do you have some scrap wood? Do you need some brackets? Well, that’s a great combination. Let’s make some heavy-duty brackets from scrap wood. Gather the scrap wood and prepare (sand or plane)them if there’s a need to. Then, cut the scrap wood into pieces as shown in this video. Assemble the pieces for the brackets using wood screws to hold them together.
37. Heavy Duty Wall Shelf
| Level | Easy |
| Cost | $15-$20 |
The capability of a wall shelf to hold a large weight depends on the bracket used to mount it. Here is a heavy-duty L bracket that can hold your shelf firmly to the wall. To install the brackets, you need to locate the studs – these are the 2×4s installed into the concrete of the wall. To do this, you need a stud finder. Once you place the stud finder on the stud, it will show a red light. Mark the area and drill holes in it. After that, install the brackets to the holes using screws.
DIY Concrete Shelf Brackets
Here are some great ideas on concrete shelf brackets. The tutorial is very explicit with step-by-step instructions on how to build the concrete brackets from start to finish.
38. How To Make A Concrete Shelf Bracket
| Level | Hard |
| Cost | $50-$150 |
One amazing thing about this concrete shelf bracket is that it makes your shelf look like it is floating. To make this bracket, you need a mold and two small metal brackets. The mold in this video was created from scrap plywood. Once the mold was ready, strips of foam board were put inside to give the exact bracket look. Then, the mixed cement and metal bracket was added to the mold. After the concrete dried, it was sanded with 240 grit sandpaper and covered with sealer.
39. Concrete Brackets Wood Shelf
| Level | Intermediate |
| Cost | $15-$20 |
To build these concrete brackets, start by making a wooden box as the mold. Then, add some mixed concrete into the mold, and add some steel wire as well for reinforcement. After that, put two straw pipes in the middle of the concrete (these will be holes for screws later on). Put one thermocol sheet in the middle to divide the mold into two. Now, add more concrete to both sides of the mold. Allow it to dry very well before removing the mold. After removing the mold, place the concrete bracket inside water for some hours and you’re good to go.
Conclusion
Shelf brackets will help you hold your beautiful shelves firmly to the wall. You can buy brackets from any hardware store but it will be great to make them yourself and besides the cost will be reduced. This means the cost of one bracket at the store can work for two to three brackets if you make them yourself.
60 DIY Smoker Plans: A Complete Guide To Building A Smoker
53 DIY Clothing Rack Plans – How To Make a Clothes Rack
DIY Cloud Light – 44 Ways On How To Make A DIY Cloud Light
38 DIY Pool Deck Plans | Build A Pool Deck Like The Pros
55 DIY Board Games To Kill Boredom: 100% Homemade Game
50+ DIY Goat Hay Feeder Plans: How To Build Like A Pro
