Shelving and Storage: what a handyman does
A handyman can install shelves, brackets, track systems and wall storage so they are level and fastened into studs or the right anchors for the load. Built-in cabinetry, custom closet systems that change the room, and anything needing new wiring or framing are separate trades or remodel work.
Jobs we take on
Tap one to add it to your list.
- Install bracket-and-standard shelving screwed into wall studs
- Mount floating shelves on hidden brackets fastened into studs
- Hang pantry, laundry and closet shelving and add or replace the closet rod
- Install garage wall storage such as tracks, rails, hooks and pegboard
- Add a backer board across studs when the shelf spacing does not line up with them
- Use toggle or molly anchors for lighter shelves where no stud is available
- Add a center standard or extra support to a shelf that bows
- Mount coat hooks and a wall-mounted rack in a mudroom or entry
Signs it is time to call
- A shelf bows in the middle after a season of books or heavy jars
- Brackets are pulling away from the wall or the drywall is crumbling around a screw
- A shelf standard tilts or the shelf is no longer level
- Heavy items are stacked on the floor because the shelves cannot take them
- Plastic anchors spin in the wall and will not hold the screw
What is not a handyman job
Built-in cabinets, custom millwork and closet systems that change the room are remodel or cabinetmaker work. Shelving that needs new wiring, such as lighted units, goes to a licensed electrician. Structural or load-bearing wall changes are out of scope. Very heavy equipment racks or ceiling-hung storage may need a contractor or engineer to confirm what the framing can carry.
Plumbing, electrical and roofing go to licensed independent contractors.
What a visit looks like
- We ask what you plan to store, because the weight of the contents decides the shelf, the bracket and the fastener.
- Studs are located and marked before drilling, and plaster walls can need extra care finding them.
- You can supply the shelving. Tell us the size and the wall it is going on so we can plan the fasteners.
- Shelves are checked for level and a gentle load test before we leave.
Common questions
How much weight can a shelf hold?
That depends on the shelf, the bracket and the wall. Books are heavier than they look. A foot of paperbacks is about 10 pounds, standard hardcovers about 20 pounds, and large coffee-table books about 30 pounds. Screwing into studs holds far more than drywall anchors, so tell us what is going on the shelf.
What if there is no stud where I want the shelf?
There are options. Toggle bolts and molly bolts grip behind the drywall, and a backer board fastened across studs can carry the shelf from there. Spreading the load across more brackets helps. Anchor ratings differ by brand and drywall thickness, so we choose hardware rated above the weight you plan to store.
Can you hang shelves on plaster walls?
Yes, with some care. Plaster over wood lath hides studs, so a sensor with a metal setting or small test holes near the baseboard are used to find them. Where no stud is reachable, toggle bolts suit plaster better than standard drywall hardware, which can crack it.
Do you build custom shelving or cabinets?
We install shelving you have chosen, and we can build or assemble simple pieces. Built-in cabinetry and custom closet systems that alter the room are cabinetmaker or remodel work. For tall bookcases and storage that could tip, ask about anchoring furniture to the wall as part of the visit.