One of the first things to properly realize in regards to hanging shelves and pictures safely is to take the time to do the job correctly. Properly installed shelves can last for years, but regrettably, a job that’s done in a rushed way makes your shelves both ugly and dangerous. Before you embark on this project, you may need to know where you want to place the shelves or pictures and then gather the proper tools and materials.
Several homes have drywall on their interior walls, which is not strong enough to hold heavy objects. To hang shelves and large pictures, you do need to anchor them to the wooden studs in your walls. To detect them, you will need to have a stud finder. It is relevant to place shelf supports and picture hangers on wooden studs to keep the shelves and pictures from falling, possibly damaging walls and floors and likely even wounding someone.
Afterward, plan out the placement of your shelves and pictures. Use a measuring tape, pencil, and a level to ensure that your installation will result in proper placement. Assuming you are hanging shelves at a height that would require a ladder, take good care to utilize proper safety precautions. Ladders alone injure more people than any other household accident.
For pictures, the height at which you hang your pictures is critical. In case executed badly, the effect can appear out of balance or unprofessional. As a general norm, the center of a framed picture should be located approximately 57 inches above the floor (this is eye level for the average person). Measure and mark the placement of each picture heedfully ahead of starting the next steps.
Next step, you will then have to determine what type of screws, anchors, and brackets you will need to support the item’s weight. For shelves, be sure to include the weight of the objects that will be stored there. It is an excellent idea to overestimate the weight, just to be safe. To place screws, anchors, and brackets in the studs and walls, you will, in all likelihood, need a drill driver or other power tool.
Make certain to educate yourself on the proper use of your drill driver before attempting to use it for the first time. If in case you want to hang shelves or pictures on a brick or concrete wall, that may naturally require a masonry bit and plastic anchors to install the screws required to hold the shelf or picture in place. As soon as you’re ready to install the shelf or picture, try working with someone there to help lift and steady things. A different point of view on your placement and measurements never hurts, either.
If screws, drills, and power tools are not something you are accustomed to, pictures can also be secured to the walls by other methods such as double-sided adhesives. Remember, some adhesives may be permanent or removable, so make certain to choose the one that best matches your needs.
By taking a few precautions and choosing the right tools, you can start hanging shelves and pictures on the walls of your Winston-Salem rental home in no time.
While doing research on every potential income property is a lot of work, Real Property Management of the Triad can help lighten your load. We offer free rental property analyses for investors, which can help you more easily identify whether the income property you want to buy is a profitable option. Contact us online or call us at 336-355-6677 or 336-777-7444 to learn more!