How can we securely install shelves in our kitchen without studs on the left wall for support?
Asked by Leevi Rintala 
2 months ago
Last Updated: November 6, 2024
Hey there! We’re redoing our kitchen and getting rid of those pesky corner cabinets. We’re thinking of adding some shelves like the ones in the picture. The only issue is that we just realized there are no studs on the left wall where we want to put the shelves. There’s one stud in the corner and another on the right wall, but that’s it. We’re a bit stuck on what to do next, any ideas? I was considering attaching the shelves to the cabinet side, but I’m worried it won’t be very secure since the panels aren’t that strong. Would appreciate any suggestions you have!
How about adding a slim piece of wood as a ledge along the bottom for the shelf to rest on and paint or stain it the same color as the shelf (you could use small toggle bolts to secure the “ledge” to the walls) and then simply use small screws into your cabinets so they don’t go through
I might consider securing a sturdy cabinet grade plywood to the sides of the current cupboards and then maybe attach to that
They have really sturdy drywall anchors available now, so I’d recommend using those along with nailing the ends into the cabinets.
I’m a bit lost, what exactly are you recommending? Are you thinking of using nails with anchors? They are in the middle of setting up shelves.
Oh hey, I just noticed there’s tile back there instead of drywall. I think keyhole hangers on the back of the shelves and drywall anchors in the drywall would work better.
Now with the anchors, you can even do chin ups on the drywall haha
Lol
Mentioned about nailing the ends in. I’m not sure how.
Consider cutting into the sheetrock and installing additional supports where they’re required. They don’t necessarily have to reach from the floor to the ceiling.
If you’re redoing your kitchen and replacing cabinets, a quick fix would be attaching studs to the walls wherever necessary, do a bit of drywall patching, and you’re all set.
You can easily secure them inside the cabinets. I don’t think you’ll be storing gold bars on those shelves, right?
To provide support, you can glue and nail or screw the corner together.
This is a tricky situation. Instead of cutting open the wall to add studs, consider placing a 1×2 runner under the cabinets on each side. Paint them to blend in with the walls. This way, you’ll have hidden support on the right side and some support on the left side. Let the wood extend where there are no studs, cut and attach at a 90-degree angle, and add a single dowel for extra shelf support.
That sounds like a fantastic suggestion! Thank you so much. I’m thinking of combining some of the ideas I found here, hopefully it works out. Fingers crossed!
Hold on a sec! How about using a single piece (1×2 again) running diagonally from wall to wall under both cabinets, using the cabinets as support for the lower shelf? Then, you can install narrow jack studs along the sides of the cabinets for the upper shelves.
Dusting those will be an adventure!
I was also worried about finding things that wouldn’t look small on those shelves.
My plan is to add some decorations and recipe books. It might be a bit of a task dusting it, but hopefully, it will be quick since we’re not planning to fill it up with too much stuff. Just trying to avoid having an empty corner haha
If you’re investing in cabinets, consider adding a stud for a small part of your renovation.
You should be good with a stud to the right, one in the corner, and a drywall anchor on the left for a shelf that small.
That’s great to hear (or read) from . Thank you very much!
Toggle bolts that are heavy duty.
I agree with this
Oh, cool! These are new to me, thanks a lot!
Using Molly screws for floating shelves.