Perfect for storing books, toys and supplies, bookcases are an indispensable feature in any child's room. Bookcases can shake and tip, causing their contents, and sometimes the shelves themselves, to fall to the floor.

Fasten all bookcases securely to a wall.

One way to do this is by attaching either L-brackets or Z-brackets between the bookcases and the wall after predrilling holes in each. Be sure to use a bracket which can accommodate the fasteners you are using. (See Figure 1 for details).

 

Figure 1: Attachment Methods for Bookcases

• Attaching the bracket to the bookcase:
  
  
  • For wood bookcases, attach the brackets with #8 (or larger) wood screws. The screw should be long enough to secure the bracket to the shelf without punching through and creating a sharp edge.
    
    
  • For plastic and metal shelves, use #8 (or larger) machine screws with washers and nuts to ensure that the bracket will stay in place. The screw should be long enough to accommodate the bracket, shelf, washer and nut.
    
    
• Attaching the bracket to the walls:
  
  
  • For wood stud walls, use 3-inch long #8 (or larger) wood screws to attach each bracket to the wall. Place screws in the wood studs to assure that they are properly supported. Use a stud locator to find the best places.
    
    
  • For stone or masonry walls, place plastic anchors in the holes before you screw in 3-inch long #8 (or larger) screws, or consider using 3/16-inch diameter (or larger) masonry screws.

   

• For a bookcase with a solid back, pass screws directly through the back into the wall. Use washers to spread contact over a larger area between the screw and the bookcase's back. If you are working with a wood stud wall, use a stud locator to find the best locations for the 3-inch long #8 (or larger) wood screws. For a stone or masonry wall, use plastic anchors with the #8 (or larger) screws, or use 3/16-inch diameter masonry screws.
  

Figure 2: Ledge Barriers for Bookcases

 

• Prevent items on shelves from falling by installing ledge barriers made from strips of wood, metal or plastic. Cut them to fit the shelf and attach them with glue or mechanical fasteners. Finish the barriers to match the shelves.
  
  
• Place heavy items on lower shelves.
  
  
• Stabilize bookcases that are not against walls by attaching them back-to-back with #8 (or larger) machine screws, oversized washers and nuts.
  

Figure 3: Attach Freestanding Bookcases Back-to-Back

Figure 4: Secure Heavy Objects to Bookcases

• Affix large, heavy items, such as plants and aquariums, and breakables directly to the shelf to keep them from falling. Apply hook and loop material (such as Velcro) or museum gel to secure these items. For added protection, use metal, plastic or wood ledge barriers. See Figure 4 for details.
  

Necessary Tools and Materials

	L- or Z-brackets	______	quantity
	Fasteners	______
	Plastic anchors for masonry walls	______
	Variable speed drill and bits	______
	Screwdriver	______
	Stud locator	______
	Wood, plastic or metal strips	______
	Paint or wood finish	______
	Hook and loop material, or museum gel	______

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