When installing shelves, one of the most common questions is how far apart shelf brackets should be placed. Getting the spacing right is important. If brackets are too far apart, the shelf can sag or become unstable. If they are too close together, you may end up using more brackets than necessary.
This guide explains how to space shelf brackets properly so your shelves stay secure and look balanced.
The General Rule For Shelf Bracket Spacing
As a general rule, shelf brackets should be placed every 50–60cm along the shelf.
For most standard shelving projects, this spacing provides strong support and prevents the shelf from bending over time.
For example:
Shelf length | Recommended brackets
1 metre | 2 brackets
1.5 metres | 3 brackets
2 metres | 3–4 brackets
The exact spacing can vary depending on the shelf material and how much weight the shelf will hold.
Consider The Weight On The Shelf
Heavier shelves need brackets positioned closer together.
Shelves holding items such as books, kitchenware, or tools place much more pressure on the brackets than shelves used for decoration.
If your shelf will carry heavy items, reduce the spacing to around 40–50cm between brackets.
This helps distribute the weight more evenly and prevents sagging.
Shelf Material Makes A Difference
The strength of the shelf board itself also affects bracket spacing.
Solid hardwood shelves can usually span a slightly wider distance between brackets. Softer woods or thinner boards will need brackets closer together.
Typical guidelines:
Solid hardwood shelves
Spacing around 60cm
Pine shelves
Spacing around 50–60cm
Bracket Size Matters
The size of the bracket should also match the depth of the shelf.
A good rule is that the bracket should support at least two thirds of the shelf depth.
For example:
Shelf depth | Recommended bracket size
150mm shelf | 100–125mm bracket
200mm shelf | 150mm bracket
250mm shelf | 180–200mm bracket
Using the correct bracket size improves stability and helps the shelf support weight properly.
MDF shelves
Spacing around 40–50cm
If the shelf board is particularly thin, adding an extra bracket is always a safe option.
Always Fix Into Solid Material
Even perfectly spaced brackets will struggle if they are not fixed securely.
Whenever possible, brackets should be fixed directly into wall studs or solid brick. If this is not possible, strong wall plugs designed for the wall type should be used.
The strength of the fixing is just as important as the bracket itself.
Choosing Quality Shelf Brackets
Well-made cast iron brackets provide excellent support for shelving projects and work particularly well in traditional interiors, kitchens, hallways, and utility rooms.
Oakcrafts offers a wide range of traditional cast iron shelf brackets designed to combine strength with classic design.
View the full range here:
https://oakcrafts.co.uk/collections/shelf-brackets
