If you have been staring at the sink in the kitchen for a while and wondering not only when you are going to get the job done but how to get it done read on for a simple step by step process.
1. Get the Equipment Before you start the project make sure you have a stud finder, a four foot level, a square, a few 2x4s and slab doors (depending on the number of shelves you want), a band or table saw, glue, nails (use a nailgun), chisel, and lag bolts.
2. Find the Studs Go along the wall you wish to add the shelves to and run your stud finder slowly along the wall. When you find the stud take a long ruler and draw a very light line (in pencil) down the length of the wall to outline the stud. Do this for each stud along the wall surface in order to see what spacing you have available for screws. Then take your ruler and measure out how far apart you want the shelves. Once you get the measurements take your pencil again and run horizontal lines across the wall to mark the locations for the shelves making special note where the shelf line intersects the studs.
3. Install the Vanity This is really up to you if the vanity needs to be replaced or if you would like to permanently install the vanity so it doesn't shift. You will want to screw it into the wall using dry wall screw. If you are drilling into tile make sure to drill into the grout between the tiles rather than the tiles themselves as they will crack and fall from the wall. If you are having trouble with the screw, take a masonry bit and drill a hole into the wall and place your molly bit.
4. Connect and Sweat the Pipes Slide both pipe ends into the fitting and make sure that it is nice and tight. Now that the pipes are connected take your blow torch and adjust it to a low blue flame. Move the flame back and forth along the joints where the pipe and connector meet. If you need to touch the pipe make sure to use plyers as the heat will conduct very quickly along the metal. This heating of the pipes is referred to as 'sweating.'
4. Build the Cleats and attach them To build the cleats you will need to cut wood (just grab a solid 2x4) down to different dimensions. You will want it cut the cleats two inches shorter than your shelf lengthwise and then rip the 2x4s to 1-3/32" using a table saw or circular saw. After you have cut your cleats you will want to use a level and mount in order to get the cleat straight. You can mark the straight length with a pencil and then line up the cleat and take lag bolts and use a drill to drive them in tightly to the wall.
6. Reconnect the Pipes Go through and attach the two lines the drain pipe to the trap pipe and make sure it fits snugly. When you are putting the pipes together use a Teflon paste sealant. This will help the threads seal together. Also make sure that your two water lines are on the correct valve (hot for hot and cold for cold). The right is usually cold and the left is usually hot but whatever you want to do.
Now you have a beautiful free-floating shelf on your wall that you can enjoy and your spouse will find attractive. When it comes to small projects like these they are easily manageable and can be done in a weekend but when it comes to large jobs to save you time and money I would suggest hiring a general contractor to take of the work for you.
1. Get the Equipment Before you start the project make sure you have a stud finder, a four foot level, a square, a few 2x4s and slab doors (depending on the number of shelves you want), a band or table saw, glue, nails (use a nailgun), chisel, and lag bolts.
2. Find the Studs Go along the wall you wish to add the shelves to and run your stud finder slowly along the wall. When you find the stud take a long ruler and draw a very light line (in pencil) down the length of the wall to outline the stud. Do this for each stud along the wall surface in order to see what spacing you have available for screws. Then take your ruler and measure out how far apart you want the shelves. Once you get the measurements take your pencil again and run horizontal lines across the wall to mark the locations for the shelves making special note where the shelf line intersects the studs.
3. Install the Vanity This is really up to you if the vanity needs to be replaced or if you would like to permanently install the vanity so it doesn't shift. You will want to screw it into the wall using dry wall screw. If you are drilling into tile make sure to drill into the grout between the tiles rather than the tiles themselves as they will crack and fall from the wall. If you are having trouble with the screw, take a masonry bit and drill a hole into the wall and place your molly bit.
4. Connect and Sweat the Pipes Slide both pipe ends into the fitting and make sure that it is nice and tight. Now that the pipes are connected take your blow torch and adjust it to a low blue flame. Move the flame back and forth along the joints where the pipe and connector meet. If you need to touch the pipe make sure to use plyers as the heat will conduct very quickly along the metal. This heating of the pipes is referred to as 'sweating.'
4. Build the Cleats and attach them To build the cleats you will need to cut wood (just grab a solid 2x4) down to different dimensions. You will want it cut the cleats two inches shorter than your shelf lengthwise and then rip the 2x4s to 1-3/32" using a table saw or circular saw. After you have cut your cleats you will want to use a level and mount in order to get the cleat straight. You can mark the straight length with a pencil and then line up the cleat and take lag bolts and use a drill to drive them in tightly to the wall.
6. Reconnect the Pipes Go through and attach the two lines the drain pipe to the trap pipe and make sure it fits snugly. When you are putting the pipes together use a Teflon paste sealant. This will help the threads seal together. Also make sure that your two water lines are on the correct valve (hot for hot and cold for cold). The right is usually cold and the left is usually hot but whatever you want to do.
Now you have a beautiful free-floating shelf on your wall that you can enjoy and your spouse will find attractive. When it comes to small projects like these they are easily manageable and can be done in a weekend but when it comes to large jobs to save you time and money I would suggest hiring a general contractor to take of the work for you.
About the Author:
MBA Construction is a general contractor in Alice Texas. We focus in design-build, build-to-print and commercial construction in the energy, industrial & medical industries.
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