r/DIY • u/AutoModerator • Aug 24 '26
weekly thread General Feedback/Getting Started Q&A [Weekly Thread]
General Feedback/Getting Started Q&A Thread
This thread is for questions that are typically not permitted elsewhere on /r/DIY. Topics can include where you can purchase a product, what a product is called, how to get started on a project, a project recommendation, questions about the design or aesthetics of your project or miscellaneous questions in between.
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u/couscousx Aug 26 '26
I'm planning on putting up some track shelving along a long wall- this would require several shelves to be sitting butt to butt along the wall. If each shelf section starts/ends over a bracket (shares a bracket), how should I secure them? I'd like the individual shelves to still be adjustable.
Basically, it would look like |----|----| but with the functionality to also look like |____|----|
I was initially thinking of using tie plates and threaded inserts to secure each shelf to the next if if they are sitting end to end, but that wouldn't be secure if they're not end to end. I also can't think of how the shelves could be secured to the brackets.
Is there some hardware that makes this possible? Thanks!
1
u/danbalanescu Aug 31 '26
Instead of tie plates, look into dual-slotted standards (like the heavy-duty Elfa or John Sterling systems). They are specifically designed for "butt-to-butt" shelving layouts because the brackets are wide enough to support the ends of two adjacent shelves sharing a single vertical track.
If you use threaded inserts on the underside of the shelves to lock them into the bracket tabs, they will remain completely secure even if the tracks end up slightly out of alignment.
Just a heads-up: if those heavy shelves end up tearing or stressing your existing drywall layout during installation and you need to patch or replace sections of that long wall, I built a quick, ad-free tool to estimate sheetrock panels, mud, and screws cleanly: https://materialsnap.com
Good luck with the track shelving project!
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u/ploplyguy Aug 25 '26
Working on a very large butcher block floating desk for gaming/crafting. I have a handful 36" x 96" butcher blocks that weigh at least 200 lbs on their own which would then have monitors/peripherals. Basically estimating at least 500-600lb based on napkin math.
I am installing directly into the cement wall of my basement so I am not limited to studs. Would 3-4 of these be enough? I would specifically go for the 28 inch ones which would leave an overhang of 8 inches.
https://www.fastcap.com/product/speedbrace?utm_source=google&utm_medium=organic
I would then follow the instructions and run a cleat along the wall first, but I would really only be able to do the cleat along the backside as this would essentially be freefloating in the room and would not have a cleat on the left/right side.
I have been doing a lot of research on how best to support these and it feels like this should work, but would like another opinion. I like the idea of a floating desk with several of these lined up, but also want to make sure I am building this safely. Instead of floating, would there be a better option?
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u/danbalanescu Aug 31 '26
Those FastCap SpeedBraces are absolute beasts and the perfect choice for a 500-600lb floating setup. Since you are anchoring into a solid concrete basement wall, you have the ultimate structural foundation.
To answer your questions directly:
Yes, 3 to 4 of the 28-inch braces will easily be enough. Space them out evenly (roughly every 24 to 32 inches). The 28-inch brace leaves an 8-inch overhang on a 36-inch deep top, which is safe and prevents the butcher block from tipping or sagging when you lean on the front edge.
The back cleat is highly recommended to prevent the wood from bowing along the wall seam. Since you can't run side cleats, make sure you secure the butcher block directly to the top holes of the SpeedBraces using heavy-duty wood screws so the entire assembly locks together as a rigid unit.
For the concrete wall, do not use standard plastic plugs. Use 5/16" or 3/8" wedge anchors (like Red Heads) or heavy-duty concrete Tapcon screws, embedding them at least 2 to 2.5 inches deep into the solid cement.
By the way, since you are setting up a massive 3" x 96" crafting/gaming station in a basement layout, if you end up doing more structural leveling down there or need to calculate materials for underlayment and flooring boxes to complete the office space around that desk, I built a clean, ad-free suite of tools that maps layouts instantly. No ads or sign-ups tracking your project: https://materialsnap.com
That floating setup is going to look incredible!
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u/Putatoo Aug 24 '26
How long does it take to get a post moderated approved? Been pending for 22 hrs and I would like to get my DIY project moving but wanted some answers that I haven't been able to find via any search.
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u/grimeeeeee Aug 24 '26
I'm looking for some shelf brackets like this https://www.reddit.com/u/grimeeeeee/s/MCYkNskar2
Just simple 4"x1/2" angle brackets for my built in medicine cabinet. The closest thing I could find are corner braces, but none are really "decorative", like they're not really meant to be seen. I looked in all the local big box and smaller hardware stores, tried a bunch of different searches. Anyone know where I can find something like this?
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u/Waldy2024 Aug 28 '26
New here. Can an archived thread be reopened? This one has outdated info, but comes up first in a google search:
https://www.reddit.com/r/DIY/comments/1e4qqi/finished_my_knockdown_this_morning_how_long_do_i/
If reopened, and someone lets me know, the current advice is to wait until fully dried so that the underlying drywall doesn't have excess moisture content, so it depends on temperature, humidity, and airflow. And typically requires two to three days (longer in hot/humid locales).
And prime before painting.