Supporing a 10ft shelf and closet rod

https://www.reddit.com/r/DIY/comments/13ppwjp/supporing_a_10ft_shelf_and_closet_rod/

created by mediaisdelicious on 23/05/2023 at 14:18 UTC*

229 upvotes, 8 top-level comments (showing 8)

ETA - Thanks for all the advice! I found some brackets which claim to be rated for 1000lbs per pair and fastened them into the studs with very long cabinet screws. I installed five in total - starting from the center stud and then two studs in each direction. I replaced the very bent rod with a pair of 1.25 poplar dowels which meet at the center bracket. I put everything back and it all seems to be holding really well.

~~I have a walk-in closet with a 10ft long shelf which, until recently, was held up by two side cleats and three metal shelf brackets screwed into studs (the sort of bracket that has a u-shaped rod holder). The shelf itself seemed sturdy enough, but the brackets holding up the closet rod collapsed under the weight of the clothes.~~

https://imgur.com/a/NyEclYc

~~I've never built a closet, but my short assessment is that:~~

~~1. The brackets weren't screwed into the shelf, which seems like a potential source of stability for the rod. 2. The shelf wasn't tied into a cleat along the back wall, which seems like a potential source of stability for the shelf. 3. The rod itself is one of those very thin, expandable metal rods, and it seems like almost any other material (thicker metal or wood) would have helped.~~

~~My tentative plan is to put in a long back cleat (1x4), put in new brackets and screw them into the shelf, and replace the closet rod with something more rigid (pipe or a dowel). However, I'm not totally convinced that this will be sufficient for supporting the middle of the 10ft span.~~

~~It seems like one way to go is to install some kind of post in/near the middle and run the new closet rod through a hole cut in it, and then tie that into the shelf and otherwise let gravity hold it in place.~~

~~I've also seen some people tie supports into the cleat sort of in the style of doing a floating shelf, but I'm not clear on how much support that really could add.~~

~~Am I missing some better idea here?~~

Comments

Comment by PlumCrazyVee at 23/05/2023 at 16:36 UTC

33 upvotes, 2 direct replies

You really just need stronger brackets, and possibly more brackets. I have an 8ft shelf and rod combo in the laundry room that holds all the winter coats and overstock of detergents/cleaning supplies. Each bracket is rated to 100 lbs, so the whole set up can hold 400 lbs.

Comment by ReturnOfBigChungus at 23/05/2023 at 14:44 UTC

7 upvotes, 1 direct replies

So the brackets were screwed into studs, but collapsed? As in like bent/crumpled? Not sure I quite understand where the failure point is.

Your remediation plan should be adequate. A 3-4ft span using a normal closet rod (e.g. 1-1.5" wood dowel rod) should be more than strong enough to hold clothes, assuming the brackets are sturdy enough.

Comment by disposeable1200 at 23/05/2023 at 16:38 UTC

3 upvotes, 1 direct replies

Pictures would make this even clearer just so we're sure.

Comment by killians1978 at 23/05/2023 at 18:52 UTC

3 upvotes, 1 direct replies

I got you, fam:

clear away any unnecessary distractions. The only things you will want on hand are the shelf, closet rod, and a helper
make eye contact with the shelf
explain that you aren't expecting perfection from it, only that it tries its best
reinforce that its past failures have helped shape it for the future successes you know it's capable of
say some version of "we're all in this together." It's important that the closet rod, the shelf, and the helper are all encouraging this solidarity
reassure that it's okay to fail, it's not okay to not ask for help
give room for tears and admissions of guilt. Have your helper provide tissues, if needed
physical reassurance may not be needed or wanted, but it's important to leave that door open if a hug or other contact is requested

Now, get you some good quality anchors and drill them into the studs with at least four points of contact. Use cleats or angle brackets that are rated for the load you are expecting the shelf to bear. Consider a J hook bracket for the middle of the closet rod so that hangers can slide by freely. Congratulations on your repair. You can do it!

Comment by Loquacious94808 at 23/05/2023 at 16:39 UTC

1 upvotes, 0 direct replies

I also have an around 10’ closet and we ran 3/4” pipe and flanges on either end. Believe me there is a lot of weight on it and it’s going nowhere!

Comment by ahj3939 at 23/05/2023 at 18:49 UTC

1 upvotes, 0 direct replies

Very simple, the force from the weight of the stuff hanging from the rod pulled it down.

The only thing to counter the force is the corner of the bracket.

If the existing brackets have screw holes just bend them back in place and secure to the shelves with appropriate length wood screws.

If you have a lot of weight add 2-3 extra brackets. Spread out the load, don't concentrate it in once place.

Comment by [deleted] at 23/05/2023 at 20:26 UTC

1 upvotes, 1 direct replies

[deleted]

Comment by blogandmail at 24/05/2023 at 01:20 UTC

1 upvotes, 1 direct replies

Be careful. Look what happened at Pisa. They used them just on one side of the closet.