Frequently Asked Questions
What size are your brackets?
We offer 9 different stocked floating shelf brackets. Please see the individual listing photos for bracket specs. But, widths are anywhere from 10" - 82"; accommodating shelf sizes 12"-90" wide.
Additionally, our tubing comes in various depths from 4” to 9”. We advertise that you can float a shelf up to 12" deep, but no deeper.
Please see the tables below for bracket width and rod spacing as well as to help with what height backplate you will need (82” brackets have 7 rods, spaced 12” apart):
How quickly do you ship?
We work hard to ship our brackets from our location in Rigby, Idaho within 5-7 business days of order. For the solid wood floating shelf kits that we sell on our site the turn around is typically 4 weeks. If you would like quicker turn-around, we do offer expedited shipping for an extra cost.
How do I prepare my shelves for installation?
Please see this helpful instructional video on how to prepare a floating shelf for installation with Sheppard Brackets.
If, after watching this video, you wish to purchase a preparation kit (includes drill plate, drill bit, router template, and router bit) for your bracket and shelf, please go here.
How does your "StudLock" mounting system work?
Sheppard Brackets has been in the bracket/floating shelf game for nearly two years. When we first started producing brackets, we used a mounting system that forced installers to place the shelf where holes would hit studs. This caused some issues. We noticed that many clients couldn't get their bracket/shelf right where they wanted, and, because of varying construction methods, couldn't hit many studs.
So, instead of pre-drilling every bracket for the client, we simply engineered a new bracket that has key holes every .5". This way, we guarantee you can install your bracket and shelf wherever you need.
These are the ORIGINAL brackets of this style. I originally drew up this fastening system Aug 18 2018 for a friend of mine who’s house burned down. He was rebuilding and wanted to add some floating shelves. My design is so good, others copy it and claim it as their own. I take this as a compliment. 😉
Do you accept returns, exchanges and cancellations?
At Sheppard Brackets, we are thrilled to offer our customers no-hassle returns and exchanges. If, for whatever reason, you are unhappy with your purchase, or if you decide to cancel your order, please contact us and we will take care of it. If you have a return, it must be done within 30 days of purchase.
With returns/exchanges, we do ask that you pay for shipping.
How much weight do your brackets hold?
With our StudLock mounting system, you will be able to hit as many studs as possible. When your bracket is installed to studs, your shelf can support over 100 lbs.
Please contact us with further questions.
Custom and personalized orders
At Sheppard Brackets, we are thrilled to take on challenging and new custom projects. If your project requires an item not available in out stores, please contact us.
What kind and size drill bit do you recommend drilling shelves with?
For 3/4” tubing, we recommend drilling with a 13/16” bit. This can offer a tight, secure fit; but can also work well if your walls aren’t perfectly straight. If you want an even tighter fit, and are confident in your walls, feel free to go tighter. We have found that different manufacturers of wood drill bits size their bits slightly differently (go figure). We have found that the bit we sell on this site fits perfectly with our jigs and templates. It is a Wood Owl Ultra Smooth 13/16” and 7 1/2” long. We also sell bits 9/16” diameter for the 1/2” rods. We also sell longer bits for holes that need to be deeper than 7 1/2”. To purchase the drill bits you can come here. We also sell jigs for drilling your shelves. We currently send out a free drill jig (single bore) with every bracket purchase. This is a limited time offer. To see why we use the WoodOwl drill bits, please watch this instructional video.
Other Instructional Videos for Working with Sheppard Brackets
Installing a floating shelf on the wall using a Sheppard Bracket.
Building floating shelf with Sheppard brackets floating shelf bracket, router template and drilling plates.