Non auto related - Apartment shelving?

"Tapas" (tapas)
03/23/2015 at 21:29 • Filed to: None

I need a shelf. But I need it to keep my car magazines.

The wall will also have other automotive prints.

The shelf will just be a long 1x4" plank of oak that will sit between two partial walls that are ~85 inches apart and made of plaster. The whole shelf with a few magazines and knick-knacks shouldn't weigh more than 10lbs (right?)

But unfortunately I rent an apartment, so I can't drill holes for the shelf - and thats the challenge.

I have been considering supporting the shelf with long tension rod (link below) that will run between the two partial walls and putting a lot of 3m Command stickies on the edge of the shelf that will stick to the wall.

But I am still concerned about the tension rod being insufficient in holding the whole thing or going though the plaster. The partial walls seem to be load bearing, but I'm not sure.

Does anybody have better ideas?

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DISCUSSION (12)

BaconSandwich is tasty. > Tapas
03/23/2015 at 21:37

2x4s and screws? Build a shelf to fit into the area without actually screwing anything into the wall. I'd be very wary of putting any weight on a curtain rod.

Tapas > BaconSandwich is tasty.
03/23/2015 at 21:41

...I don't follow. The plank of wood as already been cut.

You're suggesting I should attached a 2x4 plank to the sides with a screw, put the shelf in place and turn the screws to create tension against the two walls?

And the 1x4 plank is the shelf, I don't need to build anything.

I'd like it to look like a "floating shelf".

BaconSandwich is tasty. > Tapas
03/23/2015 at 21:44

Reading comprehension fail on my part. I was thinking it was going to be holding a box or two of magazines - not just a few small things. The curtain rod thing might work.

Tapas > BaconSandwich is tasty.
03/23/2015 at 21:48

Thanks, thats reassuring. I might just order the rod and try it out.

If it doesn't work, I'll return it and make "screw brackets" for either sides or the shelf

jkm7680 > Tapas
03/23/2015 at 21:53

Just hide them under your bed or something?

Tapas > jkm7680
03/23/2015 at 22:08

lol I don't have a problem with storing them. I just want to show them.

I might put other knick knacks there instead...

Galileo Humpkins (aka MC Clap Yo Handz) > Tapas
03/24/2015 at 13:13

Why can't you drill holes for the shelves again? Just because you're a renter?

Tapas > Galileo Humpkins (aka MC Clap Yo Handz)
03/24/2015 at 13:17

Yes. If I do drill holes, I have to fill them in.

I'm good at neither drilling or filling. I know from my limited experience with wood working in said project lol

Galileo Humpkins (aka MC Clap Yo Handz) > Tapas
03/24/2015 at 13:21

Fair enough. I thought maybe the landlord specifically prohibited it, which would be crazy. In that case, the tension rod should work just be mindful that they can loosen and move around after periods of time. Doesn't always happen, but can.

Tapas > Galileo Humpkins (aka MC Clap Yo Handz)
03/24/2015 at 13:31

Thanks for that nugget. I had no idea.

But I will ask the apartment office specifically about this.

Galileo Humpkins (aka MC Clap Yo Handz) > Tapas
03/24/2015 at 13:37

To be fair, I've never heard of a landlord saying explicitly you cannot drill/nail to hang pictures, shelving, etc so long as you patch the holes. So I'd imagine if you do decide to brave it, it will be fine.

As far as the tension rods, that kind of thing doesn't often happen, but it can. Just something to keep in mind.

Tapas > Galileo Humpkins (aka MC Clap Yo Handz)
03/24/2015 at 14:07

Gotcha, thanks :)