Quck answer
To balance a leaning bookcase, follow these steps:
1. Empty the bookcase: Remove all books and items from the shelves to make it easier to work with.
2. Identify the cause: Determine why the bookcase is leaning. It could be due to uneven flooring, loose screws, or a damaged frame.
3. Level the bookcase: Use a level tool to check if the bookcase is straight. If not, adjust the legs or use shims to make it level.
4. Tighten screws: Check all screws and fasteners on the bookcase. Tighten any loose ones to ensure stability.
5. Reinforce the frame: If the bookcase is still leaning, reinforce the frame with additional screws or braces.
6. Test stability: Once everything is adjusted and tightened, place some books back on the shelves and check if the bookcase remains stable.
7. Repeat if necessary: If the bookcase still leans, repeat the steps until it is properly balanced.
Remember, safety is important when working with furniture. If the bookcase is severely damaged or unstable, consider replacing it for your own safety.
If you’ve ever observed a marble rolling across a floor, you understand that floors, walls, and ceilings appear to be flat but rarely are, which can result in wobbly or unsteady furniture. This is due to the fact that buildings settle over time as the ground compresses, especially in older homes, causing floors and walls to become warped or uneven. That’s why refrigerators and desks often have adjustable feet for leveling. Ladder-style and other leaning bookshelves often require some traditional adjustments and a bit of patience.
Shims: Solutions for Uneven Surfaces
Ladder-style or leaning bookshelves have only two points of contact at each end, which may require shimming at the top and bottom. You’ll need shims and a level. Shims come in various materials and colors, so nonslip rubber shims are ideal for a leaning shelf, but make sure they are made of fairly solid rubber that won’t flatten under the weight of the bookshelf over time.
Shims are usually wedge-shaped to support your shelf. Thinner shims can be stacked if necessary, while thicker shims may protrude further than desired, affecting the appearance. If you don’t require much shimming, it’s better to opt for thinner shims.
Start with the more unstable side of the bookshelf. Place a shim under that leg and check the level. If it’s still not level, adjusting the shim by pushing it further in or pulling it out may be enough, or you may need to stack shims. In this case, shimming alone may not be a sufficient solution if safety is a concern.
Securing it with a Bracket
If you don’t mind attaching a screw or two to the wall, L-brackets or braces along with shimming are the safest wall-anchoring solution. A small L-bracket (1.5 to 2 inches) bolted into the wall provides surprising strength. The key is to screw the bracket directly into a stud using a screw that is 1.5 inches or longer. If you are working between studs, you will need to install a drywall anchor and then bolt the bracket into it. The protruding part of the bracket is then bolted into the top of the bookshelf.
If you have children, energetic pets, or if you live in an earthquake-prone area, using a bracket is the safest option. Bracing is only necessary at the top of the bookshelf, as it will securely hold it in place. This, along with shimming, can provide a solid way to secure your bookshelf. Using a bracket is also the recommended solution for securing shelving by IKEA.
Adjustable Feet: A Flexible Solution
No matter what type of flooring you have, adjustable feet can solve the problem. They function similarly to the feet on stoves and refrigerators; each adjustable foot is twisted until it is raised or lowered enough to level your item. The only tedious part is adjusting each leg individually to level the bookshelf. Have a friend use a level to guide you in adjusting the feet on the floor.
Self-leveling feet come in various styles, each with its own best-case scenarios depending on the type of bookshelf you have. Typically, installing feet involves drilling, but it is a simple process. Use a drill bit wide enough to create a hole in the bottom center of each leg, into which you can tap your adjustable foot. While all feet have threading, avoid using threaded-case-style adjustable feet, as they are more difficult to install and can damage hardwood floors.
When purchasing adjustable feet, there are three key factors to consider. Firstly, the load capacity is important, especially if you plan to use them for a bookshelf filled with heavy law books or a large collection of cookbooks. Secondly, since the feet will be visible, it is crucial to choose a style that you will be satisfied with for many years. Lastly, it is necessary to select feet that have cork, felt, or rubber pads in order to protect wood or tile floors.
A Note of Caution
If your bookshelf is made of hardwood, drilling holes can cause it to split or crack. To avoid this, it is recommended to pre-drill the holes using a small drill bit before using a screw or a wider bit to install the adjustable feet. It is advisable to start with a leg at the back of the unit to test the integrity of the wood. While softwood should not present any issues, pre-drilling is always the safest choice for DIY enthusiasts.
