Hey everyone! I'm looking to mount a 66" x 12" glass shelf above a window and need some guidance. I'm planning on using either 6 mm or 10 mm thick tempered glass supported by large L-brackets on each end, but the studs are about 64" apart. Here's where I'm stuck: The window frame is surrounded by something metallic that's about an inch thick, and I'd prefer not to drill into it. If I need more support brackets, I'd have to raise the shelf almost 2" to clear the metal, which isn't ideal for the aesthetic I want. So I'm wondering: 1) Are two brackets enough to support the glass shelf? If so, which thickness is better? 2) If not, how many brackets should I use since there's only drywall above the window? 3) Any tips for securely mounting heavy glass shelves? I plan to display around 4 lbs of painted plastic models. I'm not an expert at this, so I want to make sure my plan is safe and feasible. Thanks a lot!
2 Answers
Hey! It sounds like you have a tricky setup. If you're only using two brackets and the span is 64”, it might not be the best choice for a glass shelf, especially considering the weight. I found this shelf load calculator that might help you figure out the load per bracket: https://abcglassandmirror.com/shelf-load-calculator/. Just keep in mind that most calculators only account for up to 60" spacing, so your setup might exceed that slightly. It might be safer to consider additional support brackets, just to be on the safe side, especially if you’re worried about stability. Good luck!
Hey! I think you’re doing great by taking precautions. As for the metal frame, if you can't drill into it, make sure the brackets are anchored well into the studs. If there's drywall above the window and no studs, you might need to use toggle bolts or something similar for that additional support. Remember to double-check that the glass thickness and bracket dimensions fit well together, too!
Yeah, I second toggle bolts for drywall! They can really help ensure your shelf stays put. Just make sure to follow the weight limits.
Totally agree! Better to be safe than sorry. You might also want to check if the load rating of your brackets is sufficient for the thickness of glass you're choosing. Adding that extra bracket could really help!