• Drilling holes in the lumber prior to installing gives you more control in the process of building shelf brackets.Chris Stein/Digital Vision/Getty Images
  
  Wood shelf brackets are used to support floating shelves, corner shelves and shelving that carries heavier items. Essentially, shelving brackets offer support so that items can easily be placed on a shelf without causing it to fall down. One of the advantages of making wooden shelf brackets at home is that you can decide the overall size, color and type of lumber used for the shelving brackets.
  
  

Choose the Proper Wood

• Sturdy and solid wood will ensure that the wood shelf brackets can hold the content of the shelf. Avoid using thin plywood pieces, as plywood may not be as sturdy as lumber. Prepare the lumber by cutting out three identical long pieces, about 6 inches in length and a half-inch to 1 inch in width and depth. Create a triangle with the lumber pieces and attach them together, using glue and screws. The larger the triangle, the more weight the shelving bracket can hold.
  
  

Drill Holes Evenly

• Drill two holes in the two pieces that constitute the 90-degree angle in the triangle frame. While two of the holes will be used for hanging the shelving bracket on the wall, the other two holes will be used to attach the shelf itself to the bracket to make sure it is secure and sturdy. It is better to make these holes before hanging the shelving bracket on the wall, as it gives you more control.
  
  

Install With a Level

• Use a level when you are installing the shelf brackets on the wall, even if you use the shelf you want to hang as a guide to draw a straight line on the wall. Place the level by the line to ensure it is even, and place the level on the shelving brackets when you are installing them to ensure an even line across.