How to Put Bookcases Against Walls With Baseboard Heat

Fahrenheat Electric Baseboard Heater Installation
Published: Feb 8, 2012
Updated: Nov 20, 2021
2 minute read

Step 1

Measure the height of your baseboard heater with a measuring tape.

Step 2

Turn the bookcase on its side on a work surface. Measure the bottom of the case with a measuring tape.

Step 3

Purchase hanger-bolt-equipped furniture legs that are at least 3 to 4 inches taller than the top of the baseboard heater.

Step 4

Purchase a 1/2-inch gypsum panel the same size as the bottom of the bookcase. Have the panel cut to size at the home improvement store when you purchase it.

Step 5

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Fasten the gypsum panel to the bottom of the bookcase using a drill and drywall screws long enough to pass through the panel and into the base of the furniture. Drive a screw every several inches, leaving the corners free so the screws won’t interfere with placement of the furniture legs.

Step 6

Measure the length of the hanger bolts on the furniture legs with a tape measure. Drill holes the same depth in the corners of the cabinets using a drill and drill bit that has a slightly smaller circumference than the hanger bolt. Make sure the holes extend through the gypsum panel and into the bookcase.

Step 7

Screw the furniture legs into the holes you drilled.

Step 8

Lift the bookcase, then right it before carrying it to the wall. Lift it to reposition, if necessary. Hanger-bolted legs are strong enough to support weight that bears straight down, but they may loosen if you drag the bookcase or tilt it on the legs.

Tips

If the bookcase is very wide or if the bottom shelf sags at all after placing books or other items on it, install additional legs as necessary to support the weight.

Gypsum panels deflect heat. You may not need to add it if your bookcase sits high enough above the baseboard unit that heat circulation is unimpeded and the bookcase can’t get hot enough to pose a fire hazard.

Photo Credits

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Daria Kelly Uhlig

Daria Kelly Uhlig began writing professionally for websites in 2008. She is a licensed real-estate agent who specializes in resort real estate rentals in Ocean City, Md. Her real estate, business and finance articles have appeared on a…

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