Are your shelves bending in the middle? Do your bookcases, bookshelves, or floating shelves sag after years of supporting heavy objects like books or collectibles? Nobody wants to worry about their shelves buckling and personal belongings breaking if they fall. 

    Learn how to fix sagging shelves in this in-depth guide, which offers multiple solutions that newbie to pro DIYers can tackle. 


    4 Ways To Fix Sagging Shelves

    1. Turn Shelves Over

    One of the best and easiest solutions to fix a sagging shelf is to clear items off the shelf, remove it, turn it over, and let the weight of its contents bear down in the opposite direction for a while. Doing this every so often will average the bow over time.

    Turning the shelves over is an ideal temporary fix that can buy you some time before doing a more involved repair. It’s quick, easy, and free, so it’s perfect for a quick fix if you aren’t comfortable making detailed repairs. 

    2. Add Support Along the Shelf Edge

    A more permanent solution is to add support along either the length of the back or front edge in trim molding or 1X2 lumber. This step helps prevent future sagging by reinforcing the shelf to bear weight without bending.

    You can use finishing nails or wood glue to attach the shelf support. Make sure to get a support that spans the entire shelf length, as cutting multiple, smaller pieces is less effective.

    This straightforward DIY project makes shelves stronger and prevents the need for repairs down the road. Most homeowners already own basic tools like a saw, hammer, nails, or wood glue required for this project, making it an ideal DIY option.

    3. Add More Shelf Pegs

    Adding more shelf pegs can help straighten out sagging shelves, though you’ll need a drill for this DIY fix. Replacing the shelf with extra pegs provides more support points to distribute weight and prevent future sagging. This solution maintains the original look while reinforcing weak shelves.

    Start by removing sagging shelves for kitchen cabinet shelves or bathroom shelves and draw a straight line across the back where the shelf edge should be. Then, drill several holes the same size as those used for the shelf support pegs on either side and insert additional peg supports (you can purchase these at any hardware store or home center). 

    Although this requires precise measuring and drilling to ensure the new peg holes line up right, most handy homeowners can accomplish this repair without problem. 

    Watch our video to learn how to hang perfectly level shelves.

    4. Call a Handyman for Help

    If all else fails, call a handyman to assess and fix any sagging shelves if you can’t DIY or troubleshoot the problem. Professional contractors have the skills, tools, and materials to support shelves and prevent shelves from bending in the future. While pricier than fixing the shelves yourself, a handyman guarantees that a trained pro does the repair right. And it saves you the time and hassle of doing it yourself.

    Today’s Homeowner Tips

    In our experience, costs vary but expect to pay $50 to $100 per hour for handyman services. Always ask for an estimate in writing before hiring.


    So, Is Fixing Sagging Shelves Difficult?

    Fixing sagging shelves is doable for most handy homeowners. The most straightforward solutions like flipping or adding an edge support, require just basic tools and materials. Even drilling new shelf pegs, while more involved, is still manageable. 

    If you’re a confident DIYer, you can also consider building new, stronger storage shelves to replace the sagging shelves. In our experience, the only scenario that requires calling a professional is if the shelves are built into the wall, and you can’t easily remove them. Otherwise, with some time and effort, you can repair and restore your shelves so they don’t bend again under the weight in the future. 


    FAQs About Fixing Sagging Shelves

    How do I fix a sagging shelf that I can't remove?

    For fixed shelves, drill pilot holes at the bend point and drive in wooden or cardboard shims with a hammer until tight. Apply wood glue before insertion for better adhesion, and you may need to repaint your shelves to hide the repair. A shim is also helpful if your wall isn’t level, which happens relatively often and can cause sagging shelves.


    What is the best wood to use for reinforcing shelves?

    Opt for kiln-dried whitewood, pine, or poplar boards. If costs aren’t a concern, consider premium woods like koa and mahogany for extra-durable wood choices. We recommend skipping hardwoods, which are pretty but expand and contract more with humidity changes.


    Should I attach shelf supports with nails or glue?

    In our experience, a combination of nails and wood glue provides extra strength for this home improvement project. Make sure to clamp supports tightly while the glue dries to create the strongest attachment possible.


    How close together should I space additional shelf pegs?

    As a general rule, add pegs between 8 to 12 inches apart for heavy-duty shelves. For lighter items, 16-to 24-inch spacing is probably sufficient.


    Editorial Contributors
    avatar for Amy DeYoung

    Amy DeYoung

    Contributor

    Amy DeYoung has a passion for educating and motivating homeowners to improve their lives through home improvement projects and preventative measures. She is a content writer and editor specializing in pest control, moving, window, and lawn/gardening content for Today’s Homeowner. Amy utilizes her own experience within the pest control and real estate industry to educate readers. She studied business, communications, and writing at Arizona State University.

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    Lori Zaino

    Lori Zaino is a freelance writer and editor based in Madrid, Spain. With nearly two decades of editorial experience, she’s written and edited for publications like Forbes, CNN, Insider, NBC, Newsweek, The Points Guy, The Infatuation, and many others. Having just completed her first home renovation, she’s more interested in home improvements than ever, dedicated to bringing you fresh and accurate content to help you update your living spaces.

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