Decide the height at which you would like your Rhino Shelf to be installed.
We recommend 82-84 inches in a typical scenario. However, your ceiling height or specific needs may vary. The Rhino Shelf must be mounted 26 inches below the ceiling to allow for the diagonal support to function correctly.
Once a height is established, mark that height on your wall. Then, locate the studs in your installation area.
*Note: Most homes are built with the studs located 16 inches apart. In some cases, the studs are 24 inches apart. The Rhino Shelf easily accommodates both of these scenarios.
Draw a level, horizontal line in the length you intend to install (4', 8', 12', etc.).
Starting the Installation on the Left Wall
Begin by converting the Left-End Assembly to a Left Wall Assembly. Simply detach the diagonal support arm by unscrewing the nut and bolt, as shown.
Place the Left Wall Assembly against the wall on the left side of your installation area with the top of the bracket aligned with your level line. On the Left Wall Assembly, mark the stud locations and drive the included lag bolts through the Left Wall Assembly and into the center of the studs.
*Note: You may need to use your 1/4-inch drill bit to drill through the Left Wall Assembly. This is expected and will not affect the strength of the system.
If you are installing a 4-feet Rhino Shelf Universal Kit, your next step will be to convert a Right-End Assembly to a Right Wall Assembly. See Finishing the Installation of the Wall-to-Wall below.
In most cases (those installing 8-feet and greater), the next step will be to install a Tee Assembly.
Continuing the Installation of the Wall-to-Wall
Tee Assemblies are used to continue the Rhino Shelf along a wall in Universal Kits that are 8-feet and longer. Installing a Tee Assembly is simple. Begin with the Tee Wall Bracket.
Using the level line that you drew earlier, place the Tee Wall Bracket such that the top of the Tee Wall Bracket is aligned with the level line. Install the Tee Wall Bracket as shown in the center of the stud that is closest to 48 inches away from the Wall Assembly that you installed earlier. Pilot holes are drilled with a 3/16-inch bit that is 3 and 1/2 inches in length. Lag bolts are driven into the wall with a 7/16 drive socket.
*Note: The holes in your Tee Wall Bracket may appear different than those in this video. This is no concern and your Tee Wall Bracket will function perfectly.
Place the pre-assembled Tee Assembly onto the Tee Wall Bracket under the lower lag bolt. Notice that the Tee Assembly is temporarily held in place so that your hands are free. Using a 1/2-inch wrench and a 1/2-inch drive socket, attach the Tee Assembly to the Tee Wall Bracket with the included 5/16" bolts and nuts.
Place the 2' level vertically against the wall and perfectly aligned with the 2 lag bolts on your Tee Wall Bracket. Make a mark from the top of the level down 2 inches. This line is the center of a stud and will provide guidance when installing the upper diagonal arm.
Place the 2' level on on the Tee Assembly horizontally and maneuver the upper diagonal arm to make contact with the wall. The placement of the upper diagonal bracket should be determined by making sure that the Tee Assembly is level. When level is achieved, attach the upper diagonal bracket to the wall using the same technique as before (drill a pilot hole, then drive the included lags.)
*Note: You may install Tee Assemblies to continue the installation in 4-feet sections. The number of Tee Assemblies that you received in your package is relative to the length that you ordered.
When installed, the Tee Assembly will look like this:
Finishing the Installation of the Wall-to-Wall
Convert your Right-End Assembly into a Right Wall Assembly by removing the diagonal support arm. This process is exactly the same as before when you converted the Left-End Assembly into a Left Wall Assembly.
Place the Right Wall Assembly against the wall on the right side of your installation area with the top of the bracket aligned with your level line. On the Right Wall Assembly, mark the stud locations and drive the included lag bolts through the Right Wall Assembly and into the center of the studs.
*Note: Again, you may need to use your 1/4-inch drill bit to drill through the Right Wall Assembly. This is expected and will not affect the strength of the system.
That's all! The Wall-to-Wall installation process is almost complete. Now, the shelf decking should be installed.
Installing the Shelf Decking
The simple installation is nearly complete! It is time to attach the shelf decking. We recommend 2x4s because of their strength and availability at any home improvement store or lumber yard.
*Note: The 2x4 that is used in the FRONT of the shelf should be attached first using 2 screws on either side. The remaining 4 boards require only 1 screw on either side. (Please see the video below for more visual aid.)
At the wall, measure the distance between the vertical portion of each assembly. Cut your 2x4s and begin installing the boards at the front of each section. Keep your front 2x4s as flush as possible with the front of the assembly. The Rhino Shelf has 5 boards per bay.
