What is the best way to fasten decorative wooden shelf brackets to the wall? I'm talking about sturdy, functional shelves for my kitchen and mud room. Shelves are solid, 5/4 x 12 by 6' pine slabs attached to a wall of 1/2" drywall over 16" O.C. studs. I plan to make decorative brackets for support and need a way to fasten them securely to the wall without drilling and screwing in from the front. I seem to recall seeing something a while back where a guy used french cleats in combination with notched brackets to somehow fasten the supports from behind. Does anyone have any ideas? I know HD sells pre-made wood supports with a keyhole hanger on the back but they don't seem sturdy enough to me.
Any ideas would be appreciated!