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Here are some of the problems associated with screw fixing the brackets directly into plastered brickwork, without battens.

• Fixing to brickwork can be hard work and if you are using many brackets, three screws per bracket could turn out to be quite a task.
• Where brackets are countersunk to receive relatively small screw heads; this limits the gauge of screw that you can use.
• If you need to use large screws, these larger screw heads can look unsightly and give the appearance of an unprofessional job.

As well as all being in line (level), brackets are set at equally distances apart. These positions cannot be altered, otherwise it would upset the overall appearance of the shelves. This means that; each hole (that is determined by the bracket holes) that you drill into the brickwork must be at this predetermined position. If for any reason the screw does not tighten up, it cannot be repositioned.
When fixing to a brick wall the shelves may be fixed almost anywhere, the only problems that you could encounter is drilling into the mortar joint, hollow bricks or blocks and the screws may not tighten up sufficiently to provide a firm hold.

How fixing brackets onto timber battens can overcome problems.

Allows the use or larger screws that can be countersunk into the timber and filled or located behind the bracket, which will hide it when in position

• Uses less masonry fixing points.
• Fixing brackets into timber is easier and is guaranteed to be successful every time.
• If the shelves are to be stacked, (one above the other) the position of the brackets can be determined and fixed onto the vertical battens before being fixed to the wall. (If this method is used, use your first vertical batten as the template for the others battens, then all bracket positions will be identical).
  
• By fixing vertical and horizontal battens, you provide additional support for the shelf.
  

Stud Partitions
Stud partition walls can present problems, especially if you require a shelf intended for carrying weight.  The only way of achieving any real success with this type of construction is by ensuring that the brackets are fixed directly onto the vertical studs that form the partition.
Though these studs are set at equal distances apart, the distance to which they are set can vary depending on the type of partition that you are working on.  On older partitions with timber vertical studs, members are set at 405mm.  In modern construction, the studs are more likely to be at 600mm, with either timber or steel studs. 
If each bracket was fixed onto a timber stud, all would be fine.  However, the chances of all of the studs just happening to match the position of your brackets, is pretty remote.

There are a number of alternatives open to you.

• Use floor mounted shelving in the form of an unit, fixed only at the top.
• Span the studs with a timber 'back panel', made of plywood or MDF.  It can then be fixed to the studs and the shelf brackets are simply fix to the panel.