Installing Wire Shelving

Careful planning and measuring are integral parts of any successful closet project.

First, determine the number and style of shelves you'll need to best fit your application. You can choose between Open-Slide Shelving and Tight Mesh Shelving, or combine the two types for even more versatile storage.

Next, carefully measure the space into which you will install your wire shelves. Our installation professionals suggest measuring twice, to rule out the possibility of error.

To Determine Shelf Size:

• Measure the length you want the shelf to run along the wall.
• Subtract 1/2 inch if the shelf will touch a wall on one end.
• Subtract 1 inch if the shelf will touch a wall on both ends.

The back of each wire shelf will need to be securely fastened to the wall with Versa-Clips (recommended) or screw-mounted clips. The front of the shelf should be stabilized by brackets or support poles. Versa-Clips and mounting screws work in nearly all wall materials, such as dry wall, solid wood, or even masonry. First, measure and mark the desired height of each shelf on the wall. The guidelines below represent typical shelf heights of a typical closet. You may use these measurements to determine where to place each shelf, or create your own.

Once you have marked the height for each shelf, you will need to draw a level pencil line on the wall and mark the Versa-Clips locations starting at 1-2 inches from the end of the shelf and continuing every 10 inches along the wall.

• Using a 1/4 inch drill bit, drill a hole at each of the marks you made.
• Insert a Versa Clip into each hole.
• Secure each clip with its screw. Continue to turn each screw until it feels stripped. This will activate the unique anchoring system in or behind the wall material.
• After all the clips are in the wall, start at one end and attach the shelf to the clips one at a time. Simply pop the back wire of the shelf into the slot on the clip. (Figure 1.)
• Cover any open ends of the shelf with plastic caps to avoid snagging and poking.

For strong and safe shelving, it is of paramount importance that every shelf is secured strongly to the surrounding walls.

Any shelf end that touches a wall should be secured by an End Mounting Bracket or Angled Mounting Bracket.To Install the End Mounting Brackets:

• Lower the clipped-in shelf to its level position and slide the End Bracket into place, marking the screw holes.
• Holding the shelf out of the way, drill a hole at each mark and insert plastic anchors.
• Secure the bracket with screws driven into the anchors and lower the shelf into place.

Shelf Support Braces
For the strongest and most secure mounting of a single shelf, use the coordinating size of Shelf Support Braces. These braces support the front of your shelf to prevent tipping.

You should install a Shelf Support Brace at least every 36 inches along the run of the shelf. For heavier loads, place a Shelf Support Brace every 24 inches. You must also be sure to install a Shelf Support Brace or two near the end of any shelf that does not touch a wall (have a sidewall bracket).

To Install the Shelf Support Brace:

• While holding the shelf level, insert the Support Brace in shelf as shown and rotate back to the wall. (Figure 1.-2.)
• Mark the wall through the support brace, and drill a hole using 1/4 inch drill bit.
• Holding the Support Brace to the wall, insert the included Tri-Loc Anchor into the hole.
• Draw the anchor tight with a power screwdriver until it is flush.

Shelf Support Poles
For the strongest and most secure mounting of a stack of multiple shelves (for example, in a linen closet), use Shelf Support Poles. You may also choose to use Shelf Support Poles for a single shelf. Like the braces, these poles support the front of each shelf to prevent tipping.

To Install the Shelf Support Poles:

• Install a Shelf Support Pole at 24 to 36 inch intervals along the run of the shelf.
• You must also be sure to install a Shelf Support Brace near the end of any shelf that does not touch a wall.
• Once you have decided where your poles will be placed, hold the shelf level, and adjust the Shelf Clips (Sold Separately) to the desired height.
• Using the fasteners included with the Shelf Clips, tighten the clip in place to secure the shelf.

Creating Shoe Shelves
You can create specialty storage for shoes quite easily with our Ventilated Wire Shelving. Simply use a Tight Mesh Shelf, and turn it upside down so that the lip is facing up. This lip will hold the toe of each shoe. Instead of using Support Braces or Poles for your shoe shelf, Shoe Shelf Brackets are available to hold the shelf at an angle. The bracket clips to the bottom of your shoe shelf and, depending upon the height of your shelf, either attaches to the wall or sits on the floor.

Creating Corners in the Closet
You can use Ventilated Wire Shelving in corners without sacrificing storage space. Simply use two shelves. One shelf will end in the corner at the wall, and the other will end at the edge of the first shelf.

Making a Corner:

• First, measure both walls along which you wish to install shelving. Measure all the way to the corner.
• The measurement you take for one wall will be the length of that shelf
• Subtract the depth you have chosen for your shelves from the measurement of the other wall. (see figure)
• Order your shelves in those lengths, and install them as shown
• You can use the Corner Bracket for Wire Shelving to support the shelf that does not go to the wall. We also recommend using a shelf support brace