Installing Closet Shelving in Ten(10) Steps

I am a big fan of the wire shelving products on the market today. There are a number of manufacturers of which I know of two: Rubbermade and ClosetMaid. I know both are carried commonly at the big box stores like Home Hardware, Home Depot and Rona.

Things You'll Need:

• Closet shelf kit or material - get it at one of the places I mentioned above
• Drill
  
• Screwdriver
• Stud finder (not critical)
  
• Carpenter's level
• Hack saw
• Hammer
  
• Ladder (if needed)

Step 1 -- Measure and record the dimensions of your closet.

Step 2 -- Create a hand drawn diagram of the shelves - looking down from the ceiling

Step 3 -- Purchase closet shelf material or kit. Use the store clerk to pick out all the right materials you need. Get them to cut the material to the right lengths at the store.

Step 4 -- Place the top wire shelf horizontally at the highest point reachable or alternatively at least as high as coats and clothing you need to hang. Make a mark at this point. Use the level to mark a line from one end of the closet wal to the other.

Step 5 -- Install the wire shelf wall hangers along this line, at the space prescribed in the kit instructions.

Step 6 -- Snap the wire shelf in to the wire holders.

Step 7 -- While holding the shelf level, mark the locations for the shelf holders at each end of the shelf (against the two walls). Drill the holes and install the shelf holders. Hold the shelf above these holders while installing them and then just drop the shelf in place.

Step 8 -- If the shelf is longer than 3 feet then you will need to install some support arms. Dry fit them where they are needed to mark where the screw holes go. Then fasten the arms to the wall.

ASIDE: Try to fasten screws to studs (best) or use the special hollow wall fasteners. Find the studs using a stud finder.

Step 9 -- Place the end caps on all exposed wire shelf ends.

;-)