How to Hang ClosetMaid Shelving

It seems that no matter how many closets there are in a house, there is always a need for more space. A closet organizer, such as the ClosetMaid wire shelving system, offers you the chance to make the most out of the space you have. ClosetMaid products come in different widths and lengths, and it's possible to cut the wire shelving to fit. Hanging the shelving requires a few basic tools that most do-it-yourselfers already have in their toolbox.

Things You'll Need

• Stud finder
• Carpenter's level
• Hacksaw
• #12-by-2 inch pan head screws
• Screwdriver

Instructions

1. Remove everything from the closet where you are installing the wire shelving. Use a stud finder to locate the studs in the walls. Mark their location with a pencil.

2. Hold one of the vertical standards so that the top of it rests on the wooden header that sets just behind the top of the closet wall. The location should be at least 4 inches away from the corner of the closet or 4 inches from the end of the shelf. The length of the vertical standard should rest on top of a stud's location and it should be plumb. Check it with a carpenter's level to be sure. If the standard is too long, cut off the excess with a hacksaw.

3. Attach the vertical standard with #12-by-2 inch pan head screws placed through the screw opening in the standard and into the studs. Place one screw in the top header and another one at the bottom of the standard.

4. Hang a second vertical standard no more than 24 inches away from the first following the above directions. The more vertical standards you install, the more weight the shelving can support. Continue hanging standards until they are all in place. The last one should be at least 4 inches from the end of the shelf or the closet wall.

5. Attach the braces for the shelving by sliding the back legs into the slots on the vertical standard. Take care that the braces are all set at the same level. Set the ClosetMaid shelves on top of the braces. Cut the shelves to fit, if necessary, using a hacksaw.

6. Place the protective end caps that come with the shelving on the wire shelves. The caps either slide over the raw metal edges or attach with a screwdriver.

Tips & Warnings

• If studs aren't available behind the wall where you are installing the shelving, use a toggle screw on each end of the standard to anchor the standards. Use masonry anchors if you are hanging the standards on brick or masonry walls.

• Use caution when handling the exposed edges of the wire shelving as it may have sharp edges.

References

• ClosetMaid: How to Guides