How to Install Wire Closet Shelves in 9 Simple Steps

If you're installing wire shelving in an existing closet space, removing the old shelves is necessary. Doing so will leave behind plenty of holes and probably some scratches in the wall. Use drywall compound or spackle and a putty knife to fill in the gaps and sand it smooth after it dries. Choose your favorite closet paint color and give the space a fresh coat. 

Use closet design ideas right from the shelving manufacturer, or create your own. While shelving units are available in design packages, you can also purchase single units to customize your installation.

While learning how to design a closet takes some practice, the shelving kits can help make your job easier. In any case, measure the area and draw out your installation plans, adding as much detail as possible.

Your closet wall will have studs behind the drywall spaced at 16 or 24 inches apart. Use a stud finder to locate a couple of them, then use your tape measure to identify where the rest are. Mark the locations with a small pencil mark that the shelving hardware will conceal.

Depending on the height of the wire shelf system you have, you can hang the upper track into the top plate of the wall near the ceiling, or into the wall studs below. Use a bubble level to mark a horizontal line where the track will be. The top plate consists of a horizontal stud at the top of the wall within 1.5 inches of the ceiling junction.

To install the track, put on your safety glasses, place it on the horizontal line, and install the first screw (of the ones that came with your shelves) into the first stud on one end of it. Confirm it's level and install the remainder of the screws, using one per stud, or every 16 to 24 inches if putting it into the wall's top plate.

Install your shelf system supports, or standards, by clicking them into the hanging track and lowering them into place. Space them no more than 24 inches apart and install them directly over your stud markings where possible. Affix them to the wall using the provided screws, spacing them every 16 to 24 inches. Use toggle bolt drywall anchors to secure the supports where they don't line up with a wall stud.

Where you place your individual shelves will determine where you install the shelf support brackets. To place them, simply click the pieces into the wall standards and lower them into position.

Place one near each shelf end and one on each standard where the shelf intersects. Remember to leave room for any accessories, such as shoe racks, pre-fab drawers, or additions, like custom-built drawers.

If the size of your reach-in closet is narrower than the shelves are long, or if the predetermined kit layout doesn't fit your needs, you'll have to cut one or more shelves. You can use a hacksaw or a bolt cutter to make any necessary cuts, leaving stubs on the ends to install the kit-provided plastic end caps. 

Place the shelves, one at a time, onto the shelf brackets. Angle the front of each shelf into the clip or indent at the end of the bracket, and lower the shelf into place. When complete, install the plastic end caps on all of the shelf ends.

Depending on the shelving system and accessories you have, follow the included instructions for hanging closet rods, drawers, shoe racks, or any other add-ons you choose.