Tools and Materials
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Installing Wire Shelving in a Closet
Installing closet shelves makes it easy to keep the space free of clutter. Hanging wire shelves in a standard closet is a relatively quick upgrade and you can add accessories to fit your needs. We’ll show you general instructions for how to install wire shelving and accessories, but always follow the instructions for your shelving.
If you want a different look for your closet, consider a wood closet kit and take a look at our video and project steps on installing wood closet shelving.
Step 1: Create a Plan and Measure for the Wire Shelves
Learning how to put up closet shelves for an organized space starts with planning and measuring. Before installing wire rack shelving, see our video on How to Design a Closet to create a plan that best suits your needs.
Begin by measuring your space. Start with the height from the floor to the ceiling. Next, measure the length of your useable wall space — both the back wall and any side walls. Finally, measure the depth of your closet.
Common top shelf heights, as measured from the floor, range from 70 inches for long-hanging configurations to 84 inches and 42 inches for double- or short-hanging configurations. Now is also the time to decide if you’ll be using any wire shelving accessories like drawers or shoe racks.
Have a hack saw on hand to cut the wire shelves in case you need to make adjustments. Wear safety glasses when cutting the shelves.
Step 2: Prepare Your Closet for the Shelf Installation
Once you have a plan, prep your closet for the new installation. Remove your old closet system and repair the walls if needed. You may need to apply spackling compound, sand the repair, prime the walls and paint. When the paint is dry, use a stud finder to locate the wall studs and lightly mark the wall where you’ll hang the unit. If you need help, check out How to Find Wall Studs.
Step 3: Install the Wire Shelving Hanger Rails
Wire systems are easy to install. Using your plan as a guide, mark a level line and attach the hanger rail to the studs. Make sure it's level as you secure it. Watch What Do Level and Plumb Mean? for more help.
Step 4: Install the Closet Shelf Uprights
Now connect the uprights to the hanger rail. Make sure they're plumb — meaning straight up and down. Secure them at the bottom with screws.
If the uprights aren't in line with the studs, use wall anchors. Mark the spot and drill a pilot hole. Install a wall anchor and then drive the screw in.
Step 5: Hanging the Wire Shelves
Installing the closet shelves from here is relatively quick. Lock the shelf brackets onto the uprights and then snap the shelves into place. Attach the rod hooks, cap the rod ends and snap in the hanger rod.
To maximize corner spaces, run one shelf the length of the wall. Cut the adjacent shelf to fit. Some closet organizer systems come with special corner shelves.
Step 6: Install Wire Shelving Accessories
Finish up by installing adjustable accessories. Here are a few options:
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Shoe shelves can be made by turning a shelf piece upside down (lip pointed upwards). Clips attach the shelving to the wall and a special bracket holds the shelf at an angle. There are also special accessories available that are designed for shoe storage.
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Corners can be made two ways. You can use a specially shaped corner piece that attaches to shelves on either side with joiner plates. You can also use two straight shelves — one ending at the wall and the other ending at the edge of the first shelf — attached to each other with a corner support connector. Fit the support under the wires of one shelf and over the wires of the other.
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Drawers and baskets can be added using runner frames (for multiple drawers) or hanging drawer glides (to mount a single drawer underneath a shelf). Pre-configured runner frame kits are available, or you can customize a frame and drawer combination.
Lowe’s Can Help When You’re Installing Closet Shelves
Installing wire shelving can be a fun and rewarding DIY project if you have a few basic skills and some common tools. With our guide explaining how to install wire closet shelves, you’ve got everything you need for a successful job. But if you’d prefer to go the pre-made route, you can find a variety of closet organizers at Lowes.com to suit your needs. Or, stop by your local Lowe’s and let a Red Vest associate show you wire shelving and accessories to help you create the closet of your dreams.
