Storage shelves can make a huge difference in the way you use your home. From storing books, records and other media to organising tools, supplies and other items for the office, you can find a shelf system that is suitable for your needs. Shelves can be an inexpensive solution to your storage problems and can also add design and style to the room. However, the most important thing to remember when installing shelves is to measure and plan carefully before you buy anything. This will ensure that you get the best results from your shelving system.
The first step in planning your shelving system is to determine how much space you have and what type of materials are best for the project. For example, if you have limited wall space and want to store heavy boxes of books, you will probably need to choose steel shelving with a weight capacity of 500 pounds or more. However, if you have more floor space and are storing lightweight supplies, plastic shelves may be more appropriate for your purposes.
You should always fasten your shelf supports to the studs when possible. Using a stud finder to locate the studs in your wall can help you do this quickly and easily. If you can’t attach the shelving to the studs, you will need to reinforce the wall with drywall or other material.
To determine how high to build the shelving, measure the height of the tallest item you plan to store on it. Then mark the distance from that point to the top of the shelf. If you will be storing books, use 12 books per foot as an approximate guideline. However, if you will be storing other types of supplies or decorative items, this number will likely be different.
Once you have the clear shelf height established, the next step is to determine how wide to make your shelving. This will depend on the size of the items you are storing and how much space you want to leave between each shelf. For example, if you are storing a combination of books and other small supplies, you might choose to make the shelving as wide as the width of a book. However, if you are storing larger pots and pans, you might decide to keep the shelves narrower.
When you’re finished, install the shelves and finish them off with a nice trim piece. This is a great way to dress up your new shelving system and also to help keep the items from falling off when you stack them. Whether you need to keep your children’s toys organized or just want an easier way to access all of the items in your garage, you will find that having properly sized storage shelves can make a big difference in how you use your home. By keeping things organized, you can also cut down on the clutter that makes it difficult to see your vehicles and other equipment in your garage.