Wire shelving is the workhorse of walk-ins, dry storage and back rooms. It lets air circulate, lets light through and adjusts in one inch steps. It also confuses people the first time they build it, because the shelves lock onto the posts with a tapered sleeve instead of bolts. This guide explains how the system works and how to assemble a unit that stands straight and holds its load.
For sizes and current models, browse our wall shelves and storage racks.
How the System Works
A standard unit has four posts and a set of shelves. The posts have grooves every inch. Two-piece plastic split sleeves snap onto the posts at the groove you choose. Each shelf has a tapered collar at every corner. When you slide the shelf down over the sleeves, the taper wedges tight and locks the shelf in place. More weight makes the lock tighter.
Parts You Need
- Four posts of the height you want. See our chrome wire shelving poles.
- Shelves of the width and length you want, such as the heavy duty chrome wire shelf or the heavy duty epoxy wire shelf.
- Split sleeves, usually one pair per shelf corner.
- Leveling feet or casters for the bottom of the posts.
- A rubber mallet.
Chrome or Epoxy
Chrome works well in dry storage. In walk-in coolers and other wet areas, many operators choose epoxy coated shelving because it resists rust better in humidity. Match the finish to the room.
Step by Step
- Thread a leveling foot into the bottom of each post.
- Decide the height of each shelf. Count the grooves from the bottom. Most posts are numbered to help.
- Snap a pair of split sleeves onto each post at the bottom shelf position, narrow end up. Make sure all four are on the same numbered groove.
- Lay the posts down and slide the bottom shelf over two posts, then the other two, or stand the posts up with a helper holding them.
- Push the shelf down over the sleeves until it seats. Tap each corner down with the mallet.
- Add sleeves for the top shelf next. Installing the top and bottom shelves first makes the unit stable.
- Add the middle shelves.
- Stand the unit up, check it with a level and adjust the feet.
- Tap every corner once more to make sure each shelf is fully seated.
Spacing Tips
- Keep the bottom shelf at least 6 inches off the floor. Most health departments require food storage off the floor, and the gap makes mopping easy. Confirm the exact height with your local health department.
- Put heavy items like cases of cans on lower shelves.
- Leave space above tall items so staff can see labels.
- Keep raw proteins on shelves below ready-to-eat food in coolers.
Wall Mounting
For long runs or tall units, wall brackets add stability. Use the wall mounting bracket for chrome wire shelving to tie the posts to a solid wall. Anchor into studs or masonry, not just drywall.
Extending a Run
You can join units in a row using S-hooks or shared posts, depending on the system. See shelving accessories for add-ons. Keep total load within what each shelf is rated for on its product page.
Floor Storage Alternative
For very heavy items like bags of flour or cases of oil, a low dunnage rack can be a better fit than the bottom shelf of a wire unit.
Common Mistakes
- Putting sleeves on upside down, so the shelf never locks.
- Sleeves on different grooves, which makes a tilted shelf.
- Not tapping shelves fully down, so they slip under load.
- Overloading the middle of a long shelf.
Next Steps
Measure your room, then pick posts and shelves from our wire shelving. Questions? Contact Express KitchQuip and we will help you pick the right size and configuration.