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Stainless Steel Wall Shelves Compared: Six Types and What Each Is For

A wall shelf puts storage above a work surface without taking floor space. We make six kinds. They differ in how they stop things falling off, how many levels they give you, and how much weight they are built for.

See also the two-tier wall mount shelf.

The six types

ShelfSizesWhat sets it apart
Stainless steel wall shelf49 sizes, 10 to 96 in. long and 6 to 24 in. deep18 gauge, 1 in. backsplash, rated to hold up to 600 lb
Wall shelf with side guards8 sizes, 24 to 48 in. longRaised sides stop items sliding off the ends
Wall shelf 2 pack, floating with brackets8 in. deep; 16, 24 and 30 in. longTwo matching shelves in one order
2-tier wall shelf12 in. deep; 24, 36 and 60 in. longTwo levels on one set of brackets; 18-gauge type 430 stainless
Tubular wall shelf48 and 60 in. long, 18 in. deepOpen tube surface, so air and water pass through
Folding wall shelf12 or 18 in. deep; 48, 60 and 72 in. longFolds flat against the wall; 110 lb capacity

The standard shelf

This is the one most kitchens need. The sizes are listed as length by depth, the 1 inch backsplash keeps things off the wall, and it carries the highest weight rating of the range. With 49 sizes it will fit almost any gap.

When side guards help

On a short shelf, or one at the end of a run, bottles and containers get pushed off the ends. Side guards close those ends. They are worth having over a sink or a fryer, where something falling is more than an inconvenience.

Two tiers

The 2-tier shelf doubles the storage on the same stretch of wall. It suits spices, small containers and plates above a prep table. Check the height between tiers on the product page against what you plan to store.

Tubular

A tubular shelf has gaps between the tubes. Wet pots and pans drain and dry on it, which makes it the usual choice above a pot sink.

Folding

The folding shelf drops flat when not in use. It was designed for food trucks and other tight spaces, as a serving ledge or an extra prep surface. Its 110 lb capacity is lower than a fixed shelf, so it is not the place for heavy stock.

Mounting matters more than the shelf

  • The weight rating assumes the shelf is fixed into solid framing or with anchors suited to the wall. Drywall alone will not hold a loaded shelf.
  • Spread the load evenly, and keep the heaviest items near the brackets.
  • Check the clearance your local code requires above cooking equipment before mounting a shelf over it.

Before you order

  • Measure the wall length and the height above the work surface.
  • Choose a depth that does not block the worker below. A deep shelf at head height gets hit.
  • Check what the wall is made of and buy the right fixings.

Ordering and delivery

Delivery within the continental US is included in the price on each product page. If you want help checking a measurement before you order, call +1-877-558-2253.