The regular , cheaper closet maid white wire shelving .
by
Newt pearson
+1
1. Seems like I read an 8 foot x 16 " would hold only 80 lbs( 10 lbs per running foot ) ???????? Would this be true if 3 of braces are attached to studs ????
2. Can I use the bracing that does not involve vertical standards attached to the wall ?
3. Seems like the shelving itself should hold more weight and all that is needed would be the supporting braces. Is there a DIY idea on strengthening the shelves without just continuing to just add those claw grip weakest looking braces ?
I'm sure if enough were added it could be strenthened proportionately but with unsightly appearance .
- 4. Would 15 -20 lbs per foot be asking too much rather than 10??????
Suggested Project Book
Studs usually are 16" apart so I would think you could put a brace into each stud of the 96" span (8' shelf). That would make it very strong. Make sure and check exactly where the studs are first. Many times they have to vary from the 16" rule.
You might install a ledger board under the shelf so the edge along the wall rests on top of it, 4" x 3/4" x length of shelf. Screw into studs. This will give you added support, and I might go with 4 braces.
.SIMPLE strong fix: 3-4 (depending how much weight you want up there) angle irons. Keep most of your weight in the back. Then, the angle irons only need be maybe 5" long on the shelf depth underneath.
You will also need 3-4 (match the number of angle irons) pieces of 1/8" to 1/4" wood cut to about the same length of the angle iron to be positioned under the shelf by around 5" wide. No need to be overly precise lol!
Find the studs approx. by eyeballing the length into quarters with the first 2 going in nearest the corners. Use a small level to mark, measure down from the underside of the shelf so you can mark where the bend of the upside down angle iron needs to be. Mark on where the studs are, making a circle around where the screw holes will be
DON'T FORGET....the screw holes will be an additional 1/8" - 1/4" further down! You will be putting the squares of wood on top of the angle iron to spread the surface area further on the shelf!
BE SURE to use your level and extend a line horizontally so you can square up your iron angles to the shelf
Screw in the angle irons using your marks, with the longest angle to the underside of the wire shelf
Slide your 1/8" - 1/4" thick pieces of wood in place.
VOILA! You most likely can place 40+ pounds along each foot of shelf.
IF you want to be really fancy, you can paint the iron angles and wood shims to match the inside of your closet lol.
Thank You . Would I assume you're suggesting to just totally avoid the braces that are typically matched up with wire shelving . Just like I like it . Simple but solid , can't go wrong solution.