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When installing shelves in a closet you basically have two material choices,
either metal wire shelving or wood shelving. Both have their advantages and
disadvantages. The major criteria for deciding between wire shelving vs wood
shelving really boils down to what is the expected use of the closet. A food
cupboard, for example, is typically best served with wood shelving. A
clothes closet, on the other hand, maybe better served with wire shelving.
When making the wood shelving vs wire shelving decision it is also important
to consider the rest of the interior design of the room or home.
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If wood paneling or trim is used extensively throughout the home or room,
then wood shelving probably makes more sense. On the flip side, if the home
has a minimalist or contemporary interior design then wire shelving maybe
more appropriate for the closet.
Wire Shelving Advantages
Wire shelving is typically less expensive to install than wood shelving,
both from a materials and labor installation standpoint. Prefabricated wire
shelving is also widely available in different shapes and sizes and there is
a whole assortment of accessories to complement the basic wire shelves. As a
result, there are many ways to outfit a closet with wire shelving. In
addition, metal wire shelves are easy to install. They come with fasteners
and screws that can easily be attached to walls.
Wire shelving versus wood shelving typically only requires a hammer,
screwdriver, hacksaw and a level to install. Even most novice do it yourself
homeowners have these basic tools. |
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Wood Shelving Advantages
Wood shelving can look spectacular, depending upon the shelving design and
the type of finish that is applied to the shelves, e.g. stain and
polyurethane. There are finished carpenters who focus their entire
livelihood on the design and installation of elaborate closet wood shelving
and cabinetry. Consequently, custom closets outfitted with wood shelving can
look absolutely stunning.
Wood shelving, versus wire shelving, typically is designed to be more rugged
and support additional weight.
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Also, due to the fact that the wood shelves have one continuous surface area
they are better for supporting all types of items, particularly small items.
Wire Shelving Disadvantages
Wire shelving can look austere and simple compared to wood shelving. Wire
shelving typically is designed and installed to support less weight than
wood shelving. Frequently I have found wire shelving improperly installed,
where the fasteners are not screwed into wall studs. It doesn’t take much
weight to cause a wire shelf to come crashing down if it is not properly
fastened to wall studs.
Also, if clothes are laid directly onto wire shelves, crease lines
inevitably form on the clothes due to the wires. Also, small items such
stationary or pictures can’t be placed on end with wire shelves unless a
flat surface material is placed over the wire shelf.
Wood Shelving Disadvantages
There are fewer prefabricated wood shelving options to choose from compared
to wire shelving. In addition, wood shelving vs wire shelving typically
requires more effort to install. Wood shelving is also heavier than wire
shelving, and though this is typically no big deal once installed it can be
an issue during the installation effort.
Installing wood shelving involves the use of power tools, such as a skill
saw, miter saw, and drill. If you don’t have these tools or don’t want to
buy or rent them, then installing your own wood shelving is not an option.
So before making the wire shelving versus wood shelving decision consider
the shelving application, the rest of the interior design of your home or
room, your access to tools, and the amount of time you want to expend on
installing the shelves. Once you can answer these questions the wood
shelving vs wire shelving decision becomes much easier to make.
If you would like to design your own custom closet check out HomeAdditionPlus.com’s “Design and Build
a Custom Closet Ebook”.
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Wire Shelving and Wood Shelving Products from Amazon.com
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