How to Add Shelves to a Metal Cabinet

Adding shelves to a metal cabinet can help maximize storage space and organize your belongings. With some simple tools and materials, you can install sturdy shelves that will hold up to your storage needs. This guide will walk you through the entire process of measuring, planning, preparing, installing, and loading shelves into a metal cabinet. Follow the steps below to add functional shelving to any metal cabinet.

Introduction

Metal cabinets provide durable and secure storage, but often lack built-in shelving. Retrofitting a metal cabinet with shelves is an easy DIY project that can help you customize your storage solutions. Properly installed shelves can hold a significant amount of weight, allowing you to store anything from books and boxes to small appliances and home decor items.

When undertaking this project, take time to measure carefully, choose the right hardware and materials, and install the shelves securely. Sturdy metal or wood shelving held in place with brackets or standards will stand the test of time. Take precautions during installation to avoid scratches or damage to the cabinet itself. With the right techniques and tools, you can add functional shelving to any metal cabinet with ease.

Benefits of Adding Shelves to Metal Cabinets

• Increases storage capacity and frees up floor space.
• Creates space to organize contents categorically.
• Makes items easy to access without digging.
• Optimizes the vertical storage space.
• Allows customization to your storage needs.
• Provides a sturdy surface for heavy items.
• Cost-effective way to maximize existing storage.
• Safer alternative to stacking items inside the cabinet.

Things to Consider Before Installing Shelves

• Cabinet dimensions – measure internal height, width and depth.
• Weight capacity based on cabinet and shelf material.
• Desired position and number of shelves.
• Type of bracket or standard for the shelf installation.
• Matching existing cabinet’s finish with shelf material and hardware.
• Ventilation if shelves are in an enclosed cabinet.
• Local regulations for building codes and standards.

How to Add Shelves to a Metal Cabinet

Follow these steps to successfully install sturdy, customized shelving in your metal cabinet:

Step 1: Measure the Internal Dimensions

Use a tape measure to measure the interior height, width and depth of the cabinet you want to install shelves in. Note down these measurements to determine the size of shelves the cabinet can accommodate. Also measure any existing built-in shelves or rails.

Make sure there is adequate vertical clearance between the potential shelves, enough depth for your storage needs, and sufficient width to fit the cabinet without excess overhang. Having accurate measurements is crucial for installing well-fitted shelves.

Step 2: Plan the Shelf Layout

Using the measurements, plan where you want to position the shelves inside the cabinet and how many you can realistically install. Standard spacing between shelves is commonly 12 to 15 inches. Make a sketch of the shelf layout indicating their desired locations.

Consider the items you want to store on each shelf. Distribute weight evenly across the shelves and keep heavier items on lower shelves. Also account for easy access without too much reaching or bending. Optimizing the shelf layout from the start results in a more functional shelving solution.

Step 3: Purchase Supplies and Hardware

Once the measurements and layout are decided, purchase the required materials and hardware. Some common components needed include:

• Shelving: Wood, metal, tempered glass cut to measurements.
• Brackets: Standards, shelf clips or rail mounted brackets.
• Fasteners: Screws, bolts to attach brackets.
• Tools: Drill, tape measure, level, stud finder, pencil.
• Finishing: Paint, adhesive lining to protect cabinet interior.

Choose hardware designed to handle the shelf’s intended weight capacity. Brackets or standards work well for secure metal shelf installation. Pre-finished shelves are available, or you can paint/stain raw wood to match the cabinet interior. Purchase all materials before beginning installation.

Step 4: Prepare the Cabinet Interior

Before putting in the new shelves, prepare the interior of the metal cabinet for installation. Follow these tips for proper prep work:

• Remove any existing shelves or hardware.
• Clean the interior surfaces thoroughly to remove grease and debris.
• Fill any holes or scratches in the cabinet walls with metal filler compound. Sand smooth once dry.
• Use painter’s tape to mark the exact shelf placement planned in the layout.
• Apply adhesive foam or felt lining on cabinet sides and back wall to prevent shelving scratches.
• Vacuum and wipe down the interior to remove dust and grime accumulation.

Preparing the cabinet by filling flaws, marking locations, and adding protective lining helps keep the shelves securely in place.

Step 5: Cut Shelves to Size

Using a tape measure, mark and cut the shelves to size as per the cabinet layout measurements. A circular saw with a fine tooth metal blade is best for cutting metal shelves. For wood, use a power miter saw suitable for that material. Ensure cut edges are smooth and even.

Follow these safety tips when cutting shelves:

• Use eye and ear protection.
• Make cuts in a well-ventilated place.
• Clamp materials to a sturdy work surface while cutting.
• Keep hands at a safe distance from the blade.
• Use a helper for long metal or glass shelves.
• File off any rough edges after cutting.

Measure twice and cut once for accurately sized shelves that will fit the cabinet perfectly.

Step 6: Install Brackets

The shelves should be installed into the metal cabinet using standards, rails, or brackets securely screwed into the cabinet walls. Follow these guidelines for proper bracket installation:

• Use a level to mark straight, evenly spaced drill holes for the brackets.
• Drill pilot holes at the marked spots to accommodate bracket screws.
• For added stability, anchors can be used in the pilot holes.
• Attach wall standards or single brackets in the side walls using appropriate hardware.
• Make sure all brackets are installed level, plumb, and square.
• Screws should be tight but not stripped.
• Double check that brackets align with shelf layout markings.

Installing the shelf brackets at proper positions with care is key to getting shelving that is stable and long-lasting.

Step 7: Mount the Shelves

Once brackets are installed, carefully mount the shelves into position on the standards or clips. Follow these tips when setting shelves in place:

• Line up the shelf evenly with the brackets.
• Slide shelf in from the side onto standard slots, or lower directly onto clips.
• Confirm the shelf feels secure without side-to-side movement.
• Check for level positioning front-to-back and side-to-side.
• Use shelf pins, clips or bracket locks to hold up the shelf firmly.
• Test weight capacity by placing items before completely loading.

Mounting the prepped shelves onto the cabinet brackets is the rewarding final step to take full advantage of your customized shelving handiwork.

Step 8: Add Finishing Touches

The final touches will help give your DIY metal cabinet shelving a polished, complete look:

• Secure any loose hardware or tighten visible gaps.
• Clean up any marks left on the cabinet exterior during installation.
• Use silicone sealant on outside edges for moisture protection.
• Add end caps, hooks or pulls for shelf access or décor.
• Touch up paint on raw wood shelves to match cabinet finish.
• Label shelves with contents or install doors/curtains if needed.

Take time to make sure your installed shelves look neat, tidy and blend into the existing cabinetry with these finishing touches.

Step 9: Load Shelves and Optimize Space

The newly installed shelves are now ready to help organize and maximize your cabinet storage capacity. Some tips for loading shelves:

• Place heavier items on bottom shelves for stability.
• Use shelf dividers or risers to optimize vertical space.
• Store like items together and label shelves for easy access.
• Allow some room for airflow if enclosed cabinet.
• Avoid overloading shelves beyond recommended weight limits.
• Reevaluate space needs and adjust shelf heights as needed over time.

With open adjustable shelving, you can conveniently store a range of items while accessing contents easily. Use your DIY shelves wisely to enjoy expanded storage!

FAQs About Adding Shelves to Metal Cabinets

Some common questions about metal cabinet shelving installation include:

How much weight can metal shelves hold?

The weight capacity depends on the type of metal, size and thickness of the shelf, and bracket rating. 12-16 gauge steel shelves at least 8 inches deep can hold 50-150 lbs safely. Always check manufacturer specifications.

What is the best way to attach shelves to a metal cabinet securely?

Fixed standards or sturdy brackets anchored into the cabinet walls with screws are best for securely attaching metal shelving. Avoid hanging shelves only on clips or tension poles.

Should you attach shelves to the top or bottom of metal cabinets?

Attaching only to the bottom is unstable. A combination of top and bottom brackets provides the most secure attachment. Top mounting alone can work with very heavy fixed shelves in some cases.

What type of screws should be used to install shelves in metal cabinets?

Self-tapping screws specifically made for metal provide the best hold in sheet metal. Pre-drill holes and use screw diameters at least 1/3 the thickness of the cabinet side wall metal.

How much space should be allowed between shelves in a cabinet?

An average spacing is 12 to 15 inches between shelves. Allow more space for large items or easy access needs. Shelves for books and boxes can be as close as 6 inches. Make sure ventilation is not blocked in enclosed cabinets.

Is adding glue necessary when fastening metal shelves to metal cabinets?

Glue generally isn’t needed if screws are properly pre-drilled and tightened into metal cabinet walls. Adhesive can be used for extra strength with very heavy-duty shelves. Avoid glue with wood cabinets.

Conclusion

Adding customized shelving is an easy DIY upgrade to make any metal cabinet more functional and organized. A few simple tools, basic hardware, and DIY know-how is all you need to properly measure, plan, and install sturdy shelving that matches your storage needs. Utilize the vertical space in your cabinet with shelves for books, pantry goods, folded clothes, display items, and beyond.

The key is taking careful measurements, choosing shelf materials and brackets able to handle the intended weight, and securely fastening into the cabinet sides with standards, rails or brackets. Prepare the cabinet interior properly before installation. Follow safe practices when cutting shelves and mounting the hardware. The end result will be neatly finished, level shelves providing expanded storage space and better organization – all customized to your needs.

So don’t let plain metal cabinets go to waste. With these steps, you can easily add adjustable, sturdy shelves for storage and display purposes. DIY your own shelving solution and make the most of the storage capacity in your metal cabinetry.