How to Put Shelves in a Metal Cabinet

Introduction

Putting shelves in a metal cabinet can be a great way to maximize your storage space. Shelves allow you to neatly organize items and access them easily when needed. While metal cabinets are durable and long-lasting, installing shelves requires a bit of work. Follow these steps to properly put shelves in a metal cabinet.

Choose Appropriate Shelving

When selecting shelves for your metal cabinet, consider the size, weight capacity, and style.

Shelving Size

Measure the interior dimensions of your cabinet first. Shelves come in standard widths like 12 inches, 16 inches, or 24 inches. Choose a size that fits well inside your cabinet without too much empty space or overhang. The depth of the shelves should match the cabinet’s depth.

Consider the height between shelves too. Leave enough vertical space for taller items. Spacing shelves 6 to 12 inches apart is common.

Weight Capacity

Check the maximum weight each shelf can hold. Medium or heavy duty options are best for metal cabinets. Shelves that hold at least 100 lbs are ideal if storing heavier items like books or appliances. Get shelves rated for more weight than you expect to hold.

Style

Shelves come in many materials like wood, glass, or metal. Wood or metal shelves are good choices for sturdy storage. Glass looks nice but is less durable. Some have a lip or guard rail to prevent items sliding off. Pick a style that fits your storage needs.

Gather the Right Tools

Installing shelves in a metal cabinet requires some specific tools. Having these tools on hand will make the process easier.

• Tape measure – For sizing and spacing shelves correctly
• Pencil – To mark screw holes and shelf positions
• Electric drill – For drilling shelf holes
• Drill bits – Match bit sizes to your screws
• Stud finder – For finding cabinet framing to anchor shelves
• Screwdriver – For driving screws into place
• Level – To ensure shelves are even

Safety gear like gloves and eye protection is also recommended when drilling and handling metal.

Prepare the Cabinet

Before installing any shelves, prepare the inside of your metal cabinet properly.

• Remove any existing shelves or hardware already installed. Be careful not to damage the cabinet walls.
• Clean inside surfaces thoroughly. Remove any dirt, debris, or oil residues.
• Examine the cabinet framing and walls. Look for solid vertical sections or posts to anchor the shelves securely.
• Determine if you want adjustable or permanent shelving. Adjustable lets you modify shelf heights later on.

Proper prep work makes installing shelves much simpler.

Mark Shelf Positions

Once your cabinet is prepped, mark where you want the shelf positions to be.

• Measure from the bottom of the cabinet up to find your ideal shelf heights. Mark these spots lightly in pencil on the inside wall framing.
• Space shelves based on your storage needs. Leaving 10 to 16 inches between shelves is common.
• Ensure marked lines are level using a spirit level.
• Mark at least 2-3 screw or bolt holes per shelf. Space these evenly apart.

Take time marking carefully. This allows you to pre-drill accurate holes for each shelf.

Drill Shelf Pilot Holes

With your shelf height positions marked, drill pilot holes for the shelf anchors.

• Use a drill bit slightly smaller than your shelf anchor screws. For example, a 1/8 inch pilot hole for 3/16 inch screws.
• Drill slowly and carefully using eye protection. Apply light pressure.
• Drill pilot holes at each screw location you marked for every shelf position.
• Go slowly if drilling into metal to avoid breaking the bit. Let the drill do the work.
• Vacuum out any metal shavings when finished.

Properly drilled pilot holes prevent screws from cracking the cabinet during installation.

Install Shelf Brackets or Supports

There are a few options for installing shelf supports or anchors on metal cabinets:

Shelf Brackets

• Position brackets evenly spaced at shelf marks. Make sure they are level.
• Screw each bracket into the pilot holes using a screwdriver. Do not overtighten.
• For adjustable shelves, use slotted brackets. Shelf can slide up or down to any height.

Shelf Standards

• Shelf standards are vertical rail strips installed inside the cabinet.
• Screw standards at shelf marks. Make sure they are plumb and level.
• Shelves have builtin clips that snap into slots on the standards. Shelf height is adjustable.

Wood Cleats

• For permanent shelving, wood strips called cleats can support shelves.
• Predrill holes in the cleats. Attach them horizontally at shelf marks with screws.

The right brackets or standards keep shelves sturdy after loading with storage items.

Insert Shelves

Once shelf brackets or supports are in place, add the shelves.

• For brackets, set shelves on top of the supports. The shelf should fit snugly between side brackets.
• For standards, fit shelf clips into the slot at desired height. Orient clips properly to hold weight.
• With cleats, simply place the shelf atop the wood strip. Add shelf tag if needed.
• Confirm shelves are level side-to-side. Add shelf lips if necessary.
• Test weight capacity by adding a few heavy items. Make adjustments if shelf sags.

Take care when first loading shelves to ensure they hold up properly.

Tips for Sturdy Shelving

Follow these tips for safe, sturdy shelves that will last:

• Use adequate brackets/supports based on shelf size and weight capacity. Don’t skimp on these.
• Space brackets or standards no more than 36 inches apart for stable shelves.
• Ensure shelves rest completely on all brackets or standards, not just partially.
• Predrill holes for anchors and screws to prevent cracking or stripping.
• Check shelves for levelness front-to-back and side-to-side. Shim if necessary.
• Start with lighter storage items first. Gradually test weight capacity over time.
• Monitor sagging shelves and reinforce. Replace damaged brackets or supports.

Taking a careful approach helps prevent shelf disasters or collapse down the road.

Mistakes to Avoid

When installing metal cabinet shelves, take care to avoid these common mistakes:

• Not measuring correctly – Shelves that are too loose or too tight won’t work right.
• Forgetting pilot holes – This can crack the cabinet when driving screws.
• Using wrong fasteners – Wrong sized screws won’t hold properly. Match to hole and shelf size.
• Uneven spacing – Brackets placed haphazardly lead to unstable shelves. Measure properly.
• Forcing shelves – They should set on brackets easily. Forcing can break the shelf.
• Overloading – Exceeding the weight rating causes dangerous sagging or collapse.
• Not checking level – Shelves must be level so items don’t slide or fall off.

Avoiding simple mistakes takes a bit more time up front, but saves hassle later on.

Safety Tips

Practice safety with these tips when installing metal cabinet shelves:

• Use eye and ear protection when drilling metal and driving screws.
• Wear heavy work gloves when handling sharp metal. Use caution handling sheet metal.
• Carefully vacuum metal shavings so they don’t get in your eyes or hands.
• Keep shelves away from electrical sources like outlets. Don’t block ventilation.
• Weight load gradually starting light. Don’t exceed maximum ratings.
• Secure tall cabinets to wall framing using cabinet anti-tip hardware.
• Use shelf lips, guards or edge stops to prevent items sliding off shelves.
• Monitor and promptly reinforce sagging shelves.

Staying safe keeps both you and your contents protected.

Questions and Answers

Here are some common questions about installing shelves in metal cabinets:

How much weight can metal cabinet shelves hold?

This depends on the shelf size, material, and hardware used. A typical maximum is around 100 pounds per shelf. Review shelf weight ratings before purchasing and installing. Reinforce shelves as needed for heavier loads.

What is the best spacing between shelves?

Allow 10 to 16 inches between shelves depending on your storage needs. Leave enough room for taller items while maximizing space. Measure your cabinet items first to determine optimal shelf heights.

Should I get adjustable shelves or permanent shelves?

Adjustable shelves using standards or slotted brackets allow you to move shelf positions later on. Permanent shelves anchored on cleats are less removable. Choose based on your need for reconfiguring down the road.

How do I reinforce sagging shelves?

You can add bracket supports, cleats or corbels in the center for more support. Stiff metal shelf braces on the underside can also work. Or replace the shelf entirely with a heavier duty version.

What fasteners work best for metal cabinets?

Self-tapping screws are good for thin sheet metal cabinets. Machine screws with nuts and lock washers work for thicker steel. Use metal appropriate drill bits for pilot holes. Avoid overtightening.

How can I make shelves more spill-proof?

Install shelf lips, rim guards or raised edges to help corral items. Use shelf liner mats or you can apply non-slip treads on the shelves. Store liquids and loose items in bins or baskets.

Conclusion

Installing shelves is an easy DIY upgrade to get more use out of metal cabinets. Carefully measure for sizing, drill pilot holes, and use quality shelf brackets. Follow safe loading practices and shelf maintenance. Soon you will be enjoying neatly organized and efficient storage space. Maximizing your metal cabinets with shelves provides handy access to the items you need most.