Metal Shelving

[JL724]

1st post, long time lurker. I want to replace some old wooden shelves in my basement with something a little sturdier. I found Gladiator shelving at Lowes that would work, but unfortunately the sizing doesn't quite work. Curious if anyone can recommend another brand or option that would be similar?

Thank you!

 

[kd3pc]

IF you buy shelves at big box stores, make sure that the shelves will do what you want.

I recently bought 10 sets of 2x4 shelves at Lowe's with particle board shelves that sit on a steel perimeter lip about 1/4". Those shelves sagged within days of installation and very light loading (shelves box says 200lbs per shelf) perhaps 40-50 lbs per shelf. With only three of the five shelves in use.

I contacted the maker and they were kind enough to send out two braces to span the 2' sides and add support to the structure. When I told her I needed 80 to do my shelves, like she suggests, she said she could send 4 pair of braces? Called Lowes and they got me 30 braces and suggested one brace per shelf.

Almost $100 per unit and I have about 30% capacity on half my shelves. The others are unusable and zero support from the maker or box store.

 

[JL724]

Thanks, the shelving from Gladiator had a rating of 1,000 pounds per shelf, which would be more than enough.

 

[kd3pc]

Thanks, the shelving from Gladiator had a rating of 1,000 pounds per shelf, which would be more than enough.

mine were Edsal, and they were advertised as 300 pounds per shelf, 5 shelves per unit. The unit would not support 40-50 pounds per shelf. Nor would the unit support the total of the shelves. 300x5 = 1,500 pounds on the unit. No way.

What it says it will do and what the wood/thin, two part posts and thin perimeter are two different things.

 

[Bretny]

Have you looked at the wire shelving systems like resturaunts use? Theyere made in all sizes, widths and heights. The wire shelves them self are alot stronger than chip board shelves.

I also had chip board shelves in a shed. They bowed down like wet paper.

 

[JL724]

I did look at wire shelving systems, but most appear to be polished. I was looking for something a little more industrial looking, like the gladiator.

 

[polexican23]

I used the xtreme garage metal racking from Menards. I am happy with it and can be configured it in different sizes. Also buy it on 11% off week, i have rarely seen it on sale otherwise.

I dont use their mdf board shelving though. I get 3/4" of plywood. Even had Lowes cut it for me at 15 1/2' x 8' for my 17" deep shelving. I installed these just last weekend.

 

[bad_idea]

I have a bunch of the Edsel shelving. I got mine used with no shelving material, just the frames. I used 3/4" plywood for the lower shelves for heavy items, holds plenty - I have had a transmission in the middle of one shelf right for the last couple years. I used 5/8 particle board for the upper shelves for lighter items. I've had no issue with them.

 

[lilredex]

Look for those metal shelves used by industry, grey and army green colours. That is all I use in the basement and garage. Mine are 12" deep X 3 and 4 feet long.

Where to find cheap? Garage sales, scrap yards, and garbage days........people are continually throwing them away.

 

[JL724]

Thanks for the suggestions. I just found a new line from Gladiator that comes in sizes that will fit my needs. Will probably just go with that unless there are any other suggestions.

 

[Lynden]

Thanks, the shelving from Gladiator had a rating of 1,000 pounds per shelf, which would be more than enough.

I have a few of the 48"x 24" Craftsman red/black shelving units which are similar to the Gladiator units. Both have a 1,000 pounds per shelf maximum load limit.

https://www.google.com/url?sa=i&rct...aw26hX5cG0lcsn1uyUgARB3T&ust=1571932974211488

I don't have anywhere close to 1,000 pounds on any of the shelves but I easily have a few hundred pounds on some of them without any problems. It would be easy to beef up selected shelves by adding a 1.5x1.5x1/8 steel angle to the underside at the front and back.