Given all the factors involved, it's best to calculate a shelf's weight rating rather than relying on a basic span dimension when installing glass shelves. What Is Cement Backer Board and How Is It Used? Install bracket by inserting into slots on standards; Double notch design for durability and strength; Universal design to fit all ClosetMaid … Span in this instance means the distance between supports for the shelf. One of the first steps in installing ClosetMaid products in your closets is measuring your closet space. You may still be able to store fairly heavy objects on shelving materials with a short span limit, but you will need to support the shelf with support brackets that are spaced closer together. When it is impossible or impractical to attach shelf supports to stud, you must make sure to use the proper wall anchors. 2 x dimension lumber, such as 2 x10s or 2 x 12s, actually measures about 1 1/2 inches thick. They said these are for preventing the shelf from popping out of the hooks. ... Use this one-stop self-help center to watch step-by-step installation demonstrations for select ClosetMaid products. After reading all the other comments and lack of response by Closetmaid, I will not be purchasing their products anymore. Clear shelf height is the space measured from the top of the lower shelf to the underside of the shelf above it. The span limit is defined as the maximum distance apart that you can place the shelving supports. Instruction sheets can be found on the specific product you purchased in our online store. Vertical shelf spacing is simply a matter of deciding what you will store on the shelves, and space the shelves accordingly. By using The Spruce, you accept our, The Subfloor Is the Foundation of a Good Flooring Installation, How to Install Wall Shelves Using Standards and Brackets, A Guide to Standard Drywall: Length, Width, and Thickness, Plywood vs. OSB Subfloor Comparison Guide, Laminated Veneer Lumber (LVL) Manufacturers and Brands. And remember to fasten your shelf supports directly to wall studs whenever possible. Installation Support Whatever your storage project, we're here to help. Be aware that the actual thickness of standard lumber is less than the nominal measurement by which it is categorized. Firmly pull shelf forward at each bracket location to lock shelf into place. To prevent the shelves from sagging under the weight, you need to know the relative span limitations of different shelving materials. 0.25 in. Plywood panels over 3/4 inch in thickness are usually special order products. It is commonly sold in thicknesses of 3/8 inch, 1/2 inch, 5/8 inch, and 3/4 inch. Fixed mount ClosetMaid wire shelving and hang rods require quality supports. When choosing 1 x lumber for shelves, it's best to use select-grade lumber, which has fewer knots and other flaws that can weaken the wood. I am replacing cracked end brackets installed by builder 20 years ago. Thinner sheets of plywood can be glued together (laminated) to make a thicker panel for cutting sturdier shelves. The longest recommended span between wall supports for 3/4-inch-thick plywood shelves is 36 inches. Two examples are provided here: Use the following guidelines to determine the "clear shelf height" needed for the types of items you plan to place on your shelves. Particleboard is a manufactured product that is made from sawdust and other wood by-products bonded together with glues and resins. 1 x lumber is standard building grade boards, such as nominal 1 x 8, 1 x 10, or 1 x 12 boards. Vertical shelf spacing is simply a matter of deciding what you will store … Maximum weight rating for 1/4-inch-thick x 11-inch-wide tempered glass supported every 24 inches is. Shelves are to be attached to walls with ClosetMaid wall clips, end brackets, support brackets and poles. Plywood for shelves should be 3/4 inch thick or thicker. Standard sheets of plywood come in 1/4-inch, 3/8-inch, 1/2-inch, 5/8-inch, and 3/4-inch thicknesses. Push shelf backwards so back wire fits into shelf bracket slots. A glass supplier can recommend a safe weight for the glass you choose. There are two important considerations when installing wall shelves: first, making sure the material used for the shelves has an appropriate span capacity; and second, considering the vertical spacing between the shelves—a decision that is based on the types of objects you will store on the shelves.