How to add shelving to my wardrobe?

[rondogz]

Hello! 

I was hoping I could install some shelving in my wardrobe, but I'm not sure if it would be able to support the weight. It would most likely hold some shoes or clothes. Do you have any ideas? 

[MitchellMc]

Hi @rondogz,

Could you give us an idea of the width and depth of what the shelving would need to be? That would help determine whether they could span the distance.

Mitchell

[rondogz]

Hi Mitchell,

Dimensions are approx. Length: 81cm and Depth: 45cm. We're hoping to install maybe 3 shelves.

The wall on the left is solid brick but the other side is the weaker chipboard/wooden wardrobe divider so I'm concerned it won't be robust enough to handle any weight

Thanks! 

[EricL]

Hello @rondogz 

Thank you for sharing the measurements of the wardrobe area. I suggest using 42 x 19mm 1.8m DAR Pine Premium - 1.8m as shelf supports to the left right and back. I recommend using Ramset 8 x 50mm Universal Anchor - 20 Pack to anchor onto the brick wall. Use the Ramset Super Wallmate Toggle Anchor - 10 Pack to anchor onto the plasterboard. My best tip is to drill pilot holes for the toggle anchors.

I recommend using CUSTOMpine 1800 x 445 x 16mm Carcass Shelving E1L Half Drilled White Standard Particleboard for your wardrobe. It can be cut in half using an ordinary handsaw. I strongly suggest double checking your shelving sizes to make sure that the shelving fits into the space.

Let me call on our experience members @Dave-1 and @Nailbag for their recommendation.

If you need further assistance, please let me know.

Eric

[Dave-1]

Good Morning @rondogz 

I like @EricL 's suggestion for the shelf rails (The DAR Pine premium)

Tho I wouldnt screw it through to the brickwork. I would use 30mm screws and pretty much copy the one on the top left of your photo. If you put 4 or 5 screws through the new pine rail into the side of the cupboard (it looks like 20mm thick) then it will certainly hold clothes or shoes  

I would also do the other side the same, you could check the depth of screw by holding it up to the pine and then see of it goes all the way through. If it does then a shorter screw would be better. (No point havning something that will catch your hand.)

I also like the suggestion @EricL has made for the shelf itself itself. It would look like a bought one

I have been walking down the built in shelf aisle in Bunnings the past few weeks and there are so many fancy baskets and shelf  ideas it may be worth a wander into your local Bunnings before you set the idea firmly in mind

Dave

[EricL]

Hi @rondogz 

I would like to amend one part of my suggestion and that is to just use ordinary screws on the wardrobe panel divider. I mistakenly identified it as a plasterboard piece. But if it is just a laminated timber piece then ordinary screws should be able to anchor onto it.

If you need further assistance, please let us know.

Eric

[Nailbag]

Hi @rondogz

1. Carefully measure at the level off each shelf along the sides and back of the wardrobe and draw a pencil line around. A combination square will be a very helpful tool for this.

2. Then mark 50mm in from each edge giving you 6 marks. Then an additional one in the centre of the back panel.

3. Then drill 5mm holes at each mark 10mm deep. You can mark your drill bit with tape.

4. Insert these shelf support pins.

5. Now you can lay on top of the pins 16mm melamine shelving at a depth that suits your application. There are several widths available. Cut the board 3-4mm shorter than the width of the cupboard opening to make it easy to drop the shelves in and clear the guide lip of the support pins. If your cutting the boards to length yourself, cut upside down as this will leave a cleaner finish on the top side.

This method will adequately support weight as per a standard cupboard build design of up to around 900mm max.

Nailbag