How to install track shelving in cupboard?

[MckennaRenae]

Hi! I'm preparing to install track shelving in this old cupboard (after repairing/painting). But I'm stuck on how to align the 'wall strips'/vertical track with studs while planning. 

I'm using the Kmart Double Storage System (only $20 on sale - yay) which has provided the pictured (Image 1 and 2) positioning guide for the hang track and recommends:

"Secure the hang track Beam sticker according to the horizontal line with the condition that at least one wall strip can be attached to a stud. Also ensure that the mounting holes of the wall strip align with the location of the stud. Note: If wall strip cannot install on the stud, please make sure at least one type A screw be used on the hang track with the stud" 

Unfortunately I'm struggling to align the wall tracks (written on sticker or blue 'x') to any studs. I've marked two of the studs with red arrows RED and know there's likely some in the corners of the frame but are too close to the wall to be of use.

I'd naturally prefer to have as much of the structure supported by the studs. I've seen some reinforcement solutions but I'd prefer for the back wall to be one level/even as I don't want items to fall behind uneven gaps at the back of the shelving. 

I'd appreciate any help or ideas here - thanks!!

Side note: I'd also appreciate any recommendations around the finish - I'm thinking of removing the trim (easy to remove) and doing a frameless finish (Image 3 for better perspective). From advice and searching I've seen recommendations around removing the old door frame (along with the trim), replace with gyprock and finish with accordingly with an angle, JC, etc. 
Any thoughts? 

[EricL]

Hello @MckennaRenae 

Thank you for sharing your question about your storage system. it looks very similar to the Flexi Storage Home Solutions 1219mm White Double Slot Hang Track. I often suggest using the track itself as a level and placing a spirit level along with it for precise installation. The two studs you've indicated is more than enough to support the track. For end supports I suggest using Ramset Super Wallmate Toggle Anchor - 10 Pack. My best advice is to test the Super Wallmate by hand first before you install it in the wall so that you'll see how it works.

However, I also suggest calling the store you purchased it from and get more details in regards to its installation.  

In regards to the trim, covering the edge with an angle would be advisable as plain plasterboard would easily get damaged if accidently hit with a sharp object. 

Let me call on our experienced members @Dave-1, @Nailbag and @Remarka6le for their recommendations.

If you need further assistance, please let us know.

Eric

[Nailbag]

Hi @MckennaRenae 

Firstly, you want get any additional installation advice from K-Mart staff. They simply don't have any training in that regard. I would simply follow @EricL suggestion of lining up as many vertical rails with studs as possible and using those anchors for any they don't match up. Remember, you don't have to have even spacings between the rails, though cosmetically that looks better. But not seen once the shelves are loaded. I would go with more stud fixings which are typically around 450mm to centres. 

Unless you have a high-level of plastering skillset, Then if you were to remove the door frame, my advice would be to get a plaster to square set it to get than finish your after. It's quite advanced.

Nailbag

[MckennaRenae]

Thanks team! I suppose it's less about the product assembly/Kmart's side (I'd already found these instructions and video on the product webpage) and more about the wall cavity/placement. 

I did have a look at the Flexi System but the Kmart depth was more suitable for this cupboard.

But similar to the similar to the Bunnings Flexi Storage systems with baskets or sliding racks, the vertical tracks need to be a particular distance apart so I'm not sure how to progress with putting the vertical wall tracks on studs. Thanks @Nailbag, normally if it was just plain track shelving they wouldn't need to be even but I'm pretty sure this application will need this spacing - correct me if I'm wrong though as that would solve this very entire issue quite quickly!

Like in the image, I can shift the temporary placement sticker that's currently on the wall left or right, but I can't get any of the 'hole with wallstrip' placement locations (I've also marked these with a blue 'x' on the photo) to align with the stud, particularly with the wall being enclosed/in a cupboard. 

Thanks! 

Thanks for the feedback on the trim too! I'm definitely planning to put an angle on the corners to support the edge. I will be okay doing it myself as I have plastering experience and the area isn't in rough shape. I just wanted to see if there's be any issues with removing the doorframe/adding gyprock as I previously haven't replaced a doorframe with a trimless finish.

[JacobZ]

Hi @MckennaRenae,

The idea with these kinds of shelving systems is that the hanging rail at the top is fixed into all available studs, and the vertical strips are screwed into a stud if one is available or into the plasterboard with the provided anchors where they aren't.

Unfortunately, the width of the components for this system means the vertical strips need to sit in certain locations, which don't seem to line up with your studs.

The only solution I can think of that will have it sit flush with the wall and have at least one vertical line up with a stud is to move the system hard up against the left or right corners. Depending on how the house is constructed, there is usually a stud in the corners. There are no guarantees because it is all down to the order in which the house was constructed, but I would be checking those corners to see if a stud is available.

The alternative, which the instructions for that product do allow for, although not ideal, is to simply use the plasterboard anchors. As long as the hanging track is securely screwed into the studs, the vertical rails will be supported by the studs, just less than they would be if they were directly screwed into them.

In terms of the finish, a square set opening always looks good. Check out How To Attach And Plaster An External Angle for some guidance.

Let me know if there is anything else we can assist with.

Jacob