Shelving Units: How to Make the Right Choice
There’s one issue residential properties and commercial units have in common – the lack of storage space. Since the newly purchased items can quickly pile up, it would be wise to introduce some handy shelves to put away the seldom used objects.
The rich offer of the shelving units market can be a tad overwhelming and may lead to impulse purchase of the ill-fitting items. Check out the main points you should consider when on a hunt for the ideal shelving solution for you.
The allocated funds
The costs of shelving units can easily range from tens to hundreds of dollars. It’s recommendable to set a reasonable budget prior to the selection of the product that meets your needs. Start by comparing the prices and noting down the variations for your favorites. The differences are mostly linked to the specific design and quality of the materials used for the shelving unit.
The space in question and unit sizes
Make sure not to rush with the purchase of the desired model if you haven’t thoroughly measured up the space that’s to be equipped with shelves. If you’re afraid you’ll get the dimensions all wrong, don’t hesitate to ask for professional assistance from the store you’re buying it from, if they provide it. That way you can turn to them for ramifications in case of mistake.
The limited floor footage requires the employment of the taller models that rely on the use of wall space. Next, bear in mind that heavy and bulky items should be paired up with wider and shorter shelves that provide the necessary support. In such cases, it’s best to resort to sturdy and reliable industrial shelving that will last for years.
Deciding on the style
Once you’ve determined the budget and the size of the shelf-worthy space, we can finally move on to the shopping bit. The plethora of styles in shelving unit department includes the models made of wood, metal, rubber or wire. The selection of the right piece highly depends on the units’ designated location.
If you’re planning to expand the storage for your garage or workshop, the rubber or metal shelving units are recommended as they can withstand extreme changes in temperature. Metal storing solutions are also great for accommodation of the heavy items, like power tools and drills. On the other hand, bedroom or hallway spaces would benefit more from some elegant wooden models.
Manufacturer’s guidelines and construction
The majority of shelving solutions come with the information on the maximum weight they can handle. You must take it seriously and carefully choose the model if you have storing of heavy items in plan. There’s also a matter of the construction type. Firstly, is the unit you’re after fitted with nuts and bolts, or does its built include connectors? Secondly, is the construction vertically or horizontally orientated? Finally, think about the number of shelves incorporated, and their mobility potential.
Additional considerations
- Open vs. closed units: When you’re looking to minimise your expenditure, the open shelves are just the thing. They provide easy access perfect for the kitchen storage, workshops and garages alike. Still, closed units are often more befitting to the living rooms or dining space due to their aesthetic appeal.
- Expansion capabilities: You may have not even known that there are units with add-on option. It’s both an economical and handy storage answer for the beginners. The starter pack can do just fine in most cases and as your budget and needs increase, you can expand it accordingly.
- The decking matter: While this element gets frequently overlooked, we’d like to remind you of the decking type options. Solid, one-piece decking may excel at supporting your goods, while metal or wire shelving can oust the build-up of dirt or dust.
- Accessories: Units can be personalised even more with the use of metal or wooden bins, protective attachable doors or cloth. You can even go for the elegant glass doors that are mostly utilised as a decorative element.
The proper use of shelving units can significantly ease your daily life and organization. Let our basic considerations guide you to a successful purchase of the adequate shelving solution.
Article written by Lillian Connors. If one thing is true about Lillian Connors, her mind is utterly curious. That’s why she can’t resist the urge to embark on a myriad of home improvement projects and spread the word about them. As the Co-Editor at SmoothDecorator, she cherishes the notion that sustainable housing and gardening will not only make us far less dependent on others regarding the dwellings we inhabit and what we eat, but also contribute to our planet being a better place to live on. You can check her out on Twitter and LinkedIn.