Wire or Wood Shelves: What’s Better for Closet Storage?

Closet storage can be hard to come by these days, especially if you have a smaller house. Making the most of that space is critical for keeping your house organized and clean, along with preserving your sanity. One component of closet storage you may think is trivial, but can make a big difference, is the type of shelving you use. 

There are typically two types to choose from – wood or wire closet shelving. Both have their benefits along with downfalls, and often one type is more suitable for a certain closet than the other. If you are struggling to decide or don’t know where to begin, then you’re in the right place because we have all the shelving insight you need to know!

Wire Shelving

Wire shelving is the perfect option for so many areas of the house, including your garage, pantry, and linen closet. You can add a single unit of wire shelving, or develop an entire wire closet system to completely revolutionize your storage space.

Benefits of Wire Shelving

Utilizing wire shelving comes with a ton of impressive benefits. Made with industrial-grade steel, wire shelving is then finished with an epoxy coat, giving it a durable, smooth finish. With an epoxy coating, the shelves will not rust, discolor, or peel. Plus, it won’t become sticky over time and resists chips, corrosion, and chemicals.

Not only is wire shelving going to last a long time, but it will provide plenty of ventilation, too. Because there are plenty of gaps between the individual shelves, and on the shelves themselves, this will provide increased air circulation and increased visibility of stored items.

This type of shelving unit won’t warp or collect moisture and is extremely durable. This makes them great for spaces where you’re storing heavier items or places where you want to provide plenty of airflow such as pantries, linen closets, or shoe closets.

Another great benefit to wire shelving is that there are several styles and depths to choose from. They are also completely customizable to whatever area you need them for. Add wire shelving to that small hall closet to make the most out of storing extra blankets or towels without the worry of dust and rust build-up.

Drawbacks to Wire Shelving

There are a few disadvantages to using wire shelving. Typically, wire shelving holds less weight than wooden shelves. This largely depends on how your shelves are installed, but typically wooden shelves are more reliable for heavier items.

While wire shelves are typically easier to keep clean because they don’t accumulate dust as easily, it can be harder to clean up sticky spills. If you were to spill a glass of red wine or juice on your shelving unit, that liquid can seep between the wires and become very difficult to clean fully.

If you’re planning on installing new shelves specifically for clothes or linen, then you may want to look into some wire shelving alternatives. Laying clothing or fabrics directly onto a wire shelf will inevitably leave them wrinkled and creased over time.

Wood Shelving

When most people think about closet shelving, they’re probably envisioning traditional wooden shelves. Wood is one of the best wire shelving alternatives out there. There are plenty of reasons why this material has been used for thousands of years in various architectural ventures.

Benefits of Wood Shelving

The biggest benefit to wood shelving is its durability. Wooden shelves also provide you with plenty of options when it comes to finishes. A big reason you may want to choose wood over wire material is if you want a more high-end look for your closets.

With wood, there are so many ways you can go as far as design and it will typically look good in any setting. You can match wood with just about any decor, which makes it a great versatile option for shelving. 

This works especially well if you have a walk-in closet since wood can be a cost-effective way to achieve a more elegant design. Plus, just like other shelving, wood can be custom-made to fit in any closet in your home. 

You can use wooden shelves to create your own oasis with a custom walk-in closet.

Drawbacks of Wood Shelving

Wood can be aesthetically pleasing to the eye, no doubt, but it does require a little bit more maintenance. Without the ventilation aspect that wire shelving offers, you’ll have to dust and clean a little more. 

You’ll also have to be cautious about where you put wood shelving. Wood is very susceptible to moisture and heat. Being exposed to these elements can cause the wood to warp, grow mold, or break down.

If you decide to go the wood shelving route, you’ll need to remember it requires a little more care. Taking the time to keep your wood shelves in top shape throughout the year will help them last longer. 

Remember to only use cleaners that are specifically designed for wood when polishing and cleaning it. Another tip with wooden shelves is to keep your heavier items towards the edges, or where the support of the shelf is. That way, it’ll be less likely to sag or warp in the middle over the years.

Choose Your Shelving with Harkraft

When choosing your shelving, it all comes down to what you’re storing. While wood can be more aesthetically pleasing, wire shelving comes with fewer vulnerabilities to the elements and increased air circulation. 2022

With help from Harkraft, you can choose the most efficient shelving for your needs and maximize your storage. Whether it’s wire or wood shelving, we can help you build the perfect closet for storing shoes, linens, clothes, or food. Contact us today to get started on maximizing your closet storage!