How to Fit Twin Slot Shelving

Twin slot shelving is perfect for a wide range of commercial and domestic settings. Perhaps you’re the owner of a retail store and you’re looking for a way to display your products? Perhaps you’re the manager of a cool city office and you’d like a creative way to store files? Or maybe you’re just a homeowner and need a little extra storage space? Whichever it is, a twin slot shelving system is the ideal solution. Robust, versatile, and effective. It can be customised and adjusted to meet your personal needs and requirements and it will ensure your products (or possessions) are displayed in a neat yet contemporary manner. Slot shelving is also incredibly “DIY-friendly”. It is designed with easy installation in mind and with the help of our step-by-step guide, we guarantee, it will be up-and-running in no time at all. Just take your time and use the pointers set out below.

A Step-by-Step Guide to Install Twin Slot Shelving

Step 1: Plan and Prepare

Essentially, twin slot shelving is made up of two basic components: twin slot uprights (which are the tracks that affix to the wall) and twin slot shelving accessories. Such accessories include everything from brackets and wooden shelves to clothing rails and display arms and, with so many options to choose from, the possibilities are endless. This is why, if you’re looking to install twin track shelving, it’s important to think about what you want and come up with a plan. A good idea is to make a quick sketch of the wall and how you envision the shelving system will look once it is finished. Consider what you want to put on the shelves, choose accessories that are suitable for your specific requirements, and don’t forget to stock up on essentials such as wall plugs, screws and tools.

Step 2: Check the Chosen Wall

Before you fix anything to a wall – whether that be twin slot shelving, a photo-frame or something else entirely – it is always important to check the wall first for any hidden cables or pipes. Accidentally drilling into either of these could cause major problems for you and your business and, as the saying goes, it’s better to be safe than sorry. So, prior to starting the installation process, be sure to dig out your reliable metal detector and check the area carefully for any potential issues.

Step 3: Affix the Twin Slot Uprights

Now you have a plan of how the twin slot shelving system will look and you’ve carefully checked the wall for pipes, it’s time to make a start on the actual installation. The first step is to affix the twin slot uprights to the wall and this needs to be done with as much precision and accuracy as possible.

Using a spirit level, start by make a small vertical line on the wall where you wish the first upright or track to go. You can then hold the track over the line and mark out the points that need to be drilled. Drill a pilot hole at each point, plug them and use appropriate screws to fix the first track in place. This simple process should be repeated for each twin slot upright. Just be sure to grab your spirit level and check that adjacent slot uprights are 100% level – the last thing you need is to secure one in place and then realise it is slightly higher or lower than the other. It’s also important to measure the distance between each upright. 60cm is the standard measurement for most systems; however, this may need to be altered depending upon the weight of the system’s intended load.

Step 4: Add Your Twin Slot Shelving Accessories

The next step is to add and secure your chosen accessories into place. For some accessories, such as twin slot rails and display arms, this can be as simple as hooking the feature onto the upright and making sure it is secure with a couple of screws. However, for others – such as wooden or metal shelves – the process is slightly more involved. You will first need to choose where you want the top shelf to be placed. Click a twin slot upright bracket into place on each track, taking care to select the same slots on each side. The two brackets need to be completely level. Balance the shelf on the brackets and, once you’re happy with its position, use an awl to create pilot holes and secure with screws. You can add as many shelves or accessories as you like; but it’s a good idea to stick to the original plan, see if it works, and you can always return to the project at a later date to make adjustments.

Contact UK Shopfittings for Further Guidance

Here at UK Shopfittings, we offer an extensive range of twin slot uprights and rails and twin slot shelving accessories. If you’d like to fit your own twin slot shelving system and you’re still in need of a little guidance, please feel free to get in touch. Our team of experts have over 15 years’ experience in the industry and, when it comes to this type of shelving, they demonstrate a wealth of knowledge. Not only can they advise on the best products for you and your personal requirements, but they will also guide you through the full installation process and offer top tips to ensure you get the best result. Simply give us a call on 01704 565341 or send a quick message to [email protected].