How to Design Wall Wire Shelving and Racks for a Basement

Inventory the items you want to store on the wire racks and shelves. The size of the items that you want to store will determine the size of the racks and shelves you will need to purchase.

Determine where you want to install the shelves on the walls. For example, you could choose a location closer to the ceiling, in the center of the wall, toward the lower portion or over an entire wall. Racks and shelves that are placed closer to the ceiling are best suited for items that you don't intend on using often. If your basement floods, consider the flood line if you are installing shelves closer to the floor and mount the shelves above this line. Lower shelves are optimal for storing items that you intend to use often.

Choose shelves and racks in sizes that will suit your particular storage needs. For example, use long shelves of 48 or 72 inches for large items. For smaller items, consider shorter shelves of 12 or 18 inches in length. Hang the shelves on the walls with brackets. If you are mounting the shelves along concrete walls, you will need masonry brackets, screws and a drill. If you're installing the shelves on finished walls, all you will need are drywall screws and a handheld drill to mount the brackets in place.

Mark out the location for the shelves and racks. If you're installing longer, heavier shelving, locate the studs in the wall with a stud finder. Use graph paper to draw a mock layout of the shelves to scale, with one box equaling 1 square foot. After creating a mock layout, transfer the design onto the basement wall. Use chalk and a straightedge to indicate the locations where you want to install the shelving on the wall.