How to Build Ventilated Shelves

Measure along the wall with a tape measure where you want the shelf to go. Subtract three-quarters inch from this measurement if the shelf touches an adjacent wall, and subtract 1 1/2 inches if the shelf touches both adjacent walls.

Cut a piece of wire shelving to fit the measurement using a hacksaw or bolt cutters.

Fit plastic end caps over the cut edges of shelving if desired.

Draw a horizontal line along the wall where you want the shelf placed. A level ensures straight placement.

Mark clip placements along the horizontal line. Mark the first clip 2 1/2 inches in from the shelves’ ends adjacent to walls or 1 inch in from the ends of shelves not adjacent to the wall. Mark additional clip placements about 1 foot apart, so that the markings on each side of the line are symmetrical.

Drill one-quarter inch holes into each of the markings made in the last step. Lightly hammer the clips into the holes, securing them in place using screws and a screwdriver.

Hang the wire shelf on the clips.

Mark 2 inches in from the shelf on each end that doesn’t touch a wall. Install support braces along these markings so that the shelf’s bottom rests on the brace’s top. Using the predrilled holes in the braces determines where to drill and install screws.

Slide end brackets over the shelf’s ends that touch a wall. Using the predrilled holes in the brackets determines where to drill and install screws. The shelving is now ready to use.