Adjustable shelf tracks are a wonderful way to add storage capacity as well as a sense of organization to any business that keeps inventory, products or office supplies on hand. Adjustable shelving tracks allow you to place each shelf track where you see fit — allowing you to customize your storage system in a space-saving way that optimizes organization.

Shelving tracks are available at a variety of locations, in stores and online. This article will provide you with shelf track basics — helping you determine what to look for in a shelf track to organize your company's inventory.

1. Look for versatility in an adjustable shelf track system.

2. Look for shelving track systems that are strong and can hold a lot of weight.

3. Determine if you will require shelf track accessories when designing your space.

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Look for an adjustable shelving tracks company with a system that is versatile

Adjustable shelving track systems can be used for display and storage in a number of different commercial capacities from restaurants to retail stores to laboratories. Their usefulness does not stop there, as they can be used to organize everything from large warehouses to individual office work spaces.

I recommend: Infinite Storage Solutions (ISS) not only allows customers to design their own adjustable shelving track modules, they even have specially designed systems for offices that turn shelf track systems into space efficient desks. They also provide shelf track systems for retail display. Rangine's Rakks website shows the versatility of their adjustable track shelving via a photo portfolio that shows ways in which many businesses have used their product.

Locate shelving track systems that are strong and can hold a lot of weight

Heavy duty shelving track systems, particularly industrial track shelving, is designed to handle a lot of weight. These are ideal for warehouses where fork lifts are used.

I recommend: Made out of two-, five- and seven-gauge steel, Noble Products track shelving units are designed with each shelf having a 500 lbs. capacity. Stanley Vidmar's flexible heavy-duty shelving system has racking available up to 16 ft. in height.

Determine if you will require shelf track accessories when designing your space

Depending on how you will use your shelf track system in your workplace, your space may require accessories such as shelf track lights, enclosed tops, ends or closed backs. Be sure to factor the costs of these accessories into your budget.

I recommend: MJ Industries adjustable shelves are designed primarily for use in libraries. Simply click on the word "accessories" on the left side of the page to see all the accessories that complement their shelf tracking system. Accessories for track shelving systems at Storables are primarily to enhance office workspace storage and organization.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Depending on the complexity of the track shelving you purchase for your business, it may be able to be self-installed. If you are not particularly handy or comfortable with a drill, then consider staying away from the do-it-yourself route and hire a track shelving professional to install the system for you.

Choosing shelving track can be an important part of displaying product in a business storefront and in organizing and storing excess inventory. The last thing you want is to spend time mounting a shelving track system that won't support the product your business intends to display.

Shelving tracks are linear track that contain slots to hang adjustable brackets for shelves. Shelving track, along with the brackets for shelves needed to complete the job, are available at most hardware stores such as Lowe’s or Home Depot.

Before you begin your search for track shelving, here a few things to keep in mind:

1) Double-slot track provides more strength and stability, compared to single-slot track.

2) Determine what your business plans to store or display on the intended shelves. Consider a variety of available shelf track options, such as adjustable shelf tracks and sliding track systems, depending on intended uses.

3) Adjustable shelving tracks allow you to tweak and adjust shelving to desired heights.

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Know the types of shelving tracks you need for your products

Determine the weight and quantity of the products your business intends to display or store on the shelves. Track shelving for books differs greatly from the shelf track you'll need for storing heavy office equipment, or even lightweight T-shirts.

I recommend: You'll probably want to go with double-slot shelving for heavier objects. ClosetMaid makes the Max Load Hang Track, a system made to support 600 pounds per 6 feet of shelf. For lighter use, Knape & Vogt DualTRKStandard track supports up to 300 pounds per shelf.

Consider using industrial track shelving, such as sliding track systems

For businesses looking for shelving and shelving track for inventory purposes, sliding track can prove very beneficial. Though much pricier than wall-mounted shelf track -- most sliding track systems will cost in excess of $1000 -- sliding track is mounted to the floor and allows for storage racks and shelves to move along the track with ease.

I recommend: Sliding track systems are ideal options for retail stores with excess inventory in back rooms. They help condense storage space and hold up to 800 pounds per shelf. There are several companies that offer sliding track, including QNS Distributors and OMF, Inc. OneWayFurniture, Inc. offers several types of X⁵ sliding track shelving.

Buy shelf track systems that will fit in your available space

You can buy shelving tracks in a variety of pre-cut lengths. You should know what size track your business will need. Determine whether you want shelving up an entire wall, or just a portion of it.

I recommend: Most industrial track shelving comes in lengths such as 84, 60, 48, and 40 inches. Be sure to measure not only the height of walls, but also the width to determine how much shelving track you’ll need. Use an industrial or professional tape measure to get an accurate measurement. Also, when using shelf track to support heavy objects, it's imperative to locate wall studs to secure the track. Using a stud finder will ensure you find wall framing with ease. Utilizing a level when mounting track will help safeguard against mounting track at angles. Lowe's and Home Depot are good places to find shelf track supplies.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  When looking into the appropriate shelving track, take into consideration the available finishes. Most shelving track comes with finishes to prevent rusting, chipping, and cracking.

Track shelving can be used for a variety of shelf systems and designs in the home or office. Track shelving for books, supplies and industrial equipment all have similar installation processes. The important difference in these systems are their weight allowances. A home or business must take into account the weight of the materials sitting on the shelves. The weight will determine the type of shelf tracking installed, plus the location on the wall.

Adjustable shelf tracks come in many styles to fit any workspace. For most systems, installation is quick and requires no special tools. No matter what system you choose, you can find shelf track installation education and training through:

1. Instructions for adjustable shelving tracks provided by the manufacturer or distributor.

2. Videos that provide a visual aid for the installation process.

3. Educational and training opportunities through events and tradeshows.

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Use adjustable shelf track instructions to learn installation techniques

Manufacturers normally include some type of instructions for installation with its product, but you can also find these instructions through the manufacturer's website. Instructions may either be written or include diagrams for a visual aid. Instructions for common shelving systems are also available through third-party websites.

I recommend: Unex, a manufacturer of shelf tracking for warehouse and assembly line industries, provides detailed instructions for all the shelf track systems it manufactures. HomeTips.com offers instructions for installing common types of shelf tracking in residential closet spaces.

Watch videos that detail how to install adjustable track shelving

Adjustable track shelving installation techniques can also be taught through visual aids, including diagrams, pictures and video. Videos often feature experts who have years of experience installing track shelving. Manufacturers sometimes also offer videos to show how simple the process can be.

I recommend: The Container Store provides video instructions on how to install the popular Elfa shelf tracking system. Expert Village provides another installation video that shows an installer what to look for when mounting the tracks and installing the shelves.

Learn how to install a shelf track system through educational events

Manufacturers and distributors interested in getting new customers to try out shelving systems sometimes hold educational events at seminars, conferences and trade shows relevant to these products. Educational events can teach you how to install these systems, and how to best use them in the home or office.

I recommend: Egan, a shelf tracking manufacturer for office spaces, holds meetings and educational opportunities at trade shows throughout the year. Sweetwater manufactures shelf tracking systems specifically for audio equipment and holds many events and seminars that feature its products.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Before you attempt to install shelving track systems, make sure to find a list of tools needed to complete the job. Most instructions will include this information.

Shelf tracks are horizontal track systems that attach to a wall. Slots on the tracks hold brackets and shelves. Shelf tracks are used for storage areas and retail displays. They are available in several styles, so choosing the right one can be a challenge. Get to know some of the key terms used in shelf track systems to make the choice easier.

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Double-slot track

A double-slot track provides two slots into which brackets are inserted. It provides for more strength and flexibility, and mounts right to a wall. Double-slot tracks are recommended for heavy loads and areas where there is a lot of foot traffic.

I recommend: See Closetmaid for information about double-slot shelf brackets.

Single-slot track

A single-slot track is significantly less expensive than a double-slot. Because it does not offer as much support, it is recommended only for light weight capacity and normal traffic conditions, where it's less likely to get bumped or damaged.

I recommend: View examples of single-slot tracks at American Retail Supply.

Universal

Universal shelf tracks are 1/2-inch slots that are spaced an inch on center. They are designed to work with universal brackets and shelving systems and are available in single and double slots. By comparison, proprietary track systems may feature slot dimensions and spacing that will only work with brackets and shelves in the same product line.

I recommend: Check out Palay Display Store Fixtures for examples of universal shelf brackets.

Sliding

Sliding track systems are a great way to use space more efficiently. They use floor tracks that allow shelving units to slide back and forth. This allows shelving units to be stacked close together, while still providing for easy access to each shelf.

I recommend: View the QNS Distributors website for information about sliding track systems, including product images.

Recessed

Recessed track is attached directly to wall studs. Drywall is placed over it for a flush surface, leaving only a narrow slot visible.

I recommend: See Allen Designers for information about recessed shelf brackets.

Installation

Most shelf tracks are easy to install and do not require professional installation. However, it's important to remember to mount tracks to wall studs for stability and strength. Standards should be placed closer together for heavier loads.

I recommend: Check out frequently asked questions at ISS Designs for recommendations on track spacing. See This Old House for a diagram and instructions for installing a universal shelf track.