Are ClosetMaid And Rubbermaid Wire Shelves Interchangeable?

Living in a small apartment teaches one how to maximize available space, and space-savers young and old specifically like wire shelving because it’s affordable, easy-to-install, and incredibly efficient.

But are ClosetMaid and Rubbermaid shelves interchangeable? Such is the question this article answers, along with providing the pros and cons of both ClosetMaid and Rubbermaid shelving.

ClosetMaid and Rubbermaid shelves are interchangeable, which means ClosetMaid shelf supports and shelves can be used with Rubbermaid hangers and vice versa. ClosetMaid wire shelving is preferred for its sturdiness, whereas Rubbermaid wire shelving is ideal for those who want adjustable shelving. A lot of closets mix both products successfully. ClosetMaid products are more expensive than Rubbermaid ones.

ClosetMaid is a Florida-based company that’s been manufacturing ventilated wire shelving since 1965. They are a leader in the home storage and organization industry, and their products are used in bedrooms, kitchens, family rooms, laundry rooms, home offices, and garages.

In short, ClosetMaid wire shelves can be applied wherever a person needs to store something, and ClosetMaid’s products are sold at home-improvement stores as well as online. When looking for ClosetMaid products, make sure you’re shopping with a dealer who’s authorized by them.

ClosetMaid shelves are meant to be permanent, and this in part explains why they’re so sturdy. They’re made of industrial-grade steel and they’re finished with an epoxy coating. This coating makes them durable yet smooth, and it also ensures the wire shelving is impervious to rust, discoloration, and peeling.

Also, this kind of wire shelving doesn’t get sticky, and one won’t have to worry about chipping, corrosion, or chemicals degrading the shelving.

All these qualities make ClosetMaid wire shelving heavy-duty. Therefore, one can’t go wrong installing this kind of wire shelving in their garage. A ClosetMaid wire shelf will be able to hold a range of tools and appliances for years with no issues, and all that’s needed—as far as maintenance is concerned—is some occasional dusting.

Cutting the shelves yourself isn’t a downside in itself, but it’s listed as a con because most individuals don’t have the time, skill, or tools to cut shelving on their own. That’s no problem, of course, because one can get their shelving cut when they buy it. All that’s needed at the time of purchase is the measurements.

If, however, your measurements are off, then your shelving won’t come out right. A person who is skilled with cutting shelving will be able to fix problems if they arise, whereas one without this skill will be going back to the store often.

Rubbermaid has been in business since the 1920s, but they really began manufacturing plastic and rubber products post 1950. They patented a rubber bath mat, one that used suction cups, and this was their first breakout household product success.

For almost 100 years, the company has been manufacturing products that homeowner stand by, and these days their wire shelves are some of their most popular items.

Find out how to install Rubbermaid Fasttrack.

Wire shelves are used in bedrooms too, but you’ll rarely find these above a bed. After all, if an earthquake hits or something else which causes the shelves to shake, what’s being stored on them may fall off and break, hurt someone, or both.

With this in mind, it’s best to put wire shelves on either side of the bed, or in another spot where they’re visually appealing. On these shelves, decorative items, plants, knickknacks, and/or other important bedroom-related fixtures can be kept.

Related Questions

Can Elfa products be used with ClosetMaid and Rubbermaid wire shelving?

Yes, though this isn’t common practice. Elfa wire shelving and accessories are top-quality, which means they wouldn’t really go well when combined with Rubbermaid products. A more reasonable combination is Elfa and ClosetMaid, but even here these two brands struggle with coinciding.

Is a shelf installation a DIY task?

It certainly can be, but you’ll need the right tools and skills to make this happen. If you don’t have these, it’s best to get in touch with a professional. This way, costly errors are avoided. You’ll also be able to ensure the shelving is exactly how you want it.