How to Install the Hangman Products Slatwall Shelving System

RON HAZELTON:
Now there are several ways to convert raw wall space into usable storage. But one of the most versatile and good-looking that I've come across is something called the slat wall system. The heart of the slat wall system is this extruded aluminum track that installs with screws directly on the studs.

I'm using decorative hard board with a quarter-inch space around the back to cover the wall between the tracks. Just about any half-inch-thick material will work. The panel is captured top and bottom by a lip on the track.

Installation is remarkably quick and can be done with one person, although two would be better when working with longer sections. The finished wall is good-looking and very versatile.

Specially-designed brackets allow shelving to be put up anywhere along the track. Panels can be made from pegboard, corkboard as well as drywall and melamine. Three-quarter-inch-thick melamine-clad particle board is the preferred choice for shelf stock.

It's inexpensive and readily available. An extruded aluminum shelf bracket slips on the rear edge, is tapped into place and is secured with screws. The bracket both stiffens the shelf and engages the shelf track. The aluminum front edge also slips on and is tapped into place.

This trim comes in several widths and shapes. It conceals the unfinished edge of the particle board and further stiffens the shelf, enabling it to support hefty loads without deflecting.

The system developed by Hangman Products has several accessories, including a tool caddy, hanging hooks, designed to fit directly into the track, a clip-it strip that holds paper in place and releases it with a gentle pull downward and a mounting net that holds photos, notes and more with no clips, pins or tape.

If you're looking for a wall shelving system that does it all, this could be it.

Turn an Unfinished Stud Wall into Quick and Handy DIY Shelves with a Slatwall Shelving System and Accessories

Convert raw stud walls to shelving with ready-made aluminum hardware and useful accessories from Hangman Slatwall Shelving Systems in an easy, one-person project. Mount basic track components with screws directly on the bare studs. Construct shelves from 1/2-inch panels of hardboard or pegboard fitted with front and back edging that doubles as a bracket and brace. Shelving has never been easier!

mounting the first Slatwall Shelving track

Step 1

Mount the First Slatwall Shelving Track on Bare Wall Studs

Mount the first extruded aluminum track directly on the bare studs--no finished sheetrock surface is required. Level the track and drive screws through the predrilled holes deep inside the slot that runs from end to end.

examining 1/4-inch hardboard edged with spacers on the back

Step 2

Choose Materials to Cover the Space between the Tracks

Select the material to cover the wall between the tracks. Cut panels of 1/4-inch decorative hardboard with a 1/4-inch spacer, or use 1/2-inch thick rigid panels of pegboard, corkboard, or melamine. Mix and match to suit yourself.

adding the bottom track to hold a wall panel

Step 3

Position and Secure a Panel between Two Slatwall Tracks

Capture the panel between a Slatwall track mounted above and a second track butted against the bottom. Track edges are equipped with a lip that holds the panel while they're secured with screws. Repeat for each panel.

Step 4

Edge 3/4-Inch Shelf Stock with Slatwall Shelf Brackets

Slip an extruded aluminum shelf bracket on the rear edge of 3/4-inch melamine-clad particleboard shelf stock. The aluminum brackets are screwed to the shelving material, secured with screws, and then slotted into the wall tracks to hang the shelf.

adding one of several Slatwall cap designs to a shelf

Step 5

Dress the Shelves' Front Edges with a Slatwall Aluminum Cap

Add an aluminum Slatwall cap to the front edge of each shelf, tapping it into place with a mallet. The trim comes in several different designs to dress the front edge and provide additional strength and rigidity to the shelf.

arranging hand tools in a Slatwall Tool Caddy

Step 6

Add a Handy Slatwall Tool Caddy

Choose among Slatwall accessories for a tool caddy that is pre-drilled with a variety of openings to fit a variety of tools. Screw drivers, pliers, hammers and more fit neatly into the slots.

hanging Slatwall hooks in the wall track

Step 7

Insert Slatwall Hooks into the Wall Track for Heavy Tools

Slip on Slatwall hanging hook accessories designed to fit directly into the wall track for larger, heavier items such as extension cords, power drills, levels, and hand saws. Odd shapes can be accommodated with two hooks.

clasping a paper in a Slatwall Clip-It Strip

Step 8

Try a Clip-It Strip Accessory to Hold Papers in Place

Use a Slatwall Clip-It Strip accessory to hold papers in place. It's handy for grasping cut lists and project plans, yet releases the paper without damage with a gentle pull downward.