How to Install Plastic Shelf Liner on Wire Shelves

In an effort to provide ventilation and possibly even an adjustable solution in closets, many folks have opted for wire shelving systems but in situations where smaller items will be stored on these shelves it is best to line them.  Now I know what everyone is thinking -- how is it possible to ensure the plastic liner stays put so it will do its job?  With a little creative ingenuity, a couple of minutes and some basic tools these wire type shelves will breathe a whole new life!

First and foremost measure the shelves and determine the size of plastic liner required (since liner is sold in a variety of lengths and depths be sure to measure the width and depth of the shelves in question to ensure as few cuts as possible).

Once the liner size is settled it is time to gather all the remaining required items together:

► Rolls of heavy weight plastic shelf liner
► A tape measure
► A marking pen
► Sturdy scissors
► A hole punch (standard size)
► Cable ties (known as zip ties)

To be sure the piece of plastic will fit on the shelves it is important to get a proper fit. Sometimes in older homes or in other situations a house may have settled or there could be a discrepancy between the width of the front and back of the shelf. Although a rough measurement was already taken it is sometimes a good idea to do so a second time just to be safe and avoid wasting material. Make sure to take measurements from the front and back corners of the shelf and for shelves deeper than one foot take a mid point width as well.

Pull the lining material taught on the work surface and using the tape measure locate the proper dimensions then make small tick marks with the marking pen. Be sure to note the front and back if dimensions were not the same and also keep an eye on which side the ribbed texture is on (placing face down on the wire creates a smooth surface).

Using the tick marks as a guide cut the sheet to the proper length and width.

I recommend cutting the width measurement first and cutting off the depth scrap after as many times this will be large enough to use for another application such as smaller garage shelves, etc.

Dry fit the cut sheet on the shelf and snug up to the back wall and corners. Make sure to note and where that needs trimming with the marking pen.

Holding the piece firmly in place, determine the placement for securing the liner down by locating the two far end wires on either side. Pick supplementary desired points along the front and back edge to ensure a snug fit. Make small dots on the sheet with the marking pen at the outside edge of where each wire is located. (In the example photo the wires are about one inch apart so the dots are just a hair wider than one inch).

Repeat this for all the chosen securing points.

If the liner has to be trimmed at all do so now (overlap).

Using the hole punch, center over the marked dots and punch through the plastic. This is fairly simple and does not require extreme strength as the sheeting is fairly thin.

Take one zip tie for each set of holes and weave up from the bottom through one hole, then down through the other so the tie forms a small loop on top of the sheet.

Be mindful of the orientation of the tie slot. The tail will be threaded through the flatter, larger side so this should be face down toward the floor.

With all ties installed in the holes, bring the sheet back to the shelf and orient the ties so each end has threaded around the two wires between the holes and the ends are on the underside of the shelf.

Pull the tail through the slot and snug tight to the wires.  Snip off the extra length of the tail.

Now even the smallest items, containers with feet or thin items such as books can be stored on these shelves without fear of losing them through the open space.

This solution is ideal for pantry closets or refrigerators as well since the liner is a snap to clean with a warm, damp cloth and gentle soap.

If the plastic should become damaged or needs to be replaced simply snip off the zip ties, remove and repeat!