Problems With Sliding Shelves

Sliding shelves can seem like a great idea. They allow you easy access in deep cabinets or closets. These shelves are common in kitchens, storage and bedroom closets. While they are great on face, there are some inherent problems with them.

Sliding shelves can provide convenience and make it easy to utilize normally unused space on deep cabinets or closets. They do require maintenance, and there are some common problems that many people experience with these.

Weight Capabilities

Most sliding shelves are made of inexpensive material that can't withstand a lot of weight. Even if the shelf is made of a sturdy wood material, it's only going to provide as much strength as the rollers and hardware can handle. This means you have to be really careful about what you use the shelf for. Many want to use these for canned foods, but that can present a problem with weight.

Sticking and Poor Sliding

Those with homes in extra humid areas may experience issues with the wood expanding or warping from the moisture. This leads to problems sliding the shelves out. If the tracks for the shelves weren't installed properly this can lead to problems as well. Cheap tracks that are made of plastic can crack under pressure, making it impossible to slide out correctly. 

Maintenance

To keep the shelves in good order you'll need to check them every now and then to make sure they don't cause damage. Inspect the tracks if you notice any signs of resistance when you attempt to slide them. You also want to check the cabinets regularly for signs of damage because these shelves are notorious for causing scratches and gouges. If you start to notice damage you want to remove the shelves and find the cause of the damage. Many people will install small locking devices under the shelf so the door can only be closed when the shelf is completely in the cabinet. Keeping up with the shelves will allow you to enjoy them for a long time.