Installing wire shelving is an inexpensive, easy way to create a computer desk and storage. Wire shelving is available at most home improvement stores, and can be either coated or non-coated. Coated wire shelving has a plastic or vinyl layer wrapped around it as a buffer, while non-coated wire shelving is just the naked metal. One of the other perks of wall-mounted wire shelving is the versatility; the computer area can be expanded or retracted to fit the changing design of the room. Hanging this type of shelving in standard drywall or plaster is a task that can be completed in less than an hour.
InstructionsThings You'll Need:
Level
Drill
1/4-inch drill bit
Wall clips
Hammer
Fastening pins
Support braces
Joiner plates with bolts and nuts
Mollies
Screws
Measuring
Step 1Measure the length of the wire shelving. There may be several pieces; the desired arrangement of shelves must fit in the designated area.

Step 2Mark the wall where you would like to hang the shelf. There should be three marks; one for one end of the shelf, one for the middle and one for the opposite end. Keep in mind that if you are making a computer desk from the shelves, it must be high enough so that your knees will fit comfortably underneath when sitting.

Step 3Even out the marks you created, using the level. This will ensure that the shelving is straight when attached to the wall.

Step 4Mark with an "X" the location of the first wall clip. If the end of the shelf will be against a wall, the first clip should be at least 2 1/2 inches from the end. If not, the clip should be placed 1 inch from the end. Repeat this step at the opposite end (see Reference 1).

Step 5Make marks equal distances apart from one "X" to the other. Keep in mind that the clips should not exceed more than 12 inches apart (see Reference 1).

Step 6Measure 5/8 inch up from each "X" and mark with a dot. This will be the location of the screw that holds the clip in place.

Installation
Step 1Drill a hole in the center of each dot with the quarter-inch drill bit. This is the recommended drill bit for standard drywall or plaster (see Reference 1).

Step 2Tap the wall clips into the holes with the hammer. Secure the wall clips into place with the fastening pins (see Reference 1).

Step 3Hold the shelf over the wall clips and begin by popping the back wire into the wall clips. Wall clips made for wire shelving will have slots along the top, allowing for easy installation.

Step 4Decide on the location of the support brackets. Support brackets should not be installed more than 3 feet apart, or less than 2 feet from the end of a shelf that does not touch the wall (see Reference 1).

Step 5Attach the joiner plate of a support bracket to the underside of the wire shelving. The plate should sit flush against the bottom of the shelving, horizontally, with the joiner plate attached to the lip (see Reference 1).

Step 6Put a bolt through the joiner plate from the front. Do the same with the smaller end of the plate at the back end of the wire shelving. Tighten a nut (by hand) at the back of the bolts (see Reference 1). Repeat this with each bracket location.

Step 7Mark the area where each support brace will attach to the wall. There will most likely be a small hole in the bottom of the brace. This will be the area you will mark (see Reference 1).

Step 8Drill a 1/4-inch hole in each mark. Then, gently hammer the mollies, or wall anchors, into each hole. Finish by screwing the brackets into the mollies (see Reference 1).