In our previous two posts we have been talking about a closet makeover from start to finish. Last time we discussed three different storage solutions available from SCHULTE storage: the Classica™, freedomRail®, and Lifetime Ventilated™ lines. SCHULTE’s Classica product provides a furniture grade finish and a truly customized installation, while SCHULTE’s Lifetime Ventilated line is a good option for those on a tight budget. freedomRail offers the best of both worlds with great finishes to choose from, easy installation and the ability to rearrange, reconfigure, and add or remove components as you and your family’s needs change. Once you have decided on a system, designed your closet to fit your needs and received your product all that is left for your closet makeover is installation.
For our closet makeover we chose freedomRail. For most freedomRail closet systems the only real installation is of the hanging rail to the wall where the uprights then hang from the rail. The remaining components are then attached to the uprights. Here is a quick overview (and some helpful tips) for installation of the more common freedomRail components.
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Rails
The rails are the primary support components of the freedomRail system, it is important that these are installed correctly and are secured properly to the wall. Your rails will come with screws and anchors. While it is not necessary (thanks to the anchor system) to install rails directly into wall studs, doing so this will provide additional support. Here are some helpful tips, from freedomRail, to keep in mind when installing your rails:
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- Rails should be secured to the wall 84” from the floor
- Leave ½” on either side of the rail to ensure component will fit into your space (keep this in mind while measuring)
- Be sure to use a level to ensure that the rail is straight before screwing to the wall, it may be helpful to draw a level line on the wall first and then line the rail up with that line
- Use the anchors and screws provided with the rails to ensure the rail is secured firmly to the wall
- When tightening screws, be sure to allow the screws to turn a full 6 to 8 rotations after it is flush with the rail so the anchor tightens into the drywall
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Uprights
Uprights provide the adjustability that the freedomRail system is known for. These slotted channels allow you to rearrange your shelving system as your needs change without having to drill additional holes in your walls. Uprights come in a variety of lengths to allow for different storage system options. Uprights hang from the rails and then storage system components are attached to the uprights using a bracket system.
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Brackets & Shelving
freedomRail brackets slide and lock into the uprights at desired shelf heights. Shelving locators can be inserted into the shelving brackets to help hold wood shelves in place. Insert the shelving locators into the brackets, remove the adhesive tape, and place the shelf on top of the brackets in the desired position. Ventilated shelving will slide into the notched shelving brackets and lock into place.
Other Components
There is an extensive line of other components available as a part of the freedomRail line, installation of these components is similar to the steps outlined above. Some components require assembly, specific instructions are included in your packaging and are available online at freedomRail.com.
Helpful videos are available via freedomRail.com that can further walk you through the installation process.
