Choosing and fitting a stainless steel wall shelf for a commercial kitchen

Wall shelving is the cheapest way to free up worktop in a busy kitchen. Displaypro makes Chefkit stainless steel shelves in Norfolk in widths from 400mm to 1940mm, so most walls can be fitted without a bespoke order. This guide covers the measurements that matter, the bracket styles and the fitting.

1. Measure width, depth and height

Width runs left to right along the wall; depth runs from the wall to the front edge. Measure the clear wall space, allowing for cupboards, doors, sockets and extraction, then check the footprint of what you want to store – containers, pans and utensils including their handles – before choosing a depth. Standard shelves are 200, 250, 300 or 350mm deep; a 150mm narrow shelf suits spices, sauces and small containers.

2. Pick a bracket style

• Standard welded shelf – grade 430 stainless steel with a 30mm rear upstand so nothing rolls off the back. Two brackets are supplied for widths up to 1200mm, three for wider shelves.
• Pro bracket shelf – the same shelf on brackets with holes for S hooks, so ladles, whisks and tongs hang underneath. Bracket height is 160–240mm depending on depth; S hooks are sold separately in packs of five.
• Height-adjustable bracket shelves – for walls where the shelf height may need to change later.

3. Fixing to the wall

Brackets are supplied; wall fixings must suit your wall construction and the load, so your installer should assess the surface. A heavily loaded 1800mm shelf of pans on a plasterboard wall needs very different anchors from a brick wall. Fix the brackets level, then sit the shelf on and secure it. Allow working space below the shelf and access above it.

4. Keeping it clean

Clean with warm water and mild detergent, rinse and dry. Remove salt, acid and chloride spills promptly and keep rusting metal objects off the surface. Grade 430 is a magnetic, food-grade stainless steel that suits indoor kitchens; see our guide to 430 and 304 grades if you need a shelf for a wet or outdoor area.

Need a size we don't list?

Bespoke widths, depths, double-tier shelves and matching kitchen tables are made to order in the same workshop – send us your measurements for a quote. Free UK mainland delivery applies on orders over £99.