If you’re building or redesigning a pantry, one of the things you must consider is the type of shelf you want. Two of the main types of shelves used in a pantry are wire and wood, but it can be challenging to figure out which is better.
Wire shelves are usually made of stainless steel and are better if you want something more affordable and adjustable. Wood shelves are generally not adjustable (but can be). However, they usually look more stylish, and things are less likely to fall from them.
This article will discuss what wire and wood shelves are in more detail. It will also discuss the benefits and downsides of each and which one is the best choice.
What Are Wire Shelves?
Wire shelves are adjustable shelves made of steel. You can use them to store many things, including food and books. Although they are practical and cheaper than wood shelves, they have an industrial look, which some people don’t like.
You can adjust the shelves to your needs, which is a nice feature to have on shelves in a pantry. Some months, you might store lots of short items (such as canned foods). But other months, you may need to keep taller products (such as tall cereal boxes) in the same spot.
In that case, you can adjust the shelving to make more space for tall cereal boxes, something you can’t do with other types of shelving.
Wire shelving is commonly made of stainless steel because it is (source):
- Corrosion resistant
- Hygenic
- Long-lasting
- Easy to wipe clean
Benefits of Wire Shelves in a Pantry
Here are the main benefits of wire shelves in a pantry:
- Affordable. Wire shelves are more affordable than wood because the materials are cheaper. So they’re a perfect choice for anyone on a budget.
- Easy to wipe clean. Wire shelves are easy to clean because they’re made of stainless steel. This is especially handy for pantries since there is a greater chance of spillage.
- Ventilation. When storing food in a pantry, it’s necessary to consider ventilation. Since there are many gaps in the shelves, the air will be able to flow freely around your pantry.
Downsides of Wire Shelves in a Pantry
Here are the main downsides of wire shelving in a pantry:
- Things can fall off easily. Wire shelving has plenty of gaps, meaning food and containers can fall. Depending on where your pantry shelves are located, reaching food that has fallen off your shelves may be challenging. However, these gaps also mean dust won’t be a big issue.
- They’re not the most stylish. While some people don’t mind the look of wire shelving, others aren’t fans of the gray, industrial look they have. However, you could try painting it with stainless steel-friendly paint.
- Some wire shelving can be wobbly. It might collapse if it isn’t installed properly or is not high-quality.
What Are Wood Shelves?
Wood shelves are made of wood, such as mahogany and plywood. They can come as part of a unit or be nailed to the wall. Wood shelves have no gaps, unlike wire shelves, so that things won’t fall through them.
Wood shelves are generally more decorative than wire shelving. You can make wood look more stylish because the design and finished look are usually sleeker. Most wood shelves come in different colors, with many different wood types to choose from.
This means you can choose which type you want depending on your style preferences. You don’t have as much freedom with style when it comes to wire shelving.
Benefits of Wood Shelves in a Pantry
Here are the primary benefits of wood shelves in a pantry:
- There are no gaps. There aren’t any gaps in wood shelves, so you don’t have to worry about anything falling and getting lost.
- Lots of choices. As you may know, there are many types of wood out there. So, you can choose pantry shelving that best suits your preferences.
- Sturdy. Wood is sturdy and can handle plenty of weight without collapsing, unlike wire shelving (source).
Downsides of Wood Shelves in a Pantry
These are the main downsides of using wood shelves in a pantry:
- Wood is susceptible to rotting and mold. Wood is a viable surface for mold growth (source). To prevent decay, ensure the environment is dry and check to confirm the wood surfaces are properly sealed.
- Dust can gather on the surfaces. Since there are plenty of gaps in steel, dust isn’t as big of an issue. But with wood shelving in a pantry, you’ll need to wipe regularly to keep dust at bay.
Which Is Better for a Pantry: Wood or Wire Shelves?
Wood shelves are better if you want something stylish, sleek, and durable. Wire shelves are better if you want something adjustable, cheap, and quick to install.
There is no definitive answer regarding the best type of shelf for a pantry–it depends entirely on your preferences and what you’re looking for.
Best for Adjustability: Wire Shelving
If having the ability to adjust your pantry shelves is vital, wire shelving is the better option. It’s easy to adjust the racks as long as you empty them. But going with wire shelving might be a waste if you don’t care about adjustability.
Adjustability can come in handy if you need to change the height to allow a taller container to fit on the shelf.
Best for a Budget: Wire Shelving
Wire shelving is affordable, so you might consider it if you’re on a budget. However, the quality of wood shelving is generally better, so you will be sacrificing quality for a lower price.
If you’re OK with that, you shouldn’t experience problems using wire shelves in your pantry!
Best for Sturdiness and Quality: Wood Shelving
If sturdiness and quality are essential to you, wood shelving for your pantry will be best. As I mentioned earlier in this article, many wire shelves can be wobbly and may not be able to handle as much weight as a strong wood shelf.
You shouldn’t experience this issue with wood shelving, and you won’t have to worry about things falling through gaps!
Best for Style and Aesthetics: Wood Shelving
Style and aesthetics are important for many people when they’re organizing and decorating their homes. If they’re an essential consideration for you, wood shelves are the better option for your pantry. Here are just some of the wood options you have:
- Oak
- Mahogony
- Pine
You can also buy wood in various colors, so the style choices are endless!
Final Thoughts
Wire and wood shelves are suitable for a pantry. But the best one will depend on your budget and what you’re looking for.
Wire shelves are better if you’re on a budget or want adjustability. However, wood shelves are the way to go if you want better quality and more style choices.
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