ClosetMaid FAQs

Whether you’re thinking about purchasing a ClosetMaid storage system, in the middle of installing one or you’ve completed a project, we know you might have questions about our products or services. You’ll find many of our most-asked questions and their answers in this blog post. We hope they help you with your DIY efforts.

Product-related Topics

Question: What material are your wood-look units made of?

Answer: Most of our products are made from a combination of engineered woods—a mixture of high-quality, hard and soft wood materials which generally come from the surplus of the original lumber processing. Commonly referred to as MDF (Medium Density Fiberboard) and composite wood, these materials are wood fibers bonded together with a synthetic resin in a process that combines high heat and pressure to make a very stable, environmentally friendly product. The result is dense, strong panels of fiberboard and/or particleboard (composite wood) which are then laminated with durable, attractive finishes. These materials are then further manufactured into furniture components in a precision, state-of-the-art manufacturing facility. Components are inspected and packaged with high-quality, European hardware that has been designed to make home assembly quick and easy.

Our SuiteSymphony collection is considered a laminated wood product.

Q: Is ClosetMaid’s wire shelving made of steel or aluminum?

A: Our wire shelving is made of vinyl-coated steel and is a minimum of 91 percent recycled content.

Q: What is the weight limit for wire shelving (Fixed and Adjustable)?

A: It depends on the product. Our heavy-duty MaxLoad wire shelving has a weight capacity 100 pounds per linear foot (when installed per ClosetMaid’s specifications). The 2-ft. to 4-ft. ShelfTrack Organizer can hold up to 275 pounds, and the 5-ft. to 8-ft. Fixed Mount Organizer can accommodate as much as 400 pounds.

These heavy-duty wall brackets support wire shelving.

Q: Can I purchase the hardware separately?

A: Yes, you can purchase hardware for both types of wire systems: Fixed Mount and Adjustable Mount. You can also buy closet rod hardware, and some wood systems have handles, hang rods and brackets available for separate purchase.

Q: Can I purchase additional shelves for your wood systems?

A: Yes, many of our wood systems have top shelves, corner shelves and shelves with hang rods. See all options here.

Installation-related Topics

Q: Can the wire shelves be cut to size?

A: You can trim wire shelving to the length you need by using a handsaw, hacksaw or 30-inch bolt cutters.

Shelves like these can be cut to fit your space with tools you probably have in your garage.

Q: Can top shelves be cut to size?

A: Yes. Measure carefully, then place a thick piece of painter’s tape along the edge to prevent any chipping or cracking. You’ll want to use a power saw that has a new, narrow, fine-tooth blade. Cut one side of the shelf and then flip the shelf over to make your final cut. Many home improvement stores will trim shelving for you, if you don’t have the equipment or simply want help.

Q: Can the closet hang rods be cut down? How?

A: Closet hang rods can be trimmed to fit using a fine-tooth hacksaw, pipe cutter, reciprocating saw or angle grinder. Before cutting, measure how long you need the rod to be and then subtract a quarter inch from the opening for clearance.

Service-related Topics

Q: What do I need to file a warranty claim?

A: To make a warranty claim, you’ll need to email the following information to help@ames.com: product brand (such as SuiteSymphony or ShelfTrack), part number, explanation of broken or missing parts, receipt showing place of purchase and date of purchase, images of the damaged product, image of the product label with warranty visible (if applicable), your home address and phone number. The documents will be reviewed, and a response will be emailed back after review. Please allow two to four weeks for a response.

Q: Do you offer installation of your retail products?

A: Yes, ClosetMaid has partnered with Jez Enterprises, which have installers located in multiple states throughout the U.S. You can read more about Jez Enterprises, view a map showing their locations and contact Jez on this page.

If you have more specific questions, you can reach our customer service department at 800-874-0008 Monday through Friday between 9 a.m. and 6 p.m. ET or using the form on our dedicated page.