Guides
How to Install Gondola Shelving
Most stores install gondola shelving themselves: two people, hand tools, and about 30–45 minutes for the first section — faster for each one after. Pick your run type below and step through the build at your own pace, or press Play for the narrated walkthrough — each step is read aloud while the part animates into place.
Mark your line
Snap a chalk line on the floor where the FRONT of the kickplates will sit — leave about 1 5/8" between the wall line you measured and the chalk line for the kickplate recess. Stack cartons by part type and lay uprights and kickplates end-to-end down the run.
The tools you'll need
- ✓ Rubber mallet
- ✓ 4-ft level (plus a string line for runs over 12 ft)
- ✓ Tape measure + chalk line
- ✓ Large flathead screwdriver (for the base levelers)
- ✓ Step ladder for units 72" and taller
- ✓ Drill with masonry/wood bits — only if wall-anchoring
No nuts, bolts, or special tools — gondola parts lock into slots. The mallet and the screwdriver (for the base levelers) do almost all the work.
The full written steps
Wall Unit — 8 steps
- 1
Mark your line
Snap a chalk line on the floor where the FRONT of the kickplates will sit — leave about 1 5/8" between the wall line you measured and the chalk line for the kickplate recess. Stack cartons by part type and lay uprights and kickplates end-to-end down the run.
- 2
Base shoes into the first upright
Insert a base shoe into the bottom of the upright on the aisle side. The shoes don’t need to lock yet — they seat when the upright is raised.
- 3
Raise it and lock the shoes
Raise the upright to vertical and push straight down — the base shoes lock in. If a shoe doesn’t click, step firmly on top of it.
- 4
Second upright + spanners
Raise the next upright one section-width away and connect the spanners between them (top, center, and lower; tall units add a splicer spanner). Both spanner tabs must show below the slots — never hammer a spanner down.
- 5
Slide in the back panel
Slide the back panel down into the channels from the top. Lower it gently — don’t drop it onto the lower spanner. Repeat uprights, spanners, and backs down the rest of the run.
- 6
Kickplates on
Finish the remaining sections, then snap the kickplates in from the front. The small notches at the kickplate corners go at the TOP.
- 7
Level the run, then anchor
Pull the kickplates to your chalk line. Run a string line across the tops, find the highest upright, and bring every other upright up to it with the base-shoe levelers (turn with the screwdriver). Wall units should be secured to the wall — clip into studs on drywall, or use masonry screws on block.
- 8
Shelves on
Drop in the base shelves and sight down the run to check alignment. Then hang the upper shelves at your planned heights — brackets must seat fully in the upright slots. Load heavy items on the base shelf.
Island (2-Sided) — 7 steps
- 1
Mark the floor
Islands are freestanding, so mark both faces. Keep 42–48" of clear aisle between runs (36" minimum for accessibility). Stage parts along the run.
- 2
Base shoes — both sides
Insert base shoes into both sides of each upright. A double-sided unit stands on pairs of shoes — never load a side that has no shoe.
- 3
Raise uprights + spanners
Raise the first upright, push down to lock the shoes, then raise the next and connect top, center, and lower spanners. Spanner tabs must show — no hammering.
- 4
Backs down both faces
Slide back panels down both faces of each section. On long runs (6+ sections), install a back in the last section early to stabilize the row while you work.
- 5
Kickplates, both faces
Snap kickplates onto both faces of the run. Corner notches go at the top.
- 6
Level to the highest upright
Pull the run to your chalk line, string-line the tops, and level every upright to the highest one using the base-shoe levelers. When done, upright levelers should sit about 1/4" clear of the floor. Islands normally stand free — anchor only if your height or local code requires it.
- 7
Shelves on, both sides
Install base shelves on both faces, check alignment down the run, then hang upper shelves at your tier heights. Balance heavy loads across both sides — a badly one-sided load can lean the run.
End Cap — 6 steps
- 1
Start at the end of a run
An end cap is a shallow single-sided section that faces the main aisle from the end of an island run. It hangs off the run’s end upright — assemble the run first.
- 2
Upright + connector
Stand the end-cap upright with its base shoe facing the aisle and connect it to the run’s end upright with the end-cap hardware (H-channel or spanners, per your kit).
- 3
Back panel
Slide the end-cap back panel down from the top, same as a run section.
- 4
Kickplate + trim
Snap on the kickplate (toe kick), then the trim covers over the connection to the run, and the top caps.
- 5
Level to match the run
Adjust the base-shoe levelers so the end cap sits level and flush against the run — shelves should line up with the run’s shelf lines.
- 6
Shelves on
Drop in the base shelf and hang the uppers. End caps get the most shopper eyes in the store — merchandise them with high-margin or promo items.
Before you start: unloading smart
Your shelving arrives palletized on a freight truck, knocked down in cartons. Unload with the labels visible and stack cartons of the same part together — you'll build in this order: uprights & base shoes → spanners & kickplates → back panels → end covers → base shelves → upper shelves & accessories. Opening boxes in build order keeps the floor clear and the crew moving.
Safety & loading rules
- ▲ Two people make this easy — one holds, one sets. Back panels and tall uprights are awkward alone.
- ▲ Never install shelves on a side of an upright that has no base shoe on that side.
- ▲ Make sure every bracket and accessory is fully seated in its slots before loading.
- ▲ Load heavy merchandise on the base shelf; keep upper tiers lighter and balanced.
- ▲ Don’t climb on shelving, and never move an assembled run while it’s loaded.
- ▲ Check local building codes — some jurisdictions (and any unit over 96") require floor anchoring; seismic areas have their own rules.
Planning a store? Price your shelving first.
Configure your runs and see the price instantly — every quote ships with these instructions.