How to make shelves in the refrigerator with your own hands: a step-by-step guide with photos and diagrams

Broken or missing shelves in the refrigerator are a problem faced by every fifth owner of appliances older than 5 years. Purchasing original spare parts costs 1500–4000 rubles per shelf, and the wait for delivery can last for weeks. Meanwhile, even a beginner can make shelves on his own: basic skills in working with tools and correctly selected materials are enough.

In this article you will find 3 proven methods creating shelves for refrigerators Atlant, Indesit, Samsung and other popular brands - from budget plastic options to durable glass structures. We will analyze in detail:

• 🔧 What materials suitable for homemade shelves (and which are absolutely not)
• 📏 How to remove accurate measurements and make a drawing without errors
• ⚙️ Step-by-step instructions for different types of refrigerators (with system No Frost, drip defrost, two-chamber)
• 💡 Secrets fasteningso that the shelves do not move when the door is opened

All methods have been tested in practice and are suitable for refrigerators any width —from compact Beko (50 cm) to large Liehberr (90+ cm). And if you doubt your abilities, at the end of the article there is checklist to check the finished result.

1. What materials are suitable for homemade shelves

The choice of material determines strength, safety i durability the future shelf. Original shelves in refrigerators are made from:

• 🔹 Tempered glass (thickness 5–8 mm) - used in models Samsung RB, LG DoorCooling+
• 🔹 Food plastic (polypropylene, polycarbonate) - typical for Atlant, Biryusa
• 🔹 Stainless steel with anti-corrosion coating - found in premium Liehberr, Miele
• 🔹 Aluminum alloys - light shelves in refrigerators Beko, Vestfrost

For self-production, the following are best suited:

Critical: never use chipboard, plywood or regular glass - they absorb moisture, swell and can release harmful substances upon contact with food. Also avoid uncoated galvanized steel: over time it will begin to rust, and metal oxide particles will get on the food.

⚠️ Attention: If your refrigerator is equipped with a system No Frost, do not use materials with a rough surface (for example, matte plastic). Ice accumulates on them faster, which will lead to increased load on the compressor and increased energy consumption.

2. How to correctly take measurements and make a drawing

An error in measurements even by 2–3 mm can lead to the shelf not falling into place or dangling. Here's how to avoid this:

Step 1. Dismantle the old shelf (if there is one). Carefully remove it from the grooves and place it on a flat surface. If the shelf is broken, use it as a template opposite shelf (usually they are symmetrical).

Step 2. Measure:

• 📏 Length (from the wall to the wall of the refrigerator)
• 📏 Depth (from the front edge to the back wall)
• 📏 Thickness (if you are replacing a glass shelf, take the glass 0.5–1 mm thinner than the original for ease of installation)
• 📏 Distance between fasteners (grooves, guides, holes)

Step 3. Create a drawing. Indicate on it:

• 🔺 Dimensions of the shelf, taking into account allowances (for glass - 1-2 mm, for plastic - 3-5 mm)
• 🔺 Location holes for fastenings (if any)
• 🔺 Areas that will be contact with products (they need to be carefully processed)

Example drawing for a refrigerator shelf Atlant XM 4021-000:

+---------------------+
|                     |  ← 480 mm (length)
|                     |
|    ○ ○ |  ← holes for fastenings (∅5 mm)
|                     |
+---------------------+
320 mm (depth)

⚠️ Attention: In refrigerators with freshness zones (for example, Samsung Twin Cooling Plus) shelves often have asymmetrical shape. Make sure that you measure exactly the side that will be in contact with the back wall.

3. Tools you will need

The minimum set of tools depends on the selected material. Here's what will come in handy in any case:

• 🔧 Metal ruler (length at least 50 cm)
• 🔧 Square (for checking right angles)
• 🔧 Pencil or marker (for markings)
• 🔧 Drill (if you need to drill holes)
• 🔧 Embry paper (grit size 120–240 for processing edges)

Additionally, depending on the material:

Safety tip: when working with glass, use safety glasses i gloves —even tempered glass can form sharp fragments when cutting. Suitable for metal canvas glovesto avoid cuts from sharp edges.

4. Step-by-step instructions: shelf made of food-grade plastic

This method is suitable for refrigerators Atlant, Biryusa, Stinol and other models with plastic shelves. We use polypropylene sheet 4–6 mm thick.

Step 1. Marking. Transfer the drawing onto plastic using a pencil and ruler. If the shelf has rounded cornersuse a compass or a round object (for example, a jar) to mark.

Step 2. Cutting. Carefully cut the workpiece with a jigsaw or hacksaw on metal. Movements should be smoothwithout jerking to avoid chipping.

Step 3. Processing the edges. Sand the edges with sandpaper, then melt them with a soldering iron or with a hair dryer —this will make them smooth and prevent dirt from accumulating.

Step 4. Drilling holes. If the original shelf has fasteners, drill holes with a drill and drill ∅4–5 mm. For accuracy, use jig (template for drilling).

Step 5. Installation. Wash the shelf warm water and soda, dry and insert into the grooves. If the shelf is lobs, place thin silicone gaskets under it.

5. How to make a glass shelf for a refrigerator

Glass shelves are suitable for refrigerators Samsung, LG, Bosch and other models with No Frost. We use tempered glass with a thickness of 6–8 mm.

Step 1. Ordering glass. If you have never cut glass yourself, it is better to order cutting in a workshop according to your drawing. This will cost 500–1500 ₽ depending on the size. If you cut it yourself, use diamond glass cutter and ruler stop.

Step 2. Cutting.

• 🔸 Wet the glass with water - this will reduce the amount of dust.
• 🔸 Run the glass cutter along the marking line in one confident movement.
• 🔸 Place a thin wire under the cutting line and gently press on both sides - the glass will crack along lines.

Step 3. Processing the edges. Sand the edges diamond file or sandpaper (400-600 grit). For additional safety, seal the edges silicone profile (sold in glass stores).

Step 4. Fastening. B refrigerators with glass shelves are usually used plastic guides or metal brackets. Make sure the holes on the glass line up with the fasteners on the refrigerator. If necessary, drill them with a diamond drill low speed.

What to do, if the glass cracked during cutting?

If the glass cracked not along the cut line, do not try to use it - even small cracks under load can lead to destruction of the shelf. It is better to cut a new blank or order cutting in a workshop.

⚠️ Attention: If your refrigerator has automatic defrosting system (for example, Total No Frost), check whether the new shelf is not blocking ventilation holes. Their overlap can lead to compressor overheating and breakdown.

6. Metal shelf: stainless steel vs aluminum

Metal shelves are the most durable option, but also the most labor-intensive to manufacture. Let's consider two options: stainless steel and aluminum.

Stainless steel (sheet 0.8–1.2 mm):

• ✅ Withstands up to 30 kg loads
• ✅ Resistant to corrosion and moisture
• ❌ Difficult to bend without special tools
• ❌ Heavy (may increase the load on the fasteners)

Aluminum (sheet 2–3 mm):

• ✅ Light and plastic
• ✅ Does not rust, easy to cut
• ❌ Less durable (maximum 15–18 kg)
• ❌ May be deformed upon impact

Instructions for stainless steel:

1. 🔨 Cut the workpiece metal scissors or grinder.
2. 🔨 Process the edges with a filethen polish grinder.
3. 🔨 Drill holes for fasteners. Use metal drill (for example, machine oil) to avoid overheating. lubricant (such as machine oil) to avoid overheating.
4. 🔨 If you need to bend the edges (for example, for rigidity), use a sheet bender or a vice with rubber pads.

Tip: To prevent the shelf from squeaking when moving, apply silicone grease or food-grade Vaseline.

7. How to fix the shelf so that it does not move

Even a perfectly made shelf can move when the door is opened or vibrate while the compressor is running. Here's how to fix it:

Method 1. Silicone gaskets. Glue to the underside of the shelf thin silicone ones. mugs (sold in hardware stores). They will create additional grip and prevent slipping.

Method 2. Double-sided tape. Use moisture-resistant tape 3M or its analogues. Apply strips to fastening grooves the refrigerator before installing the shelf. This method is suitable for plastic and aluminum shelves

Method 3. Additional clamps. If the refrigerator has vertical guides (for example, in models Liehberr), secure the shelf using plastic clips or metal brackets.

Method 4. Magnets. Suitable for metal shelves neodymium magnets (diameter 5-10 mm Glue them to the bottom). side of the shelf in places of contact with the walls of the refrigerator.

8. Common mistakes and how to avoid them

Even experienced professionals sometimes they make mistakes when making shelves. Here are the most common ones and ways to prevent them:

The most dangerous error - ignoring ventilation holes. In refrigerators with No Frost blocking the air flow leads to:

• 🔴 Evaporator freezing and increased defrosting time
• 🔴 Compressor overheating and increased energy consumption
• 🔴 Uneven cooling (in some zones the temperature will rise by 3–5°C)

Before installing the shelf required check that it does not block the holes on the back wall.

FAQ: Answers to frequently asked questions

Can I use plexiglass instead of tempered glass?

Plexiglas (polymethyl methacrylate) is not suitable for refrigerators. It is less durable than tempered glass and can deformed at low temperatures. In addition, plexiglass over time gets cloudy loses transparency.

How to make a shelf for a refrigerator with a curved back wall?

If the back wall of the refrigerator is curved (as in some models Samsung), use flexible plastic (polypropylene) or thin aluminum (1.5–2 mm). Heat the material a construction hairdryer and carefully bend it to the shape of the wall. For accuracy, make gypsum cast a curved part.

How to treat a metal shelf so that it does not rust?

Even stainless steel can become covered over time pitting corrosion due to condensation. To avoid this:

1. Cover the shelf food grade silicone spray (for example, WD-40 Specialist Food Grade).
2. Apply thin layer of wax for cars (does not contain aggressive chemicals).
3. Wipe the shelf regularly (every 2-3 months) vinegar solution (1 tbsp per 1 liter of water).

Is it possible to paint a homemade shelf?

Paint a shelf Can, but only food paints Water based. data-i="411">you can

• 🎨 Acrylic paints (for example, Tikkurila Miranol)
• 🎨 Epoxy resins (for food use, for example, Epoxy Resin Food Safe)

Before painting degrease the surface with alcohol and apply a primer. After drying, cover the shelf food varnish for additional protection.

Where can I order cutting of glass or metal if there are no tools?

Cutting of materials can be ordered in the following places:

• 🏪 Glass processing workshops (usually found in furniture stores)
• 🏪 Metalworking shops (searched upon request "laser cutting of metal")
• 🏪 Advertising agencies (they often cut plastic and acrylic for signs)
• 🏪 Online services (for example, LaserBoost, Steklo.ru)

The cost of cutting is usually included included in the price of the material or is 10–20% of it cost.