Are you considering updating a storage system in your home? Whether you are updating a linen closet, walk-in closet, pantry, or garage system, you have a big decision ahead of you. What material should I use? Wire or TFL? It can be tricky to know what the most cost-effective option for you would be so let us help you decide.

Like everything, wire and TFL storage systems both have their positive and negative factors. What it all comes down to is what’s important to you and how do you plan to use the space?

Storage System Options

There are a lot of different options to choose from, but we’re only going to talk about the two most common ones. Wire and Thermally Fused Laminate (TFL). They range in affordability and capabilities, but one is right for you and that specific space.

Wire Storage Systems

Wire storage systems are typically white, which provides a clean look in all spaces. Often you can add accessories and specialty shelving for things like shoes or baskets. The wire design also allows for more visibility since you can see through the shelves you may not have to pull baskets out and push them back in when you are looking for something.

TFL Storage System

At BIW, we find that most people prefer to have white TFL closets, but any of our 41 standard options are available with no additional time added, and even more, are available as a special order. TFL is very durable and easy to clean because the shelves are solid, the items being stored are also less likely to wrinkle from the gaps in the wiring.

Things to Consider

There are four major things to consider when you are looking at what material to use for your storage system.

Functionality

There’s nothing worse than investing in something and then it ends up not working out. Make sure you are choosing the product that is strong enough to hold your items and won’t sag over time, fall apart or even fall off the wall. If your closet will be used for lighter things like linens, a wire closet should be more than capable of holding the load. However, if you are hoping to store your large collection of shoes the last thing you want to happen is for them to pull the wire system out of the wall.

Usability

Consider how you plan to physically use the space. Is it strictly for storage or do you plan to use it to get ready or do kitchen prep-work? If you’re hoping to have a walk-in closet or pantry then TFL would definitely make life easier than a wire system. It allows for more customization and capabilities such as jewelry drawers, purse storage, islands, and benches.

Appearance

Storage systems can look so different from one another. In some cases, the look of the storage system may not matter, but when it comes to other areas (master closet, pantry, etc.) you probably want it to blend in with the rest of the home. Wire storage systems are typically white, which won’t clash with the home but may seem unfinished in certain areas. As we mentioned before, TFL comes in a wide variety of finishes, from solid colors to textured woodgrains, making it easier to pair it with the rest of the home than wire racks.

Price

Storage systems are custom to your space so there is no exact set price for each. Typically wire storage systems are less expensive than TFL storage systems. Hopefully, you’ve set a budget aside for your closet upgrade, use that budget and meet with your designer to help you decide what option is the best for you.

Decision Time

Hopefully, this helps you decide on what material to use for your storage needs. Wire and TFL will both provide a great storage solution, but in some cases, one is better than the other.

If you’re still unsure, reach out to your sales rep and they will provide further guidance.