FAQ
What's the recommended weight limit for the shelves?
We recommend about 10 to 12 pounds per shelf and no more than 40 pounds total per unit. While the shelves and cabling are very strong, proper mounting is the most important factor when determining how much weight the shelves should or will actually support.
The shelves are designed with small to medium sized plants and containers in mind, but a few larger plants can be displayed with a little planning. Use of lighter pot material and potting soil can help with larger plants/containers.
What's the maximum diameter pot that will fit on the shelf?
If the pots are square, then about 5.5” to 6" will be the largest container that will sit fully contained on the shelf. Round pots that are about 5” at the bottom and have tapered sides can be much larger at the top.
Are the shelves adjustable for plants of different heights?
Yes, all shelves are easily adjusted to any position along the cables, simply loosen and move the stop collars to the new shelf position. Shelves can be removed and/or extra shelves installed as necessary.
What is the depth of the shelves?
The shelves are 6" deep.
What is the widest shelf I can order?
28" is the widest shelf we are currently producing.
Can I install the shelves without putting holes in my wall?
You can not install the shelves without making holes somewhere. The least noticeable method is to use the angle bracket mount on the top window trim, two small finishing nails are driven into the TOP of the trim and are generally not easily noticed. When you remove the shelves you can drive the nails flush with the trim and they can not be seen at all unless you stand on a ladder to inspect the trim.
All other mounting methods, hooks, extension mounts and mounting blocks will leave holes in the window frame, wall or ceiling.
Are the shelves good for growing plants like herbs or wheat grass?
Absolutely!
Do you sell additional shelves or cables if I want to add to or change my existing unit?
Yes, you can purchase additional shelves at a later date if you want to expand your unit. You can also purchase additional cable assemblies and mounting brackets if you need to move your shelves to a new window.
Order extra parts can be ordered here or contact us directly if you need help.
What installation methods are available to hang the shelves in my window?
Angle Bracket: Using our Angle Bracket Mount on the upper trim is by far the most popular method of installing the shelves and works for about 90% of our customers. https://bit.ly/hang_from_trim
Hooks: If your window is deep enough (4”) you will find that hanging from hooks is the easiest way to install your shelves. https://bit.ly/hang_from_hooks
Extension Mounts: Extension Mounts come in two sizes, 2.5” and 5” and are used for windows that are too shallow to use the Angle Bracket Mount or if you need to use blinds in your window. Extension mounts are also useful for installing shelves in front of French or patio doors. https://bit.ly/extension_mounts
If you are uncertain about what mount you should use, you can send us a photo of your window and we can make recommendations about what will work best for you
What type of hooks do you recommend?
If your hooks are going into solid wood then a #8 or #10 utility type hook with at least 1" screw shank should be fine. You should always drill a proper sized pilot hole and ensure that the screw shank penetrates at least 1" into the wood.
Ceiling/Swag Hooks can be of two types, screw shank for installing in solid wood and "toggle bolt" for using in hollow drywall areas. If using the "toggle bolt" style, ensure that you follow all manufacture installation instructions and do not exceed their recommended weight limits.
We do not provide the hooks to install your shelves. The customer is responsible for finding a style/color that they feel comfortable with. The examples in the links above are just to give you an idea of what previous customers have found to work.
How do I measure the "Free Space-Depth" in my window?
You should take your measurement from the shallowest portion of your window, for most windows this will be in the bottom sash portion of your window. Measure from the window casing/frame out to the edge of the molding on the side of the window. You need about 2" for the shelves to hang properly using the standard angle bracket and 4" if you want to hang the units from hooks inside the window.
Will the shelves work with blinds?
Maybe. The problem with blinds is that they generally occupy the same space the shelves need to hang in. “INSIDE” mounted blinds are usually fine when using “Extension Mounts” to support the shelves, but “OUTSIDE” mounted blinds will be difficult to work with and may not work with our shelves at all.
Vertical Blinds that extend outside of the window are NOT compatible with our shelves.
If you are uncertain, you can send us a photo of your window and blinds, and we can make recommendations about what will work best for you.
Can I open and close my window freely after I install the shelves?
Installing our shelves will not prevent you from opening and closing normal sash and slider type windows.
Even though you can open and close the window you will most certainly have to take greater care during these actions simply because you now have an obstruction (shelves with plants) in the window.
If your window required two people and a crowbar to open prior to installing the shelves I can guarantee that you will make a mess if you try to open that window with shelves and plants installed!
How stable are the shelves? Is the bottom secured or does the unit just swing free?
The shelves are not supported at the bottom and do hang free. The shelves might seem unstable when empty but stability does increase as you apply weight to the shelves.
Small bumps and knocks aren’t a problem with plants, but tall collectables with narrow bases might not fare so well. We recommend “Museum Earthquake Putty” for those that like to display glassware on their shelves.
What are the shelves made of and how do you clean them?
The shelves are made from cast acrylic and they are very easy to clean. Personally, I use a duster for the dust and "Novus #1 Plastic Cleaner" to polish/shine. Spray a small amount of the cleaner on a microfiber cloth, just dampen the cloth and wipe, you really don't need to saturate the shelves to clean them.
Mild soap and water should work fine as well. If you know you have hard or high mineral water it probably would be better to use the "Novus #1 Plastic Cleaner", it should prevent any "hazing" that might appear when hard or high mineral water dries on a clear surface. Abrasive materials and cleaners should be avoided.
Can the shelves be hung in front of the stationary side of a patio door?
Yes, you can place shelves in front of the fixed/stationary side patio or French door. Installation can be somewhat problematic as the shelves need to extend out far enough to allow the sliding door to move without hitting the shelves.
This is a fairly common request, and we may need to review photos of your door to determine what type of mount will work best for your situation.
Can these shelves be mounted on a wall?
Yes, we do produce special units that are designed to hang flat against the wall.
Can the shelves be used outside?
The shelves should function well outside even though they are not specifically designed for such use and we won’t recommend you use them in that fashion. Using them to let your plants get some fresh air occasionally or within a covered porch or patio should be fine.
