Shelf thickness
The minimum thickness for a board that will be used as a shelf is 3/4″. Shelf board thickness can range anywhere from 3/4″ up to 1 1/2″ thick. The thicker the board, the more weight it can hold.
Standard shelf thickness
The standard shelf thickness for most stores is 1 inch. This thickness will provide adequate support for most items. However, some items may require a thicker shelf. For example, canned goods and other heavy items should be stored on a thicker shelf to prevent the shelf from sagging under the weight.
Board thickness for a floating shelf
The board thickness for a floating shelf is usually about 1/2 inch, but it can be as much as 3/4 inch. The thickness of the board will depend on the type of material you are using and the weight it is able to support.
Shelf material
There are many factors that go into deciding what shelf material to use. The most important factor is the weight of the objects that will be stored on the shelf. Shelf material needs to be strong enough to support the weight of the objects, while also being thin enough to save space.
MDF
MDF is an engineered wood product made by breaking down hardwood or softwood residuals into wood fibers, often in a defibrillator, and combining it with wax and a resin binder. It is denser than plywood. It is made up of separated fibers, but can be used as a building material similar in application to plywood. It is stronger and much more dense than particle board.
Plywood
Plywood is a material manufactured from thin layers or “plies” of wood veneer that are glued together with adjacent layers having their wood grain rotated up to 90 degrees to one another. It is an engineered wood from the family of manufactured boards which include particle board and oriented strand board (OSB). All plywoods bind resin and wood fibre sheets (cellulose cells are long, strong and thin) to form a composite material. This alternation of the grain is called cross-graining and has several important benefits: it reduces shrinkage and expansion rates due to changes in humidity, it reduces the tendency of wood to split when nailed in at the edges, it reduces expansion or contraction due to temperature changes, it makes the strength of the panel consistent across all directions. There is a common perception that plywood is stronger than solid wood, but this is not completely true. A 24 mm thick plywood panel has approximately the same bending resistance as a 55 mm thick solid pine board but when it comes to screwing into plywood, the external layer closest to the screw head tends to split more easily than on a solid board made of the same kind of wood.
OSB
OSB is a type of engineered wood that is made from thin sheets of wood veneer that are glued together. It is a very strong and durable material that is often used for construction projects.
Hanging a shelf
Depending on the weight of the items you want to put on the shelf, you’ll need to use a board that is thick enough to support the weight. A rule of thumb is to use a board that is at least 1″ thick. If you’re not sure how much weight the shelf will need to hold, you can always err on the side of using a thicker board.
Wall mounted shelves
Wall mounted shelves are a great way to add storage and display space to your home. They come in a variety of styles and can be used for a variety of purposes, from displaying books and knick-knacks to storing kitchen supplies.
However, before you start shopping for wall mounted shelves, it’s important to consider how you want to use them. For example, if you’re looking for shelves to store spices and cooking utensils, you’ll want to make sure they’re made of sturdy materials that can withstand the heat and moisture of the kitchen. Alternatively, if you want to use your shelves for display purposes, you might want to choose shelving with a more decorative touch.
Once you’ve decided on the purpose of your wall mounted shelves, it’s time to start shopping! Remember to measure the space where you want to put your shelves before you buy, and be sure to take into account the weight of the items you’ll be storing on them. With these factors in mind, you should have no trouble finding the perfect wall mounted shelves for your home.
Free-standing shelves
Find the studs: To help prevent your shelf from falling, you’ll want to make sure you’re screwing into the studs. Use a stud finder to help you locate them in the wall. If there are no studs where you want to put your shelves, look for other support options like beams or joists.
Mark where you want your shelf: Once you know where your studs are, use a pencil to mark on the wall where you want the top of your shelf to go. Make sure to hold the level up against the marks to double check that your shelf will be level before you move on to the next step.
Drill pilot holes: If you’re using wood screws, it’s important to drill pilot holes first. This will help prevent the wood from splitting when you screw it in. Use a drill bit that is smaller than your screw (we recommend 3/32” for #8 screws). Drill slowly and beware of going through the other side of the wood — STOP periodically to check depth. You only need to drill about ¼” into the wood.
Attach shelf brackets: Now it’s time to attach your brackets! We recommend using L-brackets for a stronger hold, but J-brackets will work too. First, hold up your bracket against the marks on the wall and use a pencil to mark where you need to drill holes for your screws. Next, predrill those holes and then attach your bracket with screws. Make sure everything is nice and tight before moving on.
Insert Shelf: Carefully insert your shelf into the brackets and voila! You should now have a beautiful (and sturdy!) new shelf hanging in your space