My Experience With Making Shelves Out Of Different Types Of Wood

As someone who has always enjoyed DIY projects, I have made my fair share of shelves over the years. From simple floating shelves to more complex built-in units, I have tried my hand at various styles and designs.

One of the most important factors to consider when making shelves is the type of wood to use. Not all woods are created equal, and choosing the wrong one can result in a shelf that is weak, prone to warping, or simply not aesthetically pleasing.

Best Wood to Make Shelves Out Of: A Guide

Step-by-Step Guide

When choosing the best wood to make shelves out of, there are several factors to consider:

Strength: You want a wood that is strong enough to support the weight of the items you plan to put on the shelf.
Appearance: The wood should be visually appealing and complement the décor of the room.
Stability: The wood should be stable and not prone to warping or shrinking over time.
Workability: The wood should be easy to work with, allowing for smooth cuts and finishes.

Based on these factors, some of the best woods to make shelves out of include:

Hardwoods: Hardwoods such as oak, cherry, and maple are strong and durable, with a beautiful grain pattern that adds visual interest to shelves.
Plywood: Plywood is a versatile and affordable option that is stable and easy to work with. It can also be painted or stained to match any décor.
MDF: MDF (medium-density fiberboard) is another affordable option that is stable and easy to work with. It is also smooth and uniform in appearance.
Pine: Pine is a softwood that is affordable and easy to work with. It is also stable and takes stain and paint well.

Top 10 Tips and Ideas

If you’re planning to make shelves out of wood, here are some tips and ideas to keep in mind:

Choose a wood that is strong enough to support the weight of your items.
Select a wood that complements the décor of the room.
Consider the thickness of the wood – thicker shelves will be sturdier but may look bulky.
Use brackets or supports to reinforce the shelf and prevent sagging.
Consider adding a decorative edge or trim to the front of the shelf.
Stain or paint the shelves to match the room’s color scheme.
Create a unique design by using different types of wood for the shelves and supports.
Think outside the box – shelves don’t have to be straight lines. Consider creating a curved or angled design.
Use reclaimed wood for a rustic, eco-friendly look.
Consider adding lighting to the shelves to highlight artwork or decorative items.

Pros and Cons

As with any material, there are pros and cons to using different types of wood to make shelves.

Hardwoods: Pros – strong, durable, beautiful grain pattern. Cons – can be expensive, heavy.
Plywood: Pros – affordable, stable, easy to work with. Cons – not as visually appealing as hardwoods.
MDF: Pros – affordable, stable, smooth and uniform appearance. Cons – not as strong as hardwoods.
Pine: Pros – affordable, easy to work with, takes stain and paint well. Cons – not as strong as hardwoods.

My Personal Review and Suggestion

Based on my own experience, I have found that hardwoods such as oak and cherry are the best choice for making shelves. They are strong, durable, and visually appealing, with a beautiful grain pattern that adds character to the room.

However, if cost is a concern, I would recommend using plywood or MDF. Both are affordable and easy to work with, and can be painted or stained to match any décor.