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Shelf Strength

5K views 10 replies 8 participants last post by  Charlie5791 
#1 · (Edited by Moderator)
I am looking at building a bookshelf 3' wide. I am concerned about shelf sag, so what would be the strongest wood, ply wood, MDF or something else?

Do I need to put in a center support column so the shelves would be only 1.5" on each side?

Thanks
 
#2 ·
The Sagulator is your friend!

I used 3/4 inch, 11-ply birch plywood for the wide shelves in our kitchen cabinets. They all got "faced" with 3/4×3/4 maple. That facing was more for looks as I don't have edge banding, but the hard maple will add even more sag resistance. The 3/4 plywood by itself has real good numbers though.
 
#3 ·
For 3' shelves, 3/4" lumber or plywood will be strong enough, especially a hardwood like oak, maple, ash, etc. If your bookcase is going to have a back, you can cut a dado into the back or put screws through it, into the shelves to give extra support to the shelves,
 
#8 ·
Personally I would put a center support on a 3ft span. Maybe stiffening the back side of the shelf as described will do but why risk it, especially if the shelf will store a bunch of hardback coffee table type books that are really heavy.
 
#9 ·
I agree that 36" is a mighty long span.

You could edge your shelves with 3/4×1 1/2 or 1 1/4 stock, front and back, and they'd be great, but you're adding some look of mass there that would have to blend right with the carcase.

Kindly,

Lee
 
#10 ·
Just put a lip on it

So it looks like a capital L

Larger the lip the larger the span that

is possible

jamie
 
#11 · (Edited by Moderator)
3/4 inch shelf faced with 5/8×1-1/4 walnut. This is for a 33 inch shelf that will hold a microwave on one shelf and cookbooks on the top shelf…
Cabinetry Drawer Shelf Bookcase Wood


Wood Shelf Rectangle Wood stain Drawer


I haven't put a finish on this piece yet. It does add some mass, but this hutch will sit on top of an inch and a quarter walnut counter top so it should look fine. :)
 

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