Shelving
Introduction
Shelving is generally the simplest and most economical form of storage available, and it can be used in any room in our homes. From basic MDF planks, through to plate glass shelves, the options for shelving are almost endless.
Regardless of the material, shelves can generally be categorised as either open wall-hung shelves, or built-in alcove units. Once you have decided where you wish to place your shelves, the decision as to which material to use is often driven by the objects you wish to place on them. Use the link below for a step-by-step guide to putting up shelves;
Open wall-hung shelves
Traditionally these shelves are cantilivered off the wall using a shelving bracket. The brackets are frequently made from pressed steel, cast or wrought steel, or extruded alloy. Depending on the weight to be applied to the shelf, the brackets are available in a number of lengths and gauges. These shelves are quite utilitarian looking and as such are perfect for a garage.
Contemporary wall-hung shelves are afixed to the wall in the same way as traditional shelves, however the brackets are often hidden with the main body of the shelf giving a clean look to the wall. Modern shelves are also available with built-in lighting, which works particularly well if the shelf if made from glass.
Shelving systems consist of vertical supports, which are screwed into the wall, and brackets which slot into the upright. The main advantage of this over regular shelving brackets is that the system is adjustable, and the arrangement can be changed simply with shelves added or removed with ease. Another advantage is that the weight and stress of the load on the shelves is distributed down the uprights, rather than directly onto a few screws.
Built-in alcove shelving
The main advantage of built-in shelves is that one can use shelf supports afixed on 3 sides to hold the shelf up. These look much neater than shelf brackets and are a great way to display books, CDs, DVDs etc.
By far the simplest form of built-in shelf is that fitted within an alcove. Most commonly these are found surrounding a chimney breast, however they can also be fitted understairs, above doors or in a corner. The shelving within an airing cupboard is also a form of built-in alcove shelf, and as such is constructed in the same way as for a regular display shelf.
When considering built-in shelving, remember that it is highly likely that the wall/alcove is not square - especially in an older property. With this in mind, take measurements at the desired position of each shelf rather than a single measurement in the centre of the wall. You'll almost certainly notice a difference in measurements, and thus need to trim each shelf accordingly to ensure a neat finish.
Shelving materials
The most economical forms of shelving are the pre-cut boards available from most DIY stores. These are often available in either solid timber or a man- made board (such as MDF), with the latter frequently pre-painted or covered in a veneer. However shelves do not necessarily need to be just a functional item, and through the use of some different materials they can also make a great addition to the design of a room.
Medium Density Fibreboard (MDF)
MDF is a dense sheet material made from fine compressed wood fibres.
- Easy to finish with a smooth edge
- Can take reasonably heavy loads without bowing or breaking
- Is ideal for applying a veneer finish
- Does not need to be lipped to prevent core of board from showing
- If using indoors will require a veneer to overcome functional look
Blockboard
Blockboard is a man-made board constructed from strips of soft-wood, which are glued together and sandwiched between two layers of plywood veneer.
- Easy to finish with a smooth edge
- Can take reasonably heavy loads without bowing or breaking
- Is ideal for applying a veneer finish
- Does not need to be lipped to prevent core of board from showing
- Is relatively expensive when compared to other man-made boards
- Requires the raw edges to be lipped with a strip of solid wood, or a veneer, to prevent the core from showing
Chipboard
Chipboard is a commonly available particle board made from bonded chips of wood.
- The cheapest form of man-made board available
- Is easy to cut and shape
- Liable to bend under sustained heavy loads unless supported properly
Solid wood
Available in a huge variety of hard woods or soft woods.
- Solid wood planks are very strong and can take a variety of different weights without bending
- Available in a large variety of different woods
- Can be made to any size and/or shape
- Hardwoods in particular are very expensive
- Soft woods can contain knots which weaken the shelf
Plywood
A series of veneers are built up to the desired thickness and glued to produce the board. Alternating the grain between layers increases the strength and stability of the board.
- Boards are very strong and are ideal for heavy weights
- The layering of the veneers produces an attractive finish
- Boards are easily painted or veneered to produce a variety of different finishes
- Can be expensive if long thick boards are required
Glass and Pressed Steel
Plate glass and painted pressed steel are ideal for producing a contemporary look within a room. Make sure all measurements are double checked before cutting, as these materials cannot be patched in the same way as wood.
- Plate glass is ideally suited to providing contemporary shelving in a bathroom or kitchen
- Steel shelves can take very large weights
- Plate glass must be toughened glass to carry the weight
- Glass is ideally cut, shaped and polished by the supplier to ensure structural integrity is maintained
- Pressed steel is quite difficult to cut and shape, as such pressed steel shelves are usually available in pre-built lengths
Further information and useful links
- Find a Power Tools supplier near you
- Find a Decorators Merchants near you
- Find a Paint Materials store near you
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