Building pantry shelving - materials to use
#1
08-21-16, 09:40 AM
Building pantry shelving - materials to use
I have a pantry and want to build shelving to replace the cheap wire shelves that are way too shallow. The shelves would be 63w X 36d.
I was thinking of 3/4" plywood painted white for the shelves. I was going to run 1x2, 2x2 or 2x4 along the 3 walls and set the plywood shelves on that and attaching it at a few points.
I am not sure though of:
1) What size lumber is needed to attach to the wall using the method described above
2) If I should attach something to the front of the plywood for strength and to make it look better
3) If I need to run some kind of support width wise or length wise to help strengthen the shelves.
4) Is there something stronger than plywood that is reasonable in cost that would be better?
I am not going to put all heavy stuff on the shelves, but may put dishes and cases of soda which are not light.
I realize 36" shelves are very deep, but the stuff at the back will be little used stuff.
I was thinking of 3/4" plywood painted white for the shelves. I was going to run 1x2, 2x2 or 2x4 along the 3 walls and set the plywood shelves on that and attaching it at a few points.
I am not sure though of:
1) What size lumber is needed to attach to the wall using the method described above
2) If I should attach something to the front of the plywood for strength and to make it look better
3) If I need to run some kind of support width wise or length wise to help strengthen the shelves.
4) Is there something stronger than plywood that is reasonable in cost that would be better?
I am not going to put all heavy stuff on the shelves, but may put dishes and cases of soda which are not light.
I realize 36" shelves are very deep, but the stuff at the back will be little used stuff.
#2
08-21-16, 09:48 AM
Using 36" deep shelves will mean that you will need intermediate support. 1x3 dimension lumber will be fine for cleats on the back and sides, as well as front banding. A middle vertical support from the floor, through all the shelves will be necessary, and it can be made of 2x2 or 2x4 lumber.
#3
08-21-16, 09:53 AM
Forum Topic Moderator
Here is a chart and guide. Will answer most of your questions
Brezlin
Here is one you can put your own type of wood in
http://www.woodbin.com/calcs/sagulator/
Brezlin
Here is one you can put your own type of wood in
http://www.woodbin.com/calcs/sagulator/
#4
08-21-16, 10:16 AM
A middle vertical support from the floor, through all the shelves will be necessary, and it can be made of 2x2 or 2x4 lumber.
#5
08-21-16, 10:25 AM
When I installed shelves over our washer/dryer I used a 1x4 for the cleats and let the outside of the shelf rest on the top edge of the machine's control panel. When I replaced the washer/dryer the new units were about an inch shorter so I added a shelf support [L bracket] in the middle.
#6
08-21-16, 10:42 AM
Member
A washer and dryer are under the shelf area that will make a floor support very tough. Would a 2x4 going the width of the shelf in the middle of the depth work? It seems then I would need 2x4s for the cleats or it will look odd.
I suggest using 3/4 MDO plywood for the shelves. It's plywood covered with a very smooth layer of phenolic paper fused to the plywood. They use it for highway signs. It's a little more expensive than the cheapest plywood, but it will be much easier to paint and gives you nice smooth shelves.
#7
08-21-16, 11:18 AM
I think a 2x4 (with 4" dimension vertical) half way back would be sufficient bracing. If you don't want to give up that kind of space you could use steel angle iron.
#8
08-21-16, 11:31 AM
Group Moderator
You need a vertical bulkhead between the washer and dryer to break those shelves up into shorter pieces.
#9
08-21-16, 11:45 AM
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I agree with Sleeper, 63" is too wide for a shelf.
If you can't fit a tall 3/4" panel somewhere near the middle, try to hang the middle section from the ceiling.
You could use a middle panel and hang it from the ceiling.
Another option is to support the middle front of the shelf using threaded rod. The rod would be ran up into the attic and be supported/hung from a board that sits on top of the joists.
If you can't fit a tall 3/4" panel somewhere near the middle, try to hang the middle section from the ceiling.
You could use a middle panel and hang it from the ceiling.
Another option is to support the middle front of the shelf using threaded rod. The rod would be ran up into the attic and be supported/hung from a board that sits on top of the joists.
