Wood shelves can be made of various types of wood. For the best durability and weight-bearing capacity, select hardwoods. They should also be attractive and easily accessible. The type of wood you choose should be based on the style of your home. If you prefer a rustic look, consider using pine, poplar, alder, or hickory. On the other hand, modern homes may favor wood with straight edges and a tamer grain.
The thickness of the shelf is another important consideration. The thickness of the shelf determines its rigidity and strength. The higher the thickness, the stronger the shelf will be. Wood joists and steel beams are generally thicker than shelves made of thinner materials. A 7/8-inch-thick shelf, for instance, will be 36 percent stronger than one that is only 3/4-inch-thick.
If you are building your own bookshelves, be sure to measure the deepest books in your home to determine the depth of the shelf. Most bookshelves are between 11 and 12 inches deep, so it is crucial to determine the exact dimensions of your shelves. A good lumberyard will be able to cut the wood to fit your exact dimensions.
Adding molding to your shelves can make your space look even better. After installing the molding, make sure to stain or paint it to match the rest of the shelf. If you are building a large-scale shelving unit, colored sticky notes can help you keep track of each shelf. In case you need to buy more than one shelf, use colored sticky notes to mark where they go.
If you are building a home office or bookcase, it can be a good idea to choose a wood with a natural grain to match your interior design. For example, you may want to choose an African hardwood. This wood has an incredibly rich red color and a fine grain. Also, unlike most hardwoods, it is not susceptible to termites and rot.
Wood shelves are a great alternative to wire shelving. They are durable and have a wide range of finishes. They also have the added benefit of giving your home a higher end look. Wood is one of the most popular materials for shelving. Thousands of years of human history have shown that wood is a good choice for your home.