Tips To Build Your Own Shelves
If you’ve ever felt your home doesn’t have enough storage space, we have a great plan – build your own shelves! Shelves aren’t just for books, they add more space for things that need a place. You may need shelving in your kitchen, den, formal rooms, or even the garage or shed. Count on Cardinal Home Center to supply you with the materials you need and some tips on how to build your own shelves right here in this article.
What type of shelf do you want to build?
Depending on where you will use your shelf, the type of wood and the work that goes into preparing that shelf is important. If you are building shelving for your living room or office, you’ll want smooth, painted or stained wood. Hanging a shelf in a garage? You may not need to do as much work for the board, and painting and staining may not be required. How wide and deep will you need to make your shelves, and how much weight do you want them to carry? These are all important factors when deciding on the best way to approach this project.
What is the best type of wood to use?
Our team recommends using either poplar, fir, eastern white pine, or spruce wood. These types of wood are easy to stain and have the durability needed for your shelf. Poplar boards are smooth-textured and have a grain pattern similar to walnut or cherry. Fir boards can add a decorative statement, and its richness adds warmth to your space. It is also very easy to work with and retains paint and stain. Some spruce framing lumber can also be used for more durable shelving in a basement or closet, or somewhere that others may not see often. Our stores also stock eastern white pine, which provides a pale pine color and is easy to work with, and is flexible. This wood also tends to darken with age.
What other accessories do I need?
Depending on the type of wood, you may want to paint or stain your shelves. Our line of Benjamin Moore products can provide a pop of color, or our Minwax stains can enhance the natural look of the wood. You will also need some L-shaped mounting brackets depending on the type of shelf you are trying to build.
We hope these tips to build your own shelves are helpful. If you need supplies, tools, paint or stain; visit Cardinal Home Center. Our team is here to give you advice and help you find the right materials to complete the job. Already know exactly what you need for your project? You can conveniently order online. Happy shelving!
Have any questions about how to build the right shelf for your home? Need tools to build or install your shelf? Count on Cardinal to help! Our team can talk through your project to ensure you are using the right materials and provide advice for how to make it even better. Shop online today or stop by our Charlottesville and Crozet locations for lumber and supplies. Our locations.
