How to create a wooden shelf

Considering that shelves nowadays are an integral part of the furnishing of any room, thinking of building a DIY one using wood is the goal of many enthusiasts. In addition to being a way to recycle excess material, thanks to the imagination a shelf can completely change the appearance of a room. Not to mention the many uses that can be made. Books, tools or any type of object make this piece of furniture extremely functional and flexible so that it can be mounted in the kitchen, bedrooms, bathroom, living room; in short, in every wall and corner of the house. A fun and certainly cheaper solution than the shelves that we find already prepared on the market, which leaves totally room for your personal taste so that it can be well combined with the style of the house.

Take into account the weight 

While it is true that the secret to getting a great result is to focus on creativity, in the same way there are technical features that must be kept in mind to create a shelf that is also stable and durable. The weight to be supported is an important datum on which to base the project. Supporting several books rather than decorative objects will greatly affect the shape of the shelf itself. Depending on the weight you will have to consider the right thickness and the type and number of wall fixings that will need to be applied to ensure the right safety. 

Choice of material

If you already have wood recovered from an old job, all the better, while if you are looking for an economical solution to buy you can rely on solid boards or plywood or chipboard. Each material has its advantages and disadvantages:

• Wood axes: a very elegant and durable solution that can be enhanced thanks to the wax for furniture or linseed oil that enhance the veins. The most economical material is spruce wood, with excellent results.
• Plywood panels: they turn out to be very rigid thanks to the disposition of the wood fibers even if the thickness is however an element to consider. Always better to abound but do not rely on poplar wood, too frail for the occasion.

Chipboard panels: the most economical on the market despite their stability, they withstand the deformations. They are great for painting although it is convenient to use phenolic panels in very humid environments.