A wood shelf is an attractive way to store books, clothes, and other items. It also adds a unique touch to any home decor.
Choosing the right wood can affect the design, cost, and longevity of your shelves. Luckily, there are plenty of great options! Whether you’re building live-edge shelving or traditional bookcases, you need to know the best types of wood slabs.
Beech
Beech wood is an excellent choice for DIY shelving because of its high load-bearing capacity. It also is easy to work with and can be sanded to a beautiful finish.
It is a hard and strong wood that is resistant to bending, impact and compression. It is a good choice for furniture that will be in heavy use, such as kitchen and bedroom cabinets, and it is also durable enough to handle outdoor use.
Beech wood is usually kiln-dried to a minimum moisture content (MC) of 8 to 10%. This gives the wood a much greater stability than untreated pine.
Cherry
Cherry is a hardwood that’s a favorite of collectors, but it’s also an excellent choice for novice woodworkers. With a fine, even grain pattern and a soft density, it’s easy to work with and stain.
Besides its beauty, it’s also a great wood for DIY shelving because it can hold up to heavy loads over time. Its 950 Janka hardness rating means that it’s durable enough to resist nicks and dents.
Maple is another popular choice for shelf construction because it’s very strong and has a smooth, uniform grain pattern. This makes it an ideal choice for long shelves, especially if precise coloring is important.
Maple
One of the best types of wood slabs to use for DIY shelving is maple. This wood is easy to work with and comes in a variety of styles.
There are several species of maple available commercially, but the most common are big leaf and silver maple. Both are slightly softer than hard maple with a Janka rating of 850 lbf, making them suitable for DIY shelving.
Soft maple is also a great choice for floating shelves because it requires little or no additional treatment. Plus, soft maple is available in a range of different colors, including reddish brown, cream, and golden.
Oak
Wooden shelves are an essential part of any home, allowing you to organize your belongings and display them. They also help you boost your home’s decor and enhance its beauty.
Shelves can be made from a variety of materials, including metal and plastic. However, wood shelving is considered the most classic and elegant.
Choosing the right type of wood for your shelves will determine its longevity and allure. It will also impact the design and cost of your project.
Oak is a popular option for DIY shelves. It’s sturdy and durable, making it ideal for storing heavy items. It’s also relatively easy to work with.
Pine
If you’re looking for a wood to use for DIY shelving, pine is a great choice. It’s durable enough to stand up to wear and tear, but it also comes in a variety of shades that will match other furniture you have in your home.
If you want to add more color to your shelving, consider using a stain that will blend in well with the wood. This will help create a more cohesive look and will prevent the shelves from standing out too much.
You can also opt for a faux stain to give your shelves the exact look you want without the hassle. Faux stains are easy to apply and will cover any imperfections in the wood.
Contact Us For Help With Wood Shelving
If you are interested in purchasing wood slabs for your next DIY shelving project, contact us today!