Install sturdy open shelving Opt for ventilated, open shelving in durable metal or sturdy plastic (avoid wooden units as any damp that might lurk in your basement could damage and warp it). Box up everything you put on the shelves too – airtight, waterproof, clear containers would be our top choice.

What kind of plywood do you use for basement shelves?


Quote from Youtube video: And then you have all your cut components for the shelves. And then also the uprights. You can kind of fit it in any of those midsize SUV full-size SUVs easily or a car.

How do I build storage shelves in my basement?

Quote from the video:
Quote from Youtube video: All right some explain how to build some shelves like these they're for basement storage just really strong reinforced. So I'm building another one right here I have a 8 foot long 2×4. So it's 8 feet

How do you store things in an unfinished basement?

How to store things in a unfinished basement. If your basement is unfinished: Install shelving units so you can keep items you’re storing in the basement off the floor. Furniture: Place foldable items stacked neatly against a wall so they’re accessible but retrievable.

How thick should Plywood be for basement shelves?

Basement Shelving Materials



Using 3/4 inch thick plywood is worth the extra money when it comes to building shelves. 3/4″ shelves help resist warping, sagging and bowing.

Is it cheaper to build your own shelves?

The pros of DIY shelving include: Lower Cost – Generally, buying the materials for your garage shelves should be cheaper than purchasing prefab – just make sure you do everything right the first time. Tailored – Making your own allows you to build shelving that meets your exact needs.

How should I organize my basement storage area?

5 Ways to Organize an Unfinished Basement

  1. Opt for Vertical Storage. …
  2. Store Items in Airtight Containers. …
  3. Repurpose Old Cabinets. …
  4. Zone and Label Everything. …
  5. Designate a Specific Space for Laundry.


How do I make a freestanding shelf?

Quote from the video:
Quote from Youtube video: Then I just use self tapping screws to attach the legs to the Shelf supports. You'll need leg supports about every 6 feet or so I use 5 I then attach leg supports to the shelf. Boards.

How do you make a heavy duty shelf?

Quote from the video:
Quote from Youtube video: Hold it directly on each leg. And not just by using screws. Again secure is level if you do these to the same length and pushing straight into place one cut line to the hunt.

How do you make a sturdy shelf?

Quote from the video:
Quote from Youtube video: Used 2 and 3/4 inches screws for the whole build. I didn't drill pilot holes in the middle. But on the ends of the boards I did to prevent cracking. I then screw the 16 inch pieces that I had made

Is OSB better than plywood?

Wood fiber is used more efficiently in osb. Osb is stronger than plywood in shear. Shear values, through its thickness, are about 2 times greater than plywood. This is one of the reasons osb is used for webs of wooden I-joists.

How wide should a 3/4 plywood shelf be?

The longest recommended span between wall supports for 3/4-inch-thick plywood shelves is 36 inches.

What size plywood should I use for shelving?

First and foremost, the wood you use for making bookshelves will impact the design as well as the cost of your project. ¾-inch plywood is considered the industry standard, thanks to it being strong yet inexpensive—especially when compared with some solid woods.

Is 12mm plywood OK for shelves?

Use 12mm chipboard as a minimum and support the shelf at no greater than 300mm centres for all but the lightest of loads. Or 18mm chipboard with supports no greater than 700mm apart.

Is plywood strong enough for a shelf?

Bookcase shelves that include face frames are the strongest. Build any bookcase using 3/4-inch plywood or hardwood solids. Stay with the correct spacing, and the bookcase shelves will not sag, but if you attempt to slide or move the bookcase, it can weaken joints on the frame.

Is MDF OK for shelving?

MDF is commonly used for shelving in closets and cabinets because it’s inexpensive and smooth. But MDF isn’t as stiff as plywood and will sag over time.

What is better for shelving MDF or plywood?

When it comes to strength, plywood is the winner. MDF is a softer material than plywood and tends to sag or split under pressure. That’s why it’s important to reinforce it if you’re going to using it to build shelves or other weight-bearing furniture.

Is 12mm MDF OK for shelves?

MDF is a good material for making shelves because it’s cheaper than plywood, it’s strong enough to carry light to medium loads, it’s easy to cut to size, has a smooth surface, and paint applies well to it. Additional stiffeners and supports can be added to the MDF shelves to allow for heavier loads.

Which is better MDF or particle board?

Particleboard is fine for utilitarian work, but MDF is preferred for furniture projects. MDF is smoother, takes better detail, holds screws better and paints very well once its edges are sealed. Whichever one you choose, use only carbide cutters, because the binders in the wood are very abrasive.

What are the disadvantages of MDF?

Disadvantages of MDF



Because it’s so dense, MDF is very heavy which can make it more difficult to work with. MDF can’t be stained. Not only does it soak up stain like a sponge but because there’s no wood grain on MDF, it looks awful when it’s stained. MDF contains VOCs (eg.

Does IKEA use particle board?

Much of the IKEA furniture is made from particleboard with a smooth, white finish. This densely compressed wood provides a lighter weight piece of furniture than solid wood.