MDF / Particleboard / Solid for Closet Shelving

redpanda · 06-10-2010, 05:12 PM

My husband and I are planning to install some shelves in our closets and I am wondering if it makes sense for us to shell out on solid wood shelves instead of MDF or particleboard. How much extra would solid shelves cost, both for DIY and professional installation? (We may opt for professional in one larger, more complicated install). Does solid wood add considerably to the durability or look to the shelving, or have other benefits? I've been googling on this forever and can't find any pros/cons discussion, but it seems like people are generally really happy with both MDF and particleboard shelving so I am leaning this way, but my husband is leaning towards solid. Any advice would be appreciated. Thanks!

**oh'mike** · 06-10-2010, 05:25 PM

Just my opinion based on experience---Skip MDF to much sag--Particle board is much better--

3/4" cabinet ply wood is my first choice--with a nice edge band to hide the plys.

Solid wood--hardwood--would be a fine choice--but the cost might be shocking.---Mike---

jlhaslip · 06-11-2010, 03:45 AM

mdf shelving is fine as long as a front edge stiffener is glued/nailed onto it.

bigkev.com.au · 06-11-2010, 06:22 AM

i would do a solid timber shelf and make it out of 19mm pine and laminate to make it to the right size .

redpanda · 06-16-2010, 02:22 PM

We've decided not to go with solid wood due to the cost issue. Thanks for the advice!

Yoyizit · 06-16-2010, 02:53 PM

http://www.woodbin.com/calcs/sagulator.htm

06-10-2010, 05:12 PM	#1
redpanda Newbie Join Date: Jun 2010 Posts: 6	MDF / Particleboard / Solid for Closet Shelving My husband and I are planning to install some shelves in our closets and I am wondering if it makes sense for us to shell out on solid wood shelves instead of MDF or particleboard. How much extra would solid shelves cost, both for DIY and professional installation? (We may opt for professional in one larger, more complicated install). Does solid wood add considerably to the durability or look to the shelving, or have other benefits? I've been googling on this forever and can't find any pros/cons discussion, but it seems like people are generally really happy with both MDF and particleboard shelving so I am leaning this way, but my husband is leaning towards solid. Any advice would be appreciated. Thanks!

06-10-2010, 05:25 PM	#2
oh'mike Super Moderator Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Kane county,Illinois Posts: 16,724	MDF / Particleboard / Solid for Closet Shelving Just my opinion based on experience---Skip MDF to much sag--Particle board is much better-- 3/4" cabinet ply wood is my first choice--with a nice edge band to hide the plys. Solid wood--hardwood--would be a fine choice--but the cost might be shocking.---Mike---

06-11-2010, 06:22 AM	#4
bigkev.com.au Newbie Join Date: Jun 2010 Posts: 2	MDF / Particleboard / Solid for Closet Shelving i would do a solid timber shelf and make it out of 19mm pine and laminate to make it to the right size .

06-16-2010, 02:22 PM	#5
redpanda Newbie Join Date: Jun 2010 Posts: 6	MDF / Particleboard / Solid for Closet Shelving We've decided not to go with solid wood due to the cost issue. Thanks for the advice!

06-16-2010, 02:53 PM	#6
Yoyizit It was a dark and stormy Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: NW of D.C. Posts: 5,954	MDF / Particleboard / Solid for Closet Shelving http://www.woodbin.com/calcs/sagulator.htm

MDF / Particleboard / Solid for Closet Shelving