When considering what type of wood to choose to make a shelf, there are a number of factors to consider. First, you should consider what you will end up doing with the shelf. Next, you should consider how you will finish the shelf. Will you paint or stain it? Finally, think about some structural cues.

What Will the Shelf Be Holding?

First, it is important to determine what you will be doing with the shelf. Will you be storing your rock collection or your feather collection on it? Obviously, the heavier the objects that will be stored on the shelf, the sturdier the shelf should be. Most wooden shelves are made of one inch thick material (called a one-by, and its actual thickness is ¾ of an inch thick). You then choose the appropriate depth and length for your project. If you will need to store heavy items on the shelf, you can consider using a two-inch thick board (called a two-by, and its actual thickness is 1 ¾ inches thick). Also, some wood is stronger than others, with oak and walnut being two of the stronger woods available. Almost all hardwoods are suitable for higher weights. Standard lumber, called SPF, which is short for Spruce-Pine-Fir because the lumber could be any one of the three, would be one of the weaker options available. Finally, to further strengthen your shelf, you can put the shelf supports closer together. The more supports, the stronger the shelf.

How Will You Finish the Shelf?

Next, consider how you want the shelf to look. If you will be painting it, you can pick your shelf strictly on its structural properties. In that case, if you do not need it to hold heavy objects or you will be placing a lot of supports, SPF lumber is fine because it is the cheapest and you will be painting it so the look of the wood is not important. However, if you will be varnishing or staining the shelf, you may want to consider a hardwood. Different hardwoods look very different, so choose a walnut or cherry board carefully. Of course, pine can be stained to look like most other woods, but the grain of the wood will always be a giveaway.

Structure Is Important

Finally, no matter what particular type of wood you chose (pine, oak, walnut and so forth), make sure to choose the best specific board from that species. The most important thing to look for is knots. Any loose knots can fall out and leave a hole in your shelf. Also, if you are not painting it, keep in mind the visual appeal of the grain and any water marks on the board. Also, make sure to get a board that is dry, straight, and does not have any warping, cupping, or bowing. The easiest way to do this is to hold the board to your eye and look down the length of it to see if it is straight.