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GrimResistance t1_j9ez2kh wrote

With that short of a span anything from 3/4" mdf and stronger will work fine.

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TheEngineer09 t1_j9ez9a7 wrote

Depends on your skill level and budget. Melamine is great for shelves, though the size you mention may require good supports to prevent long term drooping. But it looks nice and there are whole assembly methods for it. Plywood is a good option for larger shelves. Get sanded interior plywood, not exterior grade. Takes more time to finish, normally you'd want to glue on a piece of hardwood to the edge, or use edge banding, to hide the layered edge. I just did a whole closet with 3/4 maple plywood that I stained white and then put a finish over. The most expensive option is solid wood boards. Getting something that comes 17"+wide will be really expensive. Likely you'll need to buy narrower and glue up the larger panels. Pine boards are fine, just spend the time finding clean straight boards. Hardwood boards are honestly overkill for shelves and will be your most expensive option.

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WoodntULike2Know t1_j9f1qb8 wrote

It depends on what and how much you are going to put on them. A thicker hardwood will hold a a ton. Melamine will sag. And probably not an issue, but if the melamine or plywood get wet that can cause other issues.

I would use 5/4 Poplar. Any decent lumber supplier can make the shelves in the size you need. The cost would should be comparable to high quality ply. And less labor. Google "hardwood supplier" to find one near you.

No worries about finishing the edges, plus Poplar takes paint great.

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BOHIFOBRE t1_j9f35yl wrote

3/4" birch. It's strong and finishes well. Not crazy expensive either

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rmwright70 t1_j9f53w5 wrote

Anything but Pine. Now Pine is a great wood for others, I just cannot stand the smell of it for long, and the thought of my clothes stinking of it... (shudder). Source, I worked in a pine sawmill for a few years, cleaned too much pine tar/sap off surfaces.

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bearr007 t1_j9f87em wrote

Just get any hard wood. For as small as you are saying it shouldn’t cost much for a lifetime fix.

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No_Priority7696 t1_j9fcu18 wrote

I just filled out a whole condo with shelves and just used 1x 8/10/12 D , cleated them in all good. If your not comfortable joining boards I got some 24 in engineered planks from Lowe’s that I just cut to fit

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duggatron t1_j9fd89g wrote

Replying to TheEngineer09 (#1,899,447)

I agree with most of this comment except for the hardwood boards being overkill. If this pantry is going to endure for decades, it's worth using hardwood just to reduce the dents and shallow gouges that come from regular use.

Maple is about 3x harder than pine, and it will look considerably better after a decade of use than a bunch of 1 by from Home Depot.

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TheEngineer09 t1_j9fdv6n wrote

Replying to duggatron (#1,901,024)

For an actual pantry I agree. They said this is just for clothes and shoes though, the abuse should be pretty minimal. Doesn't mean you can't use hardwood, I just don't think it's required for such a low abuse application.

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KakariBlue t1_j9ff5wy wrote

Replying to glycinedream (#1,900,988)

Not that I think you'd use it without intending to (or not noticing the smell) but cedar. It's often intentionally added to keep pests out of clothes though.

I've had a lot of pine and never found the smell bad while some plywood and MDF smelled like their glues and took forever to air out.

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ttt247 t1_j9ffo3o wrote

They sell pre-primed closet parts, referred to as shelf and pole, at many lumber supply houses. You can get shelf, cleat, and whatever else. It will usually be a sturdy MDF. It will have a radiused edge, etc. It's definitely your cheapest easiest route for getting decent looking shelves. Cleating the back wall and both sides is mandatory.

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Smileyfacedchiller t1_j9fijai wrote

3/4" MDF. It is stronger than real wood, won't warp unless it gets really wet, is easier to paint and is cheaper than wood.

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iRamHer t1_j9fmmca wrote

that's up to you. each will have different qualities and sag under its own weight to a point. your span isn't long, it's the weight that matters, and how you're supporting it.

in most choices I'll choose whatever plywood looks decent/ decent priced I would stay away from 1/4", but if you're just stacking some paper towels it'll work. I use 3/4" minimum but 1/2" will work great for most people's needs. if you face it with 1x2" material and support on 3 sides you add significant resistance to sag.

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celticchrys t1_j9fqre6 wrote

Half inch thick plywood, edged with 1x1 or 1x2 oak supports. Never moves. I know some pantry shelves like this that are almost 30 years old and have never sagged. Filled with canned goods for most of that time.

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Azron21 t1_j9ftiam wrote

If you can get 1x2 slats of Cedar and make shelves out of that it will smell beautiful.

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pinledge t1_j9fv90k wrote

Clear (no knots) southern yellow pine if it is sold in your part of the country. Paints well, very stiff, fairly hard

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kenb190 t1_j9fvnoj wrote

Honestly as a hobbyist who has spent hundreds of hours working on custom pieces and hundreds of hours working on my own home I recommend an affordable plywood in a pine or poplar skin, and then use poplar as a finish/ trim. Poplar is still a lighter material very affordable from most mills that arent mega stores like lowes or hd. It sands well, has zero sap, minimal knots, and paints or stains really well. The plywood even a cheaper variety will hold almost any amount of weight you put on it as long as you tie the structure into your studs.

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Lasciels_Toy t1_j9g279o wrote

Replying to TheEngineer09 (#1,899,447)

I would suggest going with radiata ply over sanded. Better finish and cheaper locally at home depot, with the cost being that usually 1 side is better than the other. It's my go to since the COVID price increases.

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here-for-the-_____ t1_j9g2wag wrote

I just did a pantry with 3/4 inch melamine, but for clothes, go for cedar. It will smell nice and is a natural bug deterrent. Totally worth the extra cost.

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SnakeJG t1_j9g5kh4 wrote

That's a pretty small span, especially if you are supporting it on three sides or are fixing it to the side supports, basically half, 5/8 or 3/4 inch anything (not mdf) will do. Assuming 1.5 inch wide supports, that knocks your span down to 25".

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musical_throat_punch t1_j9g6z1m wrote

Replying to N_channel_device (#1,902,863)

Over kill is always better than just good enough. How else will you support Costco size box of *edit corn starch. I mean, she said she needed some and you were being thoughtful when you were there last and you didn't realize she only needed half a cup.

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quickthyme t1_j9geabc wrote

If it were me, and I was making this for clothes and/or shoes, I'd probably go with cedar.

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wildcarde815 t1_j9gexyq wrote

3/4" interior grade ply w/ a poplar 1x2 edge band. All of that should take paint really well without too much fuss. Poly clear coat should look nice too. If you were planning to store like... soaps or such, make sure you seal the surfaces well beforehand.

You could go to half inch ply but you'll need your span between supports to be narrower.

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blackgaletiger t1_j9gg2y3 wrote

Melamine is the most common material i seen used for shelves. Its easy to work with and can support a lot of weight. The banding edge gives the shelf a clean look and its not that expensive either.

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potatodevi1 t1_j9goq1m wrote

Plywood with edge banding or hardwood trim to cover the edge. Could probably get away with 1/2" but better to use something like 3/4" to prevent future sagging

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rapratt101 t1_j9gwxi0 wrote

I’ve built out all of the closets in every home we’ve owned. I’ve done them all with Melamine boards from Home Depot or Lowe’s. Easy to install (with a little knowledge) and limited finish work required.

People on here are mentioning sagging - if it’s the right thickness for the span and supported correctly, it lasts great.

For the width, I’d get 3/4” thick. If possible, support on the sides and back. The span will be fine if you have it supported along the entire back.

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New_Engine_7237 t1_j9hgn35 wrote

I would use the wire shelves. Wood will eventually sag.

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Bleejis_Krilbin t1_j9hm67l wrote

I used white pine common boards and they have been great for the last five years.

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Kflynn1337 t1_j9hslcy wrote

Personally, I'd go with ceder if you're storing clothes in there. It'll help keep moths away.

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argleblather t1_j9hu2f5 wrote

For a closet for clothing- I would probably get cedar and just make sure there are plenty of supports.

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NortWind t1_j9hu45h wrote

Birch laminate would be good, I think.

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LostThis t1_j9i4q9x wrote

3/4” thick anything , but never use melamine or MDF.

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LostThis t1_j9i5fzq wrote

Replying to glycinedream (#1,912,373)

Plywood is stronger and, if you’re sensitive to off-gassing, melamine is loaded with chemicals.Many cheap building products are unfortunately. That and it tends to mushrooms up if you are using nails or screws.

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