APPENDIX A: Shelving

When making shelves for your floor-to-ceiling shelves or utility shelves, choose shelving materials appropriate for the loads they must support. Thin glass shelves or particleboard can easily support light loads, such as decorative glassware, but only the sturdiest shelves can hold a large television set or heavy reference books without bending or breaking.

The strength of a shelf depends on its span—the distance between vertical risers. In general, the span should be no more than 36" long.

Building your own shelves from finish-grade plywood edged with hardwood strips is a good choice for most carpentry projects. Edged plywood shelves are strong, attractive, and much less expensive than solid hardwood shelves.