What timber for built-in shelving?

SandraBeraud

Hello bunnings community,

I am building a built-in desk inset a window ceil with shelving that surrounds the window (sides and over). 

I have attached my rough plan for you to see. 

I am at the shelving stage now (desk and drawers are done) and I need to chose what type of timber to use. My main concern is that top horizontal shelf running along the top of the window. I am not sure I want to rely on studs (it is open shelving with no back, and the studs seem to be spaces out randomly) so I am hoping I can make a long horizontal shelves that will sit on top of the vertical ones on the left and right side of the window. 

But those 2 vertical shelves are quite far apart, almost 2 metres. What type of wood and thickness can I buy in one piece, not too expensive, that will not bend over time? I would put a lot of weight on them, just a few decorative items/books. 

Unless someone suggests another way? 

I also should add that unlike the sketch I made, I decided to run the desk and shelves on the right side of the window all the way to the right wall, so I can also use that right wall for more support. 

Lastly, please don't roast me too much for my skills, I am a beginner, working with very basic tools at this stage but hoping I can learn! 

Thanks for your help! 

MitchellMc

Welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community @SandraBeraud. It's sensational to have you join us, and many thanks for your question about creating shelves.

For the top horizontal shelf spanning across the window, you’ll definitely want to incorporate some form of support beyond just relying on the vertical shelves at either end. A two-metre unsupported span is simply too long for most types of timber, especially if you plan to add books or decorative items on top. Even thick timber like 50mm hardwood is likely to bow over time without proper support.

If you’re boxing in that top section with timber running both above and below the shelf, and using vertical supports as part of the design, that will certainly help increase the rigidity. However, to properly secure it, you'll need to fix it back to the wall studs using multiple L-brackets or similar internal fasteners. Even if the stud spacing isn’t ideal, you can still place brackets where studs are available to share the load and help prevent sagging.

There isn’t really a budget-friendly timber that can span two metres unsupported and not bow eventually. Your best approach is to use reasonably priced timber like dressed pine or timber panels, and then brace it effectively with brackets into the wall. Using the adjacent wall on the right for extra anchoring is a smart move and will definitely help.

Please let me know if you have any questions.

Mitchell