What screws for shelving unit?

TaylaB

  

Hi,

I am needing to construct a shelving unit for toy storage that will go inside a wardrobe. I have posted the photos of what I am needing to build. The plans use thicker timber (2x4s), and list the materials and sizes in US measurements. I was planning on using Pine 64x19mm timber as I don’t need it to be super heavy duty, what type/size timber screws would I need for the pine 64x19mm thickness? 

Also what screw size would I use when screwing the ply boards into the frame? 
The plans use 1 3/4” self tapping star bit screws and 1/2” plywood boards, screwing down into the 2x4s.

But I’d be using 12mm plywood, screwing into the 64x19mm pine pieces. 

Hope that makes sense? 

JacobZ

Hi @TaylaB,

A warm welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community, it is fantastic to have you with us.

It's fantastic to see you are looking to get stuck into a shelving project. I'm excited to see what you come up with.

While you should be fine using 64x19mm timber for a lightweight storage shelf, make sure you are not using finger-jointed timber, as the joints are a structural weakness that can cause the timber to snap under a relatively small amount of weight. A finger joint looks like this.

 

Make sure whatever timber you use does not have FJ in the description. This 64 x 19mm 2.4m DAR Pine will be fine. 

In terms of screws, you can use a these 75mm Gold Passivated Type 17 Countersunk Head Timber Screws wherever the plans call for 3-inch screws.

For attaching the 12mm (1/2 inch) plywood to the frame, use Zenith 10G x 30mm Gold Passivated Type 17 Countersunk Head Timber Screws. 

Being 19mm thick timber, it is fairly susceptible to splitting, so you'll want to ensure that you predrill every screw hole. In my experience, a 3mm drill bit is a good size for predrilling most screws, but you may want to compare them to ensure it will work well. You want a drill bit that is about the same diameter as the central shaft of the screw but smaller than the thread. If you head to the tool shop with your screws, I am sure the team would be happy to assist with this.

It would also be worth grabbing a countersink bit to countersink your pilot holes so that the screws sit flush or slightly below the surface of the timber.

If you had any other questions while looking through your plans, please don't hesitate to ask.

Also, please remember to upload some photos of your completed shelves. I am excited to see what you come up with.

Jacob