How to install a shelving panel in laundry renovation?

CarlL

Hi, all.

I am currently renovating my laundry and going to install a panel on top of the high cabinet running from one side to the other to create more shelving space (See Image 1). The space spans 1.88m, all three cabinets are 600mm in width.

As I plan to tile the back and side wall below the panel (See Blue shaded area in Image 2), should I install back and side cleats above and screw the shelf into cleats instead of having cleats installed underneath the panel like the conventional way??

Also, the thickness of panel is 12mm. Would that be too thin to provide structural stability??

(BTW, it is proposed to be linen space or for laundry products. not going to place heavy items on it.)

Overall, is the way I am going to do this project a good practice? or there is a better one?

Thanks in advance.

MitchellMc

Hi @CarlL,

I think your idea of using cleats above the shelf is a good one, particularly as it will leave the underside clear for your tiling.

However, I wouldn't recommend using 12mm board across that span. It simply isn't rigid enough for shelving over 1200mm and, even with only lightweight items stored on it, I'd expect it to sag over time. It could potentially even develop a noticeable bow under its own weight.

I'd recommend stepping up to 16mm whitecoat particle board. Even then, I'd use your cleat idea but run 42 x 19mm timber along the back and sides, securely fixed into the wall studs, and also add a 42 x 19mm timber support along the front edge. This will substantially increase the rigidity of the shelf and provide a neat finished edge.

I've put together the rendering below to illustrate what I mean.

Let me tag @ethanjackson4, @sroberts7879, @AJaye, @lozbourne, @MaryBryce and @nyoung_34, who have all recently contributed their own amazing laundry renovations to see if they have any thoughts.

Please let me know if you have any questions.

Mitchell