How to add shelves to an existing cupboard?

[Dray1]

Afternoon,

I am looking to add shelves into and existing cupboard to store appliances (mixer, fryer etc.), shelves will be approximately 460mm x 380mm.  Looking at the existing shelf it is just sitting on some slats around the edges and nailed close to the corners.  Top appears glued on also, no screws or noses can be seen.

What would be the best way to get this done?  I was thinking MDF board and right angle brackets, but if I can use MDF boards screwed to the inside of the cupboard as supports that will be fine as well.  Is this a good approach? 

A few questions I need some guidance with.

Would I be able to use a multi tool to cut the boards to the required size?

Is MDF boards appropriate or should something else be used? And what thickness?

What can the shelves sit on, timber screw fine?

Thanks very much for you help.

Dray

[JacobZ]

Hi @Dray1,

Your best option is to more or less replicate what has already been done, but I'd suggest screws instead of nails. The fact that nails were used implies there are timber studs behind them, so timber screws will be fine.

I'd suggest you use a similar profile of timber for the cleats. It looks like they've used something like this 66 x 18mm DAR for their cleats. They can be cut to length and screwed to the studs using 50mm timber screws.

Yes, you could use MDF for the shelf, or you could use melamine, which comes prefinished and will look like the other shelf. Either option will be fine as long as the sheet is at least 15mm thick.

You could use a multitool to cut the shelf and cleats, but it would take a long time and wouldn't be the most accurate way of doing it. You would be much better off using a circular saw.

Let me know if you have any further questions.

Jacob