How to build a closet shelf?

[Tshelf]

Hello,

I'm planning on adding some extra shelving to a bedroom closet without having to do too much work or modifications. One shelf spanning the entire length and a couple on the side. It won't be holding up anything too heavy, 20kg max. The door is 1700mm high so I might make the shelf shorter than 1730mm just so its easier to fit inside and maneuver.

I'm thinking of using cleats attached to the wall studs and door frame to support the shelf. Will 42x18mm finger jointed pine work?

Aluminum Angle instead of 2nd Cleat

Alternatively, could a 16x16mm Aluminum Angle attached to the door frame with a wooden cleat on the opposite wall do the same job? Not the biggest fan of how thick it looks with the pine and shelf together..

I'm debating on whether to use Custompine Particleboard Shelving or Specrite Formply.  The particleboard wont fill the whole depth of the closet so I would need to use a different way to support it.

[EricL]

Hello @Tshelf 

Thanks for posting those diagrams, it makes it so much clearer on what you are planning to do. I'm a big fan of cleats and 42x18 timber pine and I believe it will work just fine, but if you prefer angle brackets my best advice would be to make sure that the ends and middle are supported and that the brackets and the shelf itself is anchored properly together. I propose using the SpecRite 2400 x 1200mm 17mm Formply F17 seeing as it will work better with the measurements that you have.

Let me call on our experienced members @Dave-1 and @Nailbag for their recommendations.

If you need further assistance, please let us know.

Eric

[Nailbag]

Hi @Tshelf 

I would go with the 42mm x 19mm DAR pine around all sides but not across the opening, that way you won't see the thickness of the support pine against your shelf material. You won't need any thing fancy like a cleat. Simply brad or screw fix to the studs and angled into each corner of the cupboard. Add wood glue to the back of the pine for extra strength and stability. This is how I have installed shelves many times and will be plenty strong enough for your purpose without bowing.

Nailbag

[Dave-1]

Good evening @Tshelf 

I like the 42*18mm cleats you have meantioned, I think they wouls work well for holding up the shelf. I would also screw through 2 or 3 rails on the underside of the laminate sheet to stop it from wanting to bow/dip with time. Two for sure, three would be nice, 400mm in either end and one in the middle. That way you have your two cleats, the particle board sits on top of them and the "rails" are screwed to the particle board only. (same vertical as the cleats)

Dave

[Tshelf]

Thanks for the advice everyone, here's my revised plan for the shelf. I'm thinking of making the shelf itself 500x1600mm so I can fit it into the narrow space. I worried that there won't be enough wiggle room if I tried fitting and turning a 1700mm shelf in a 1730mm space, or am I overthinking things?

[JacobZ]

Hi @Tshelf,

Assuming your measurements are precise and your cuts are accurate, you should be able to get the original design in place without too much trouble. Having done a lot of work installing sheet products in tight spaces, angling the sheet, lightly flexing it when required and using the diagonal space that is provided, I can say you'd be surprised how precise you can get in tight spaces.

I'd try the original sizing, and if you struggle too much, you can always take it out and cut it shorter.

Let me know what you think and if you have any further questions, please don't hesitate to ask.

Jacob

[Tshelf]

Hi JacobZ,

I'll do as you suggested and have a go installing it at the original length. I've marked out how I want to split the Formply, will there be any issues getting it cut to these specifications in store? I'm unsure if there's any restrictions when it comes to getting things cut in store. The blue piece is for the shelf and the red/yellow will be for a future project. I'll trim it down to 1700mm with a circular saw.

[Dave-1]

Evening @Tshelf 

The Bunnings staff can generally do cuts, just not specific cuts at accurate lengths So they could cut a piece of timber at say 1.5m but not 1.55m 

Have a chat with the staff doing the cutting in the timber yard at your local Bunnings is the best way to see what level they cut to

I have found them to be pretty helpful when I have wanted something trimmed down to fit in my car.

Dave

[EricL]

Hello @Tshelf 

That is spot on advice from @Dave-1. The store can't do precision cuts as the shop saws are too rough and too big causing the cuts to be offset.

If you need further assistance, please let us know.

Eric

[Nailbag]

I agree with @Dave-1 and if you go early arvo on a weekday when the timber yards are quieter the guy running the saw will usually spend the extra time to give you a pretty accurate measured cut. Especially as all yours are all major lengths and not incremental.

Nailbag