Which wood for making display shelves?

[doutt1]

Hi there, my son is going to make me some open display shelves for ornaments and photo frames.  I live in a country style open plan single level home.  Can you advise which type of woods are ideal to use for this project.  I would like the ends of the wood to be rounded.

[Noyade]

Hi @doutt1 

I like dressed pine, but plenty of other choices out there. Not too expensive and easy to work with.

Does your son have a design to share?

"Rounded" - with a router? 

The walls - brick? - gyprock?

[EricL]

Hello @doutt1 

Welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community. It's sensational to have you join us, and thanks for sharing your question about wooden shelves.

It's great that you've received excellent advice from @Noyade. Pine is the most affordable of the timber pieces you can use and comes in various sizes and thicknesses. But there are also timber panels such as:

• SpecRite 1800 x 405mm 18mm Timber Panel Beech FJ Laminated
   
• 1800 x 600 x 19mm Timber Panel Tasmanian Oak FJ Laminated Feature Grade 
   
• Specrite 1800 x 405 x 18mm Golden Teak Acacia Multi Use Panel 
   
• SpecRite 1200 x 405mm 18mm Timber Panel Merbau FJ Laminated 
   
• SpecRite 1200 x 600mm 18mm Timber Panel Okoume FJ Laminated 
   
• Specrite 1800 x 600 x 18mm Timber Panel Beech FJ Laminated 

It is possible to cut them down to size and router them to achieve the rounded profile you are looking for. They can be supported with angle brackets and be attached to various surfaces from brick to plasterboard. My best advice is to seal the timber pieces to make sure that they don't warp when exposed to moisture in the air.

If you need further assistance, please let us know.  

Eric