MDF for shelving?

dal · 23 Nov 2016 at 15:32

Hi all, I've got a 500 x 900 shelf to put up in a cupboard, I was going to use 18mm MDF but then I remembered the mdf shelves I put up in the garage had bowed quite badly, I'm wondering if this is because it is damp in the garage.
Do you think mdf would be ok indoors?

cheesyboy · 23 Nov 2016 at 15:43

You need the sagulator:

http://www.woodbin.com/calcs/sagulator/

Plywood will bend less and weigh less, but might be more difficult to get a nice edge

Bunka · 23 Nov 2016 at 15:45

I'd go for real wood if you can, even if it's just pine.

pepp77 · 23 Nov 2016 at 15:56

I have MDG shelving in the alcove area above my stairs outside the bathroom, no issues with them that I have experienced.

NotAGolf · 23 Nov 2016 at 16:26

dal said:
Hi all, I've got a 500 x 900 shelf to put up in a cupboard, I was going to use 18mm MDF but then I remembered the mdf shelves I put up in the garage had bowed quite badly, I'm wondering if this is because it is damp in the garage.
Do you think mdf would be ok indoors?

What sort of size are the ones in your garage that bowed and what sort of weight is on them?

I'm planning to do exactly the same as you under my stairs (much like pepp actually). I've already go the MDF so that decision has been made, but I was toying with the idea of running some extra support underneath the shelves.

The sagulator (great name) seems to think I'll be alright...

a1ex2001 · 23 Nov 2016 at 22:22

Support is the key!

dal · 25 Nov 2016 at 00:39

mpledge52 said:
What sort of size are the ones in your garage that bowed and what sort of weight is on them?

I'm planning to do exactly the same as you under my stairs (much like pepp actually). I've already go the MDF so that decision has been made, but I was toying with the idea of running some extra support underneath the shelves.

The sagulator (great name) seems to think I'll be alright...

hi adieu for the late reply been quite busy, size of shelves are about 800 x 300 with aprox 5 kg in them. Originally they had 2 brackets supporting them they now have 4, it looks a little daft but hey ho is a garage. Putting some support battens under them is the way to go