I have to erect some shelves: 22 inches wide, supported at the ends by heavy-duty bookcase-type uprights and brackets. This is to hold fairly weighty audio-video equipment. Given an equal thickness (18mm? 20mm? More?) and a choice between MDF, plywood, veneered chipboard, solid timber or something else, would any particular material be preferable? 22 inches isn't much of a span, is it? And appearance isn't really a factor. Many thanks.

I try to use solid wood as I find it stiffer under heavy loads. Some softwoods are not much better than ply. MMDF I find sags with time as do some chipboards.

Which material for shelving?

Apr 25, 2017 64 Replies

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Dave Plowman (News) 9 years ago

No wood is. That's one of its virtues.

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Vir Campestris 9 years ago

I just spent my day in a plywood boat. It seems pretty rigid to me.

Andy

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The Natural Philosopher 9 years ago

The boat maybe. The plywood? Nope.

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dennis 9 years ago

Jumbo jet wings are very rigid, but they bend by several metres in flight. Just as well they do or they would break.

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Adrian Caspersz 9 years ago

Yup, I found that :-(

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