Types of Wood to Build Shelves

The type of wood to build shelves will depend on how cute want the shelf to look when it is finished and how heavy the items are that will be placed on it.

Softwood

One option is softwood pine, which is strong, can be cut and worked with easily; it takes paint and dye well, and is quite cheap. Softwoods are easily put together with screws.

Hardwoods

Hardwoods are another selection of solid wood and are more suitable for high quality parts that will be dyed. Hardwood is strong and durable, but is an expensive option.

Plywood

Plywood is made of wood that can be purchased in degrees depending on how smooth and free of knots. Plywood B/C is good for shelf space, but the furniture quality is the right choice for use in living spaces. Plywood is not as expensive as hardwood, is strong and easy to cut.

Medium Density Fiberboard

The medium density fiberboard is made of wood powder that has been heavily compressed and bonded with glue. This is soft, it works easily and looks good, but does not accept dye well. The MDF needs support in long lengths and can swell when wet.

Laminates

Made of cheap wood with a thin sheet, usually white, applied on the surface. Laminates are good for shelves designed to hold light loads.