Guides

Guides and references

Everything you need to plan and build custom shelving, in one place. Start with the full build guide, or jump straight to a reference.

Guide

• Build custom shelving

  The full step-by-step: measure, choose a material, keep a safe span, anchor, and build.

• Tools for DIY furniture

  What every tool does, when you need it, a cheaper route, and how to use it safely.

References

• Standard shelf dimensions

  Typical depth, spacing between shelves, and safe spans in 18 mm MDF.

• Shelf materials

  MDF, plywood, or pine: which holds best, and when to use each.

• Shelf weight capacity

  How much a shelf can hold, and how to hold more without sagging.

• Shelving hardware

  Screws, dowels, pins, and anchors, with a metric-imperial table.

• Wall anchoring

  When anti-tip anchoring is required, and how to fix to a stud.

• Wall types

  Masonry, stud, or plasterboard: how to tell them apart, and what each holds.