I'm planning to build pantry shelving out of some scrap 2x4s to replace my flimsy wire shelves. The shelves will be less than 4 feet long, and the bottom shelf will be the deepest at about 12 to 14 inches. I only have a table saw and want to minimize waste, but I'm unsure about the thickness of the boards I should rip them down to. I was thinking about ripping the rounded edges off and maybe cutting them into three 3/4" pieces each. Is 3/4" too thin for pantry shelving? Any tips on how to best maximize the use of these boards?
1 Answer
3/4" should be fine for your shelves. Honestly, even 1/2" could work if you support them well to prevent any sagging. Just keep in mind that ripping those 2x4s could release some internal tension, leading to potential bowing. So, you might want to add extra support to keep everything in place.
You read my mind there! Since I’m using Home Depot lumber, I was already thinking about adding bracing to deal with any warping. Do you think a 3/4" shelf would sag over the 4' span? I thought it’d be solid, but I’ll make sure to add some supports.