I'm new to woodworking and need some tips on selecting wood for a heavy duty floating shelf. My fiancée wants a wide shelf, measuring about 2x8 inches and around 8 to 10 feet long. I have a few basic tools, including drills and a circular saw, but I'm hesitant to spend too much on lumber. I've been looking at cheaper dimensional lumber, but I'm not sure it's up to the task. Additionally, hardwood tends to be quite pricey, especially since I need about five boards. What's a good budget-friendly option for this project?
3 Answers
You should check out some local sawmills; they can often give you good deals on the wood you need. It’s worth asking around to see what options you have nearby!
If you're worried about the quality of the dimensional lumber, it might be worth reaching out to local hardwood dealers instead of big-box stores. I recently got some red oak for under $5 per board foot, which was much cheaper than what I found at places like Home Depot. You might need to budget a bit more, but you'll likely find better quality wood!
About that hole you mentioned – are you planning a pocket hole screw? For a floating shelf your size, you'll definitely need a strong bracket to support it. Dimensional lumber can work, but if you’re really a beginner, it might be better to start with something that's not too expensive. That way, if things go wrong, you won’t be losing too much money!
I was looking at Home Depot too, but their prices seem high. Thanks for the tip on local dealers!