I'm installing a wall shelf in my garage where the brackets are spaced 32" apart. I'm trying to decide between using plywood or common board for the shelf. There's not much humidity here throughout the year, but I've heard plywood can sag under heavy loads like books. What do you all think would be the better option?
2 Answers
There's a tool called the 'sagulator' that can help you figure this out! You can enter the dimensions of your shelf along with the material and weight, and it will let you know if it might sag. It's really useful for this kind of decision.
Both plywood and common board can work, but if aesthetics matter to you, common board might look nicer on the edges. Think about how much weight you'll be putting on the shelf and how thick each material is. If you go with the same thickness, like 1" or 3/4", that could help in making your decision. Just keep weight in mind!