What is the best wood for shelves? (10 ideas with pictures) | grail house (2023)

If you are making wooden shelves for the first time, one of your responsibilities will be to determine the best type of wood for the shelves. In general, you should look for hardwoods, as these species of wood are the most durable and will support the most weight. At the same time, you want to choose a wood that is both beautiful and affordable.

Below we take a look at the 10 best types of wood for shelves. Many carpenters use this type of wood to build shelves for its durability and appearance. Scroll down to learn more about these forests.

The 10 best woods for shelves

1.Mahogany

Mahogany is in great demand. It is harder than most other woods, including oak. This makes mahogany a great choice if you want a durable, scratch-resistant shelf. Mahogany also has a very classic, antique look that appeals to most.

The big drawback of mahogany is, of course, its price. Even unfinished mahogany can cost as much as $28 per plank foot, making it one of the most expensive woods on our list.

2.Roteiche

Red oak is a popular wood for both shelving makers and novice carpenters. Red oak looks much more elegant than it actually is due to its red grain. It has an exquisite color that will make any shelf look beautiful. At the same time, oak is very durable and inexpensive.

While red oak is relatively durable, it still dents relatively easily, although it is scratch resistant. It is also easily damaged by water, which means this is not the rack for you if you are going to be exposed to high humidity.

3.cherry

Cherry is considered one of the most aesthetic types of wood for shelving. Due to its rich red color and fine grain, it is often used for boards and panels. With proper care, the cherry tree is a favorite among collectors and antique lovers.

In addition to its beautiful appearance, the cherry is relatively easy to shape and polish. It's also one of the lightest woods on this list, making it easy to transport.

The big drawback of the cherry is its price. As you probably know, cherry is one of the most expensive woods you can get. Cherry wood often sells for over $100, although density can affect price.

4.murmur

Hickory is one of the strongest hardwoods in North America. You often have multiple shades on a single board, making it a beautiful option. At the same time, the walnut is incredibly strong, lasts a long time, and is relatively easy to work with.

The downside of walnut is that it is a bit expensive. Also, walnut wood can be scratched relatively easily, which means walnut wood is best suited for professional shelving that receives the utmost care and attention.

5.birch

Birch is an incredibly strong wood that is often used in cabinets and furniture. He can take a beating while still being relatively attractive. It can even take paint well, making it a great option if you plan to paint the shelf.

Like some of the other wood species on our list, birch is expensive. It can also crack and warp if left in an environment that is too dry.

6.Rand

If you already have different types of wood in your home, you probably want your shelves to match. Maple is a good wood for this reason. It is very strong and can be easily stained to match other parts of the room.

Maple, while beautiful, is not very weather resistant. For example, it is sensitive to fluctuations in humidity. The wood must also be sealed for uniform coloring.

7.padauk africano

African padauk is not a very common hardwood, but it is incredibly versatile and a good choice for interior shelving. It can be available in multiple colors to match any design or style. It is also resistant to rot and termite damage.

As the African padauk is not a common species of wood, it is the most difficult to find as it is not available from all wood dealers. Also, when you first work, it may give off an odor that some people are allergic to.

8.So

Koa, also known as Tigerwood, is a strong and durable wood. Interestingly, it is light in weight, which makes it a desirable wood, as it is easier to work with. It also has a distinctive look that many love and is waterproof.

Unfortunately, koa can be difficult to work with. If you are a beginner, you can choose a type of wood that is easier to work with. Also, it can be hard to find at some retailers.

9.douglas fir

Douglas is not among the strongest woods on our list, but it is a popular type of cabinet shelf. It's reliable, attractive, and affordable, depending on where you live. Because of this, Douglas fir is the best wood for cabinet shelves.

If you choose Douglas fir, you don't want to put undue pressure on the shelf. For example, Douglas fir is not the right choice forEntertainand other shelves that support an excessive amount of weight.

10Kiefer

The last type of wood on our list is pine. Pine isn't the most durable or strong wood, but it is lightweight and attractive. It is a good choice for beginners as it can be easily machined and even stained.

If you choose pine, be sure to use it for light work. Being a soft wood, it is more prone to breaking and not very resistant.

What wood should not be used for shelves?

whenever you aremake shelfAvoid soft wood and not too strong or easy to damage. For example, most softwoods and plywoods simply aren't strong and sturdy enough for a shelf. All of the above woods except Douglas Fir and Pine areHarthölzeras a result.

Whether you choose Douglas fir or pine, it's important that you match them for proper use. Any type of wood can make an excellent shelf for small decorative knick-knacks, but should not be used for shelving or other heavy-duty work.

You should also avoid any wood with large nuts or poor quality sides. AnyHolzWith these attributes, it will be a challenge to finish and paint it.

Diploma

The best wood for shelves is mahogany, red oak, or cherry. All three types of wood are highly durable, making them ideal for use in furniture. If you are on a tight budget, we recommendRoteicheespecial.

If you haven't settled on one of these three types of wood, all other types of wood will work as well. If you choose fir or Douglas fir, be careful when using it as it is a soft wood.

Selected Images Credit: Sergey Ryzhov, Shutterstock