- This topic has 4 replies, 5 voices, and was last updated 13 years, 8 months ago by .
-
Posts
-
I have my Chosson’s Shas in the center of my bookcase, but because it is so heavy, the shelf is beginning to bend. I would rather leave it there then move it to the bottom shelf (which would be more sturdy) because I want my Shas to be in the center of my seforim. Does anyone have any ideas how to strengthen a wooden shelf so that it could hold more weight?
Plywood is stronger than real wood of the same thickness. Get a plywood shelf, stain/paint it to match the rest of your bookshelf and put some kind of decorative molding on the outer edge to cover up the seams.
Get shelves made from lumber core plywood. Or if your existing shelves are thick you can cut grooves in them and inlay steel bars.
just turn the shelf upside down, it will give you a few more months for free!
If your shelf is currently pine, plywood will be stronger – I’d try “ItcheSrulik”s idea first.
Depending on your bookcase’s construction, you may be able to try one of the following ideas:
1) Attach a 2×4 to the back edge of the shelf for additional rigidity (a 1×3 or other piece of wood can also be used, but will add less strength). Go thru the top of the shelf into the short side of the 2×4.
2) Use an angled brace to support the shelf from the middle. This may only be feasible if you can screw into a stud behind the bookcase, since the backing itself usually doesn’t have much strength.
3) Use a double thickness shelf. You can use two layers of pine or plywood. If you glue and screw the layers together they will be stronger and more rigid.
4) Attach a piece of angled metal that’s used as a corner piece for metal shelving along the back edge of the shelf. (Sorry, I don’t know what this piece of metal is called, but it’s quite strong – I see it used to support air conditioners in the top of windows.)
There are 3/4″ and 1.5″ widths of molding sold in all shapes (half round, flat, beaded, etc.) that can conceal plywood edges, joints, etc.
- You must be logged in to reply to this topic.