Do you have to use certain planks for a shelf?

[Bissy]

I want to put a single shelf at the back of my small WC. The studs aren’t terribly far apart, and with all the floating and single shelves I have looked at, they insist on using “hidden” fixtures which mean I would have to use the preset distance between the holes in the back of the shelf.

This might be a silly question, but if I just put brackets up, could I use any light plank of wood or wood laminate as a shelf? Or what specifically should I use? It won’t be holding much weight.

 

[Jewelleryrescue]

Hi @Bissy 

Yes any material will do pine is a light but  strong material and paintable etc.

I Have another way of making light weight shelves you might like.

See cutaway  drawing . In the WC just make sure it is Flush with the wall

light shelf

Metal Mate 20 x 20 x 1.5mm 1m Aluminium Channel I /N: 1079323  $20.31

https://www.bunnings.com.au/metal-mate-20-x-20-x-1-5mm-1m-aluminium-channel_p1079323

[Bissy]

Great! That’s good to know. Thank you!

[EricL]

Hello @Bissy

Thanks for sharing your question about making your own shelf. If you are using pine it's best to protect it from moisture and condensation. I suggest using Cabot's 500ml Satin Water Based Exterior Clear. If you are using angle brackets, I suggest using Ramset 8 x 50mm Universal Anchor - 4 Pack. Although it is ideal to anchor your shelf brackets to the studs in the wall, the universal anchors will work even if it is just plasterboard. Please make sure not to forget to buy the screws for your shelf while you're in the store.

For your safety and protection, please make sure to wear gloves, goggles and a dust mask when doing any carpentry work.

If you need further assistance, please let us know.

Eric

[Jason]

Hey @Bissy,

Hope you've found the replies helpful. 

I just thought I'd add that there's lots of inspiration on Workshop to draw from such as @Rodney's toilet roll holder shelf and @Tara86's pallet timber floating shelf. There's also this very popular guide: How to build a toilet roll holder shelf.

Jason

[MitchellMc]

Hi @Bissy,

I just wanted to clarify that floating shelves don't need to be installed into your studs unless they are holding huge amounts of weight. For this area, you can just install a floating shelf onto the plaster.

I have a couple of shelves right next to me now, somewhere between the studs. I think I might have one mounting hole over a stud which I just used a screw for. The other holes are mounted to the plaster with the supplied fittings. Took about 15mins to install both shelves. However, the toilet roll holder shelf would look rather nice in your space.

Please let me know if you have any questions.

Mitchell

[Bissy]

Thanks for that clarification. It won’t be holding much weight, so I’ll look at plaster fixings as well. Thanks!