How to replace shelving boards?

[kanchan87]

Hello,

Last year I bought 3 metal shelving units for my garage (Giantz 1.8M warehouse shelving racks). At the time I didn't realise that the shelving planks wouldn't also be metal but would be particleboard instead. During this rainy season, the particleboard has developed mould and while I am planning to clean them, I also want to replace them outright with something that is moisture resistant. I am thinking either better quality wooden planks or sheets of metal. Could anyone give advise about how to go about this? The shelves need to be of good weightbearing capacity and hopefully cheap as well. I am hoping that they'd be cut to size at the store and delivered to my home. Any advice is greatly appreciated.

[Noyade]

Hi Kanchan

I cannot remember the name of the board - ply I believe (Mitchell and Eric would know), but it's relatively inexpensive, very strong and reasonably water-proof (my experience) and available from Bunnings.

Multiple cuts will be required though...

[Noyade]

"I cannot remember the name of the board"

You senile old man.

FORMPLY

https://www.bunnings.com.au/formrite-formply-1200-x-595mm-17mm_p0390167

[MitchellMc]

Welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community @kanchan87. It's sensational to have you join us, and many thanks for your question about shelving boards.

We do have moisture resistant particle board, but I'm loving @Noyade's suggestion of Formply. Formply is structurally more sound and is weather resistant. It's actually weatherproof on the front surfaces as it is coated. This coating is robust and will make it exceptionally easy to slide heavy objects onto and off the shelves as it's smooth. If you paint the edges of the Formply, it will be completely resistant to mould and water penetration.

I'd recommend contacting your local store to see what options are available for in-store cutting and product delivery.

Mitchell

[kanchan87]

Thanks so much for the advice! It is greatly appreciated! I'll contact my local Bunnings to enquire about the formply. 

[lilabear]

Hi team,

I have the same issue and I also have some spare plywood at home. If I sealed the plywood would that be a good fix?

And would something like this work?

https://www.bunnings.com.au/crommelin-1l-exterior-grade-brushable-waterproofer-1l_p0961573

or please let me know if you have any other recommendations.

Thanks!

[JacobZ]

Hi @lilabear,

Thank you for your question and welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community, it is fantastic to have you join us.

Sealed plywood would be a great solution that will give your shelves both strength and longevity. 

The Crommelins waterproofing membrane that you've linked to would be great for this application, but you don't have any choice in terms of colour. 

If you are happy with a bluish-grey, then this product would be great, but if you wanted the ability to choose your colour, I'd suggest using 2-3 coats of an external paint such as Dulux Weathershield which can be tinted to a colour of your choosing.

Let me know if you have any further questions.

Jacob