Thread: Will this size MDF shelf sag?

It's probably ok for a light load, but I'd be adding extra support just in case; either an extra row of holes in the back if it's adjustable or a rail across the back if it's fixed. A 40mm high lip glued to the front would also help.

Don't use PB, it's even worse than MDF

Particle board shelves her are all sagging slightly anyway Keano. Pantry, linen cupbaord.

Have you though of edging the front with some kind of hardwood that is a little deeper than the 18mm? Say 35mm deep by 19mm (glued and pinned would suffice I reckon), that way you have some stiffening across the front as well as a nicer look, without losing too much clearance vertically.

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Good grief Elan, you read my mind

Originally Posted by elanjacobs

It's probably ok for a light load, but I'd be adding extra support just in case; either an extra row of holes in the back if it's adjustable or a rail across the back if it's fixed. A 40mm high lip glued to the front would also help.

Don't use PB, it's even worse than MDF

Thanks guys. Just been reading elsewhere about edging the front. I hadn't thought of that but it sounds like an easy extra step which might help.

Could probably do front and back too

Put some 25mm aluminium angle at the back and on the front edge use aluminium 'C' or 'U' (one of the same) channel section that will fit neatly/tightly over the thickness of the board you are using and you won't have any problems. This is what I did in our laundry cupboard 15 years ago. The picture shows the aluminium channel on the front edge of one of the many shelves.