Some homeowners use their garages for nothing more than parking their cars. Garages serve many purposes for many people, from workshops and studios to man caves and seasonal storage.

Most garages, unfortunately, lack the cabinets and shelves necessary for proper storage. Having shelves and cabinets installed not only keeps your valuables off the concrete slab (where they are susceptible to damage from water, oil, and dirt) but also simplifies the process to find what you need and makes room for a parked car.

Plastic and metal are the most common materials used in the production of prefabricated garage shelving. However, the designs of manufactured shelving restrict their adaptability, and purchasing multiple units can get pricey.

All you need are some power tools, an effective construction level, some quality hardwood plywood, and a do-it-yourself attitude to get the bespoke storage you need without breaking the bank.

What Type Of Plywood For Garage Shelves?

 

When it comes to choosing the type of plywood for garage shelves, it’s important to consider the intended use of the shelves and the weight capacity needed.

For most garage shelving applications, a good choice is standard construction-grade plywood with a thickness of 3/4 inch. This type of plywood is strong enough to hold most garage items, including tools, boxes, and other equipment.

However, if you plan on storing heavier items, such as car parts, engine components, or large appliances, you may want to consider thicker plywood or plywood with a higher weight capacity rating. For these applications, you can consider marine-grade plywood, which is water-resistant and stronger than construction-grade plywood.

Ultimately, the best type of plywood for garage shelves will depend on your specific needs and the weight capacity required. It’s always a good idea to consult with a professional or an expert in the field to ensure that you choose the right plywood for your project.

Selecting The Right Plywood

 

When selecting plywood, there are several factors to consider to ensure that you choose the right type for your project. Here are some key factors to consider:

1. Grade: 

 

Plywood is graded based on its appearance, quality, and intended use. There are several grades of plywood, but the two most common grades are construction-grade and finish grade.

Construction-grade plywood is designed for general construction purposes such as sheathing, subfloors, and roofing. It is typically made from lower-grade wood and may have minor imperfections such as knots or splits. Construction-grade plywood is also less expensive than finish-grade plywood.

Finish-grade plywood, on the other hand, is designed for use in furniture, cabinetry, and other decorative projects. It has a smooth, sanded surface and may be made from higher-quality wood. Finish-grade plywood is more expensive than construction-grade plywood and may have a more consistent appearance.

There are also specialty grades of plywood available, such as marine-grade plywood, which is designed for use in high-moisture environments, and fire-retardant plywood, which is designed to resist fire. It’s important to select the appropriate grade of plywood for your specific project to ensure its durability and suitability for the intended use.

2. Thickness: 

 

The thickness of plywood varies depending on the intended use of the product. Plywood thickness is measured in inches or millimetres, and the thickness can range from 1/8 inch (3.2 mm) to 1 1/4 inch (31.8 mm).

For example, thinner plywood (1/8 to 1/4 inch) is often used for decorative purposes such as wall panelling or small craft projects. Thicker plywood (1/2 inch to 3/4 inch) is often used for construction purposes such as subfloors or roof sheathing.

For shelving, the most commonly used thickness is 3/4 inch (19.05 mm). This thickness is strong enough to support most items that will be stored on the shelves, and it is also relatively easy to work with.

When selecting the thickness of plywood for your project, consider the weight that the plywood will need to support, as well as the type of construction or installation method that will be used. Be sure to consult manufacturer recommendations and guidelines for the intended use of the plywood to ensure that you select the appropriate thickness.

3. Plys:

 

Plywood is made up of multiple layers, or plies, that are glued together. Each layer is called a veneer, and the veneers are typically arranged with the grain of adjacent layers perpendicular to each other. This cross-grain construction provides strength and stability to the plywood.

The number of plies can vary depending on the thickness of the plywood and its intended use. Thicker plywood usually has more plies than thinner plywood. For example, 3/4 inch (19.05 mm) plywood typically has five or seven plies, while 1/4 inch (6.35 mm) plywood typically has three or five plies.

The quality of the plies can also affect the quality of the plywood. Higher-quality plywood is made from high-quality, defect-free veneers that are free of knots, voids, and other imperfections. Lower-quality plywood may have knots or voids that can weaken the plywood or cause it to split.

The number and quality of plies are important factors to consider when selecting plywood for your project. Plywood with more plies and higher-quality veneers will be stronger and more durable, while plywood with fewer plies or lower-quality veneers may be more prone to splitting or warping over time.

4. Type Of wood:

 

Plywood can be made from a variety of different types of wood. The type of wood used to make plywood can affect its appearance, strength, and durability.

Some of the most common types of wood used to make plywood include:

• Softwood: Softwood plywood is made from coniferous trees such as pine, fir, and spruce. Softwood plywood is often used in construction and for industrial purposes, as it is relatively inexpensive and strong.
• Hardwood: Hardwood plywood is made from deciduous trees such as oak, birch, and maple. Hardwood plywood is often used for furniture, cabinetry, and decorative purposes, as it has a more attractive appearance than softwood plywood.
• Tropical hardwood: Tropical hardwood plywood is made from trees that grow in tropical regions such as teak, mahogany, and meranti. Tropical hardwood plywood is often used in marine applications, as it is resistant to water damage and decay.
• Bamboo: Bamboo plywood is made from strips of bamboo that are glued together. Bamboo plywood is environmentally friendly and is often used for flooring and decorative purposes.

When selecting plywood, consider the type of wood used to make the plywood and how it will affect the appearance and durability of your project. Different types of wood have different properties, so it’s important to choose the right type of plywood for your specific needs.

5. Intended Use: 

 

The intended use of your garage shelves will play a big role in determining the type of plywood that you should use. For example:

• If you are building heavy-duty storage shelves to hold large, bulky items, you may want to use thicker plywood, such as 3/4 inch (19.05 mm) plywood, with more plies for added strength and stability.
• If you are building decorative shelving for a garage or workshop, you may want to choose finish-grade plywood, such as birch or maple, that has an attractive appearance and can be stained or painted to match the decor.
• If your garage is prone to moisture, humidity, or temperature fluctuations, you may want to choose a marine-grade or moisture-resistant plywood that can withstand these conditions without warping or deteriorating.
• If you are building shelving that will be exposed to rough handling or wear and tear, you may want to choose a higher-quality plywood that is more durable and resistant to damage.

Consider the intended use of your garage shelves and any unique requirements that may be important for your project. This will help you select the right type of plywood to ensure that your shelves are strong, stable, and long-lasting.

Conclusion

 

When selecting plywood for garage shelves, it’s important to consider several factors including the intended use, grade, thickness, ply count, and type of wood. The intended use will determine the strength and durability needed, while the grade will affect the appearance and quality of the plywood. The thickness and ply count should be selected based on the weight and size of the items that will be stored on the shelves.

Finally, the type of wood should be chosen based on the desired look, durability, and resistance to moisture or other environmental factors. By considering all of these factors, you can select the right plywood for your garage shelves and ensure that they are strong, stable, and long-lasting.

 

Read more here at heavy-duty wall shelves.